Reviews

The Bhagavad Gita stands as an immortal beacon, illuminating the profound depths of Hindu philosophy and spiritual wisdom. Its teachings on duty, renunciation, devotion, knowledge, and liberation have guided seekers across millennia. In ‘The Song Divine’, Dr. Srilakshmi Adhyapak has undertaken the ambitious endeavour of rendering this timeless scripture into a sweeping poetic opus.

The collection comprises 18 chapters, each mirroring the corresponding section of the original Gita. Through a tapestry of rhyming verses, Dr. Adhyapak retells the epochal dialogue between Lord Krishna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The poetic form she employs is a blend of rhyming couplets and longer stanzas, lending a lyrical cadence that becomes the vehicle to convey the Gita’s metaphysical concepts.

Right at the outset, in the ‘Invocation’, the poet establishes a devotional atmosphere, fervently invoking divine grace for her ambitious undertaking. The opening chapters transport us to the heart of the metaphorical ‘kurukshetra’ – the moral dilemma confronting Arjuna. The vivid imagery depicts his anguish at facing his revered kinsmen as foes, and Krishna’s rousing call to rise above personal ties to uphold his dharma as a warrior.

As the poem cycles through the central teachings, one is struck by how deftly Dr. Adhyapak translates the Gita’s abstruse ideas into a lyrical format without compromising their essence. The nature of the immutable Atman, the working of the three Gunas, the paths of knowledge and action, the futility of rituals without true understanding, and ultimately Krishna’s supreme transcendental reality – all these profound themes find expression through her rhyming cadences.

The poet’s background as a medical professional seems to have infused her verses with a certain scientific precision and clarity, even while conveying lofty metaphysical truths. One can discern the painstaking efforts to ensure the verses remain true to the philosophical core of the Gita. Yet, her devotional spirit finds avenues for sublime outpourings, as in verses that depict Krishna’s cosmic form:

“Galaxies swirling in orbs magnetic,
Movement generating the trisyllabic chant kinetic.
Worlds varied, contained within,
An orchestrated symphony playing therein.”

Dr. Adhyapak’s command over rhyme and metre is truly impressive, enabling the loftiest of themes to be rendered in a sonorous, melodic flow. The rhyming couplets in particular have a profound resonance, distilling entire philosophical insights into just a couple of lines, as in:

“Attachment to outcomes of actions performed,
Bondage to a world of illusory charms.”

The epic battle sequences of the initial chapters give way to more introspective verses as the narration progresses. Vivid metaphors convey the transcendental visions, as in the magnificent eleventh chapter. The stylistic highlights keep varying, from pithy aphorisms to extended storytelling stanzas, all woven together by the unifying thread of the rhyming scheme.

In her preface, Dr. Adhyapak has stated that this is not a scholarly translation but rather an attempt to make the Gita’s wisdom accessible through poetry. Judged by this objective, ‘The Song Divine’ is a remarkable achievement. It serves as a lyrical primer that could inspire readers to venture deeper into the original scripture.

While it does not seek to replicate the nuances and expansive spirit of the Gita verbatim, this poetic rendition captures the philosophical essence with commendable fidelity. As such, it offers a refreshing pathway for the modern sensibility to be initiated into one of humanity’s oldest and most profound spiritual texts.

In essence, ‘The Song Divine’ is a melodious offering that could kindle interest about the Bhagavad Gita’s sublime wisdom among poetry lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Dr. Adhyapak’s labour of love has birthed a lyrical garland that makes the Gita’s munis echoe rhyming down the ages, into our present times. This monumental undertaking deserves applause for its inspired verses and poetic verve in unravelling the profound ‘Song Celestial’.

Prof (Dr) Attrayee Adhya Chatterjee
Author-Poet & Educationist
Varanasi, India

It’s indeed a pride and privilege to receive a copy of the latest anthology of poems from the author herself. The delight is doubled when the anthology is gifted by the poet. At the very outset, I would like to place on record my heartfelt love and gratitude to Johanna D.S. Chittranjan Madam for hosting us at her haven, Laharinagar. The auguries of an auspicious rendezvous made me realize and know more in detail about a philanthropist like Madam Johanna. Without further ado, let me come directly to the Flight of a Turtledove published by Writers International Edition. I could not resist myself unfurling the pages of the lovely book where she has given multifarious impressions to the stages of her daily life.

“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives”, says the renowned American writer and philosopher, Audre Lorde. Poetry is considered an excellent expression of the pent-up emotions couched in real flesh and blood. It speaks to the hearts and remains as a reverberation of multicolored impressions blooming from the shards of experiences. The loftiest and untamed human emotions find a voice through the sanguine medium of language.

Johanna D.S. Chittranjan, a staunch voice in the poetic realm has emerged as a cooling breeze rustling through her weaving of words and images. Ms. Johanna who has been living in South India for the past 40 years, hailing from Switzerland has emerged triumphant in painting the rhythm of her daily life in simple and powerful words with a blend of unparalleled imageries. Her poetic lines make one traverse through the ensemble of one human persona in myriad forms; a beloved wife, a loving mother, a caring grandmother, a hardcore philanthropist, a born pantheist, and whatnot! The soul-stirring collection of 51 poems made me finish reading them off in a single go.

As the title suggests, The Flight of a Turtledove is a collection of poems that articulate her boundless love for peace and kindness. The poet like a turtledove endeavors to share the soothing power of love and the indomitable strength it upholds. The hustle and bustle of human beings in the world of verbal visual chats and online interactions, their upended life during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the confessional outlook of the poet: all these assorted experiences evince the soulful flight of a turtledove. The poet has unraveled her feelings with the touch of reality in her raw and honest words etched in poetic essence with nature as her objective correlative. Her insights on life are molded through the umpteen occurrences she has seen, felt, breathed, and experienced in her life. The poems ‘My Dwelling -Place’, ‘The Moringa’, ‘An ode to the Soul’, ‘Wow- Woman’, ‘A Boy’s Lovely Kite’, ‘Farewell Brother’, ‘Husband’, ‘Embracing Life’, ‘New Year’ ‘To be Love’ etc. makes one feel that they are the motifs churned out from the lifeblood of the poet. The poet has diligently given an account of the blissful flow of life in ‘Now’.

Most of her verses are sheer reflections of the poet’s personal experience. The opening poem ‘My Dwelling- Place’ enables one to appreciate the grandeur of the homeland and accept the warmth of the land that offers her ‘clarity from the endless maze. Her diasporic expressions are explicit in

“ Switzerland, a land of natural beauty
With cheese and chocolates in bounty”

A sense of solace or satisfaction pervades in many of the poems. Her deep sense of appreciation and adoration for her mother is manifested in her lines. She is too full of the milk of human kindness and her motherly feelings make one empathetic about the divine umbilical connection that persists in her for the ones who still carry the 23 of her chromosomes albeit they are geographically different and distant. Time, the subtle chief of youth has taken her beautiful, chubby baby girls. Their memories still resonate in her:

“You liked the song ‘Twinkle twinkle little star… up above the world so high…’ one day one of you asked me, “Mummy, why can’t we sing Ammabove’?- The geese, instead of goose-vathu, were called ‘vasgootu’. The mango instead of mampazham you named ‘mazhabam’. – A descending aeroplane you called ‘erango-plane’. – A song book you named ‘pusta-paadakam’ instead of paatu-pustakam”

These fond recollections of a kind and caring mother exemplify the naïve and incoherent queries of my three-and-a-half-year-old baby boy. I could sense how a mother’s heart beats and feels for her babies no matter how far they go and grow. She teaches us to become the love that is ‘caring, forgiving, serene and calm’. Her love for her better half serves as a paragon of love. The magical and mystical power of rain makes one yearn for a drizzle:

“Music of the rain
A joyful refrain”
Feeling with nature
Relieved from torture”

These lines took me back to the poem I liked the most during my early twenties penned by the great Romantic poet, William Wordsworth: “ Nature never did betray the heart that loved her”. Her pantheistic emotions are eloquent in poems like ‘A Story of Love’ in particular.

“Every lovely tree
In Laharinagar has
A story to tell
In quietness
One can hear
Their conversations
A Story of Love”

How can one not fall for the magnificence of these lively verses? Her experiences have given life to these lines. Having been to her haven of Laharinagar now makes me feel she has madly fallen for the sweet sounds, ecstasies, and harmonies of the green pastoral landscape that flourishes her creative scapes. The poem “What’s Ahead? portrays the predicament of the modern man filled with ego, androids, computers, and the internet. She urges us to embrace our life with ‘lo-fi’ (love fidelity) as our life on this earth is precious and clear. She reminds us to follow a new ‘recipe for wellness’ adding

“1 TS of gratitude, of confidence, of courage
1 cup of Faith, of Hope, of Trust
2 cups of Forgiveness, of Satisfaction
Of Charity, of each-
After adding, set them aside to absorb
Deeply for 1 hour in Meditation.”

The poet’s philosophy of life makes us comprehend the healing effect of soul, mind, and body that will enable us to transform into love. Her feminist emotions are aroused in ‘Wow-Woman’ which gives an account of a lady who begins a new era of her life on the very wedding day:

“Getting up early every morning
She washes, cooks, serves, cleans,
Manages, cares, prays and cheers,
All day long while charmingly smiling”

She asks us whether the Wow- woman is acknowledged or accepted in real or not. Her insights on life and nature are thought-provoking in poems like ‘Moringa’ and ‘A Story of Love’. Many poems in this collection remain as evidence of the poet’s lived experiences that will surely make the readers marvel or feel empathetic.

Ms. Chittranjan’s poetry offers solace as well as solutions to the day-to-day life complexities of a normal human being who remains aloof from nature and the self. Her adoption of readable style, short words, a handful of poetic lines, and insightful themes of peace set the ground for a great clarity of vision. In a way, her poems take the flight of a turtledove unlocking the heart of the readers bestowing an antidote to their ambivalent psyche. Her rich armory of the word will alter one’s recess by the time one finishes reading and many sporadic writers like me could feel the urge to redraw and redefine the patterns of her verses with the divine power of love.

I don’t wish to elaborate on the pulse of the poems in detail as I wish to keep something afresh for the upcoming readers to read, think, and decipher Ms. Johanna’s poetic expressions. My utmost love and wishes to the graceful Turtledove. Looking forward to reading your poems of profundity.

“The river met the ocean after a voyage-long
The depth beckoning where you belong
Merged in the vastness of the ocean-wide
A tiny sparkling water drop am I”

As the poet Johanna D.S. Chittranhan wishes, let her remain like a tiny sparkling in the vastness of the ocean spreading her rays of hope and aspirations for her fellow beings through the uniqueness of her novel verses. Let her go on with her untiring journey soaring high in the skies and seas of her poetic frenzy!

About the Author

Dr. Aparna Ajith serves as an Assistant Professor in the PG Department of English at Sree Narayana College for Women, Kollam affiliated with the University of Kerala. She is the author of Musings of Venus, An anthology of poems. She is the recipient of the Panorama Global Youth Literary Award 2020. She is one of the recipients of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Research Grant 2020. Being a freelance journalist, she writes and translates articles for the Information and Public Relations Department, Govt. of Kerala. She is an avid reader and blogger who dabbles in the world of prose and verse. Having lived in four Indian cities and a quaint hamlet, she soars high in the sky of artistic imagination wielding her realistic and diasporic impressions. Her academic and creative pursuits bestowed her the opportunity to travel to 18 states and 2 union territories in the country and get a glimpse of their varied cultures. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in navigating the highs and lows of life alongside her beloved baby, Anvik Sujeeth, whose presence often breathes life into her poetic expressions.

Women writers have long been at the forefront of literature, offering unique perspectives and voices that enrich the literary landscape. In this tradition, Nina Ntoura emerges as a powerful voice, weaving together themes of self-discovery, resilience, and social justice in her collection “On My Own.”

Nina Ntoura’s “On My Own” is not merely a collection of poems and quotes; it’s a profound exploration of the human experience, delving deep into the complexities of life, identity, and the pursuit of one’s true self. Through her poignant verses and thought-provoking reflections, Ntoura invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Nina Ntoura, a socially conscious artist born in Athens, channels her strong social sensitivity into her art. Her compositions are marked by profound meanings, often intertwined with mystical elements, echoing her deep connection to life’s mysteries. Ntoura’s love for ballads and her fearless creation of her own lyrics reflect her courage to express herself authentically and fearlessly. Her advocacy for justice, support for individual passions, and unwavering optimism shine through her work, inspiring readers to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams with resilience.

Nina’s poems in “On My Own” traverse a vast emotional landscape, from introspective reflections on self-discovery to powerful declarations of resilience and hope. Through verses like “On My Own” and “To Be Yourself,” she captures the essence of independence and the journey towards self-acceptance. The raw emotion in pieces like “Living Dead” and “Struggle…” resonates deeply, reflecting the universal human experience of grappling with challenges and striving for personal growth.

Ntoura’s exploration of relationships and human connection is equally compelling. In poems like “By Your Side” and “May We Meet Again,” she celebrates the profound bonds of friendship and love, emphasizing the importance of support and companionship in life’s journey. Through her verses, she highlights the transformative power of genuine connection and the enduring strength it provides.

Moreover, Ntoura’s social commentary is incisive and impactful. In poems such as “Teens” and “World,” she addresses societal issues with empathy and insight, urging readers to embrace unity, compassion, and understanding. Her advocacy for the marginalized and vulnerable, as seen in pieces like “Save a Life” and “Nightbloods,” reflects her commitment to social justice and humanitarian values.

Themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, social justice, and the human experience permeate “On My Own.” Ntoura’s introspective exploration of identity and empowerment resonates deeply with readers, inspiring reflection and introspection. Her advocacy for social change and compassion underscores the transformative power of art in fostering empathy and understanding.

Nina Ntoura’s “On My Own” is a captivating testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression. Through her evocative poetry and profound insights, Ntoura invites readers to embrace their true selves, forge meaningful connections, and strive for positive change in the world. With its depth of emotion and timeless wisdom, “On My Own” is a masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

“Being Human in a War Zone” by Meher Pestonji is a poignant and compelling collection of fourteen stories that intricately weave the lives of ordinary citizens facing extraordinary challenges in war-torn regions. The narratives span across diverse cultures, including Afghanistan, America, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria, and Tibet, offering readers a glimpse into the mental and physical landscapes of individuals grappling with the complexities of life amidst conflict.

The author, Meher Pestonji, a seasoned Indian social worker, freelance journalist, and writer, brings a unique blend of empathy and journalistic precision to her storytelling. Born into the Parsi community in India, Pestonji’s own experiences and dedication to social causes since the 1970s undoubtedly shape the depth and authenticity of her narratives.

The stories delve into the lives of characters like Dariya, Macy, Nabeel, and Romeo, each dealing with personal struggles in the midst of war-like situations. Whether it’s a daughter striving to save her mother, a mother worrying about her son’s safety, or individuals seeking new beginnings, Pestonji masterfully portrays the human condition in the face of adversity.

Meher Pestonji’s extensive career in activism is palpable in the themes explored within the stories. From fighting for rape law changes in the 1970s to advocating for the housing rights of slum dwellers, children’s rights, and anti-communalism campaigns, Pestonji’s commitment to social justice resonates in her literary work.

The collection reflects Pestonji’s evolution as a writer, with each story serving as a canvas where the hues of human resilience and vulnerability are painted with finesse. Her narrative style is deeply rooted in her personal and journalistic experiences, creating a compelling fusion of storytelling and social commentary.

Among Pestonji’s notable works are “Mixed Marriage and Other Stories,” “Pervez,” “Sadak Chhaap,” and others, showcasing a consistent commitment to weaving stories that reflect the human experience in all its complexity.

In “Being Human in a War Zone,” Meher Pestonji succeeds in humanizing the often-overlooked stories of individuals caught in the crossfire of conflict. The collection is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an invitation for readers to empathize with the diverse lives affected by the ravages of war.

Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar

In the ethereal realm of poetic expression, Krishti Khandelwal’s “A Home in the Realm of Chaos” stands as a testament to the profound journey embarked upon by a soul brimming with wisdom far beyond its years. At the tender age of 14, Krishti unveils her second self-authored poetry book, a poetic odyssey that unfolds two years after her debut, “The Symphony of My Words,” which saw the light of day when she was a mere 12.

Much like the mystical evolution of a blooming flower, Krishti’s poetic prowess blossomed between the ages of 12 and 14, exploring the vast expanse of styles, emotions, literary devices, and profound concepts. The pages of her book bear witness to this metamorphosis, a testament to her fearlessness in experimenting with diverse styles, resulting in a collection where each poem possesses a unique flavor.

Krishti’s artistic journey began amid the solitude of lockdown, a period that became the crucible for her poetic creation. With a dance of words and thoughts, she intricately molded and sculpted each poem, pouring her soul onto the pages. What unfolds is not merely a collection of verses but a profound exploration of nature’s beauty, existentialism, absurdity, and the human condition. Krishti’s work delves into philosophical questions, revealing a depth of insight that belies her years.

The beauty of Krishti’s poetry lies not only in its exploration of the extraordinary but also in its contemplation of the mundane facets of everyday life. Through her verses, she explores the intricacies of the human experience, unearthing emotions and thoughts often shunned by societal norms.

Her poetic compositions vary in tone and complexity, from the innocence and simplicity gracefully lining some poems to the tumultuous intensity of others, where her rawest emotions are etched. Some verses take on a cryptic, yet enlightening, nature, unraveling the incredible beauty woven into the fabric of the world.

What sets “A Home in the Realm of Chaos” apart is its unyielding commitment to authenticity. Krishti refuses to dilute the intensity of her emotions for a broader audience, presenting an unfiltered glimpse into the depths of her soul. It is a literary offering that remains true to the raw essence of the author’s emotions, inviting readers to explore and experience the chaos within.

In the grand tapestry of literary events, Krishti Khandelwal emerges as a luminary, captivating the audience at the Panorama International Literature Festival 2023. Her presence serves as a testament to the magnetic allure of her poetic creations, resonating deeply with the intellect and emotions of those fortunate enough to witness her artistry.

Buy book here: https://amzn.eu/d/clftznk

‘Father’ by Abhilash Fraizer is a handful of profound poems that sincerely seek a healing for this war-torn and fragmented world. As the tagline of the book truly says, “Explore the true Father in these magnificent lines of poetry that open a new vision of universal brotherhood”, this collection of poetry is an attempt to clad the modern man standing naked in the rain of godlessness with the eternal embrace of God, our common Father and Earth, our common Mother.

The Author stuns the reader with an uncanny poetic insight that explores new meanings and striking nuances in the familiar characters of the Bible and history. He draws the raw materials for his poems from the Bible especially, like Joseph the Dreamer, Mary Magdalene, Peter, the woman with hemorrhage and so on and travels through their minds to come out with exceptional insights that literally stun the reader with some extraordinary reflective depths. We hear the deepest cries and crises of modern man reflected in them and we realize that their agonies are the agonies of our own times.

The finest and the longest of the poems in this collection is titled ‘Father’, which is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, exploring the thoughts and feelings of Saint Francis of Assisi, when he stood naked after his attires were snatched by his biological father. The Author elevates the moment to another level and discovers in his mind, the agonizing yearning of contemporary man cut off from God the Father and Earth, the mother. With an uncommon poetic vision, Fraizer infuses into the poem the contemporary ecological crisis of modern man. In these profound lines, we experience the agony of man torn off from nature.

The Author writes:

“I heard the rivulet sobbing,
And the breeze returning
After an unanswered knock
At my door!
With an arrogant cloak
I shunned the breeze,
And with a pair of regal sandals
I built a fence
Against the soil and the earth!
I became a kingdom
With my own autonomy!
The sky became a stranger,
Something so aloof,
Whom I never gave a gaze to!
The rain wept and shed her tears
On my roof…”

Francis’ cry to God, the Father and the Earth, the mother, to clad him with love, is a cry of contemporary man standing naked in the rain of godlessness and wreckage of faith and hope. Francis’ Father does not stop just being Father to human beings alone, but embraces the whole of creation, including the flora, fauna, the stars, the moon and the blackholes. A universal brotherhood is sought beyond all petty confines of the fragmented modern world. To the wild wolf who comes to devour him, the unconventional saint says:

“Hi, my brother Wolf!
Your brother salutes you!
We have one Father,
One common Father
Who loves you and me.
Come with me to the garden –
The Garden of brotherhood
Where there is no man or wolf,
But children of God, the Father!”

In another poem titled ‘Tears of a Rock’, Fraizer delves deep into the remorseful mind of Peter, the disciple of Jesus Christ, who denied him thrice. The brilliant use of imageries and metaphors are a sheer delight to watch. See the opening lines of this poem:

“Once you called me ‘The Rock’;
Now, every rock on earth mocks me!
I, the impulsive, the daring Peter,
Who once bragged to die for his Master!

Beside this fireplace that burns bright,
I shiver with a chill as deep as my being!
It is so cold here!
I am lost in an icy sea
Like a lone seaman who has lost his oars.”

Another poem in this anthology, ‘Sandals from Eternity’ is an example of the Author’s brilliant imagination. He picks the leather sandals of the Son of Man, one of the greatest wayfarers ever walked on the face of the earth, and sketches the whole of salvation history in them with his exquisite poetic skills.

“The sandaled walk of God!
It bore all the dust
From Ur, Canaan, Egypt, Red Sea
And the wilderness;
As the mark of an ever-abiding love!
And it would bear all the dust
Of fallen human race;
From Adam’s sin to the end of time!”

In the poem ‘The Fiery Touch’, the Author astonish us with his exceptional poetic insights and interpret the story of the woman with hemorrhage with a craft and intuition unseen hitherto. See how he opens this poem:

“A drop of blood fell
And disappeared in the sea –
The frosty, dark sea of men and women
Thronging, and jamming each other
On the bustling streets of Galilee.”

Lines like “Her ‘leaking’ little boat slithered over the sea, squeezing forward through the tumultuous mob…” is a testimony of the Author’s uncommon power to use similes and metaphors.
Father is definitely a transforming reading experience. It is like a river in which we see our face and our inner musings reflected. While we read these lines, the images and characters slowly disappear and the reader begins to see in them his/her own story, standing in naked awareness, intimately feeling the warmth of the Father in the gentle embrace of the earth and the sky. Go for it! Experience this magic of poetry by yourself.

Father was published by Wipf and Stock Publishers, Oregon, USA. The book is available in more than 50 countries. Apart from the website of Wipf and Stock, you can find it on leading e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Playstore, Wook.pt, Fnac, Takealot, Rakuten Kobo, Bertrand.pt, Booktopia, Weltbild, Bol.com and Feedbooks.

Links:
https://wipfandstock.com/9781666787818/father/
https://www.amazon.com/Father-Collection-Poems-Abhilash-Fraizer/dp/1666787817/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1697900933&sr=8-1

Review written by
Dr. Rajeev J Michael PhD
Clinical Psychologist & Professor, Rajagiri College

Cascades” by Ambika Ananth is a poetic journey that takes readers on an exquisite odyssey through the depths of human emotions, the beauty of nature, and the intricacies of love. Ananth’s words flow with grace and elegance that mirror the gentle cascade of a waterfall, drawing readers into a world where each poem is a carefully crafted gem.

What sets “Cascades” apart is the author’s ability to capture the fleeting moments and emotions that make life so profoundly beautiful. Whether she’s painting a vivid picture of nature’s wonders, exploring the complexities of human relationships, or delving into the depths of introspection, Ananth’s poetry resonates with authenticity and depth.

Each poem in this collection is a masterpiece in its own right, rich in vivid imagery and lyrical beauty. Ananth’s words have a way of weaving themselves into the reader’s soul, inviting reflection and contemplation. Her ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from the quiet solace of nature to the tumultuous waves of love, is nothing short of enchanting.

“Cascades” is more than just a collection of poems; it’s a testament to the power of language to capture the essence of life’s most profound moments. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the ebb and flow of existence, to find solace in the written word, and to discover the beauty that resides in the depths of the human experience.

In a world where we often rush through life’s moments, “Cascades” encourages us to pause, to savour, and to appreciate the intricate tapestry of emotions that define our journey. Ambika Ananth’s poetic prowess shines brightly in this collection, making it a must-read for anyone who seeks to be moved, inspired, and deeply touched by the magic of words.

PREETH PADMANABHAN NAMBIAR
Author-Poet, Educationist & Humanitarian
Founder & CEO, Writers Capital International Foundation

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“Little Heroes Great Leaders” by Konstantina Kontomari is a remarkable guide that serves as a beacon for parents and educators alike, offering invaluable insights into the world of financial literacy and social skills development for children. With a clear vision to inspire and empower, Kontomari’s book lays the foundation for a happy, successful, and meaningful life for young minds.

The book emphasizes the importance of financial awareness from an early age, recognizing the significance of turning information into knowledge to make informed decisions throughout life’s journey. By instilling financial literacy in children, they gain a deeper understanding of their relationship with money, learning how to manage it wisely and align their choices with their aspirations, be it for education, career, family, or relationships.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that children who possess financial literacy tend to be more organized and better equipped to achieve their personal and professional goals as adults. Hence, the book advocates starting the process of financial education at an early stage to equip children with essential life skills.

Beyond financial literacy, Kontomari sheds light on the significance of developing social and emotional skills. These skills, ranging from taking responsibility, self-confidence, emotional expression, teamwork, and effective communication, are paramount to navigate the complexities of adulthood. The author acknowledges that parents and educators face challenges in fostering these skills, yet their acquisition profoundly influences the children’s success and happiness in life, leading to fulfillment and joy.

Through practical guidance and thought-provoking insights, “Little Heroes Great Leaders” offers parents and educators a roadmap to nurture financial literacy and the holistic development of essential life skills. By embracing this approach, children can grow into confident, capable individuals, well-equipped to handle challenges and make positive contributions to society.

Kontomari’s book is not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also a call to action. It urges parents and educators to embark on a journey of empowerment, starting early to cultivate financial literacy and social skills in their young ones. By doing so, they provide the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

In conclusion, “Little Heroes Great Leaders” stands as an empowering and essential resource, encouraging the development of little leaders with the potential to shape a brighter future. It serves as an inspiring testament to the power of education and nurturing, laying the groundwork for children to realize their greatness and unlock the leader that resides within each of them. This book is not only a gift to the young minds it touches but also a guiding light for generations to come.

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Reviewed by:
Irene Doura Kavadia

About the Author

Irene Doura Kavadia, born in Athens, Greece, is a linguist, writer, and language educator with a passion for literature and foreign languages. She holds degrees in German Language and Literature, as well as Computational Linguistics. Her diverse career includes work as a tutor, translator, and research associate. Irene’s literary achievements have earned her recognition in various international competitions, and she is a member of esteemed literary organizations. She actively contributes to cultural events and has been published in literary magazines and anthologies worldwide. As the Director of Writers Capital Hellas and Secretary-General of the Writers Capital International Foundation, she is dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, humanitarianism, and world peace. Additionally, she serves as Editor-in-chief at Writers International Edition and the On-Line Magazine. Her significant contributions have been acknowledged by various organizations, solidifying her role as an ambassador of language and global communication.