these days

These days I remember that trek we made to Kiritpur. A journey I never dreamt about or ever wanted, but had to fulfill. Everyday, people get lost in various matters and issues that sometimes create animosity. I think once you stand facing that river with your father's ashes in your hand & you look at your siblings and your widowed young mother, that's when you realize that life, God, and spirit are much larger than you ever thought. You can never return from such a journey without being changed forever.

~N

When you miss them the most...

We have so many days to celebrate. We have so many occassions, so many moments that we take for granted and sometimes we celebrate them, sometimes we choose not too, and at times we even make the mistake of forgetting.

But some moments, some occassions, are so meaningful that we only truly realize their worth when the manner in which we remember them have changed forever.

February 10th marks my parents wedding anniversary. Today marks 31 years of marriage, only my father is no longer with us to celebrate it.

It's been 3 1/2 years now since he passed. The world, your mind, common-sense, tells you to move on; to put the pain behind you and move forward with your life. However, how can you rationalize this to your heart when it aches to see your parents smile at one another again the way they used too. How do you rationalize this to your mind when it remembers the years of cakes and laughter on a day when we got together to celebrate the day they were married.

A wedding day isn't just an ordinary day. It's a union that begins the journey of not one person, not two people, but many. It's the beginning of a journey that will impact the lives of countless people either we're aware of that or not. It's an impact that contributes to the continual evolution of our civilization.

I know these days not everyone gets "married" - hey I'm not that old fashioned. But, I think you know me well enough by now to get what I mean.

Today, well tonight - as I'm writing this at 2am, since I can't sleep - I'm just feeling the impact of this day that has snuck up on us again.

Since his passing, we continue to move forward as much as possible. You begin to accept what's happened and live with it. But some days, honestly, you just turn to that empty chair and wish he was still there. Some days, you open his closet and just wish he still adorned those clothes. Some days, you open up something as minor as the home telephone book and see his handwriting and just wish...

Some days you just plain wish...well you wish you had "a wish" - how else can I put that?

I have the strongest mother in the world. Even in his death, our mother breathes life into him and his memories.

February 10th is my parent's wedding anniversary & it will always be a celebration. It will be a celebration of the life, journey and love that I have grown to admire and that has guided me to become the person I am today.

Take a moment and think about the precious moments and people in your life. Never take anything for granted. Every smile, every breath, every ray of light is a gift.


-N
N.

Back from the Mother Land

Those of you following me on Twitter and Facebook, already know that yes I have returned from India. The trip was incredible as always, and very "entertaining".

Each time I go back to India I always notice that it's developed ten times as much as the last time I was there. This time around I kept getting one thought: "India is experiencing an industrial revolution now combined with a rapid western influx of technology and culture."

But there's one thing that I must credit India and Indians with -- no matter how rapidly they continue to develop and progress, no matter how much they incorporate what we would term "western culture" -- India always ALWAYS maintains it's own culture. Take McDonald's for example, or any fast food restaurant in India. The menu at each of these places is reflective of the country. My chosen order at McDonald's was always the McAloo Tikki. Want to know what that is -- google it. I'm sure you'll find loads on it, or better yet try it out when you visit India. The way India manages to hold onto it's identity while incorporating western businesses and tech, is commendable and I give them complete credit for that.

A country that is going to dominate, a country that is fast becoming a super-power, can only be a super-power if it is unique and can mold the rest of the world to follow it. Britain did that, America did that, now China and India are doing that. They are fast becoming dominating countries without losing their identities. THIS , ladies & gentleman, is what makes India a force to be reckoned with and what validates the claim that India may very well be a future super-power to replace the ones we see today. Hmmmmm....

The flight: simply put Jet Airways needs to offer some food other than just Indian food. How can they expect you to eat a samosa for breakfast????? A SAMOSA THAT'S BEEN PACKED FOR GOD KNOWS HOW LONG! LOL. Would it really hurt to have a few sandwiches?

Delhi: a complete makeover following the Commonwealth Games. Kudos to India for the incredible new airport. Makes travelling a whole lot easier and enjoyable.

Punjab: I always have a sensitive spot in my heart for Punjab. The fields, the fresh air, the atmosphere...maybe it's the knowledge of knowing that my grandparents, ancestors, my father...all grew up, played, and lived ontop of that soil, in those fields, breathed that air. Something that needs to be discussed and I will do so on a later day properly is the water crisis in Punjab. I want to highlight the Save Panjab campaign with you all and will be doing so in the coming months.

I don't think I can put into words what Punjab means to me. It may surprise you that I will cut off on that topic here. Punjab to me...is priceless and leaves me speechless. Instead below is a photo that still catches my breath; an image I saw every day and I lived to see it every day while I was there.A certain Canadian MP was there in Punjab at the same time. I did not meet this MP in person while I was there, but I saw plenty of her on TV chatting and spending time with the infamous Mr. Badal. Yes you've got it right, the current Chief Minister of Punjab, leader of the Akali Dal party. The Akali Dal Party...refer to some history books on why this is "irksome"...

A person's personal conviction and devotion to human rights should stand above all else, including popularity. Why am I saying this? I don't know...why am I saying this?

Let's turn to ENTERTAINMENT -- I have to admit leading up to my trip to India, I was sooo caught up with work, wedding planning, family, etc. that I had not been able to pay attention to my passion for films. While in India I caught up :) Yes I came back addicted to "Dabangg" and all of you loyal fans on Facebook keep reminding me of this addiction! lol. Thanks for that! You all know you love it too, okay!

I'm going to do a proper movie review of Dabangg in the coming days, even though it's quite old by now. I'll leave my comments on Sonakshi Sinha, Salman Khan and the film until then. Sit tight!

Sheila? Jawani? What? what about Sheila's Jawani?? ;) If you have no clue what I'm talking about...then you're more out of the loop than I am! Google it!

The iPad has arrived in India. Makes no diff to me since I still don't have one :(

My Kobo e-reader turned a lot of heads in the pind.

OMG the pind -- best experience, taking a cold bath in freezing temperatures. Apparently there were some records set this year in India. It's never been so cold. Riding on the back of a scooter was an experience I made sure I had this time around. And yes I held on for dear life as I kept thinking I'd fall off and I covered my face with a scarf with only my eyes free. Not a good idea. Makes a girl's eyes more prominent and well...brings a lot of attention :s

I posted some pics on facebook: www.facebook.com/authorNavKGill - check those out.

I have a lot to write about but I gotta run right now. Next post will cover Egypt. We've got loads to discuss!

Today's official SNOW DAY has come to an end. I'm through with shoveling, being dumped on with snow from my mom's attempt of using a snow blower, and getting paint all over me as I built a fighter jet for my nephew - short story: I'm exhausted!

till next time -- keep up to date on what's happening in this world. We are at a critical point on many fronts.

Stay in touch with me through Facebook & Twitter (www.twitter.com/NavKGill). There's a lot of updating needed. More interviews coming. I'm going to be doing some more PR in the coming weeks and months.

Now that I'm back, we need to continue the push of "Under the Moonlit Sky" here in North America. The response has been great around the world, but I really want to take it as far as possible. My ultimate goal is to see this book in film. Will that happen? God only knows, but it's a dream I'll always carry.

Peace out!

:)

N.

Blogging while watching Vampire Diaries Pt. 2

So I'm quite late getting into Vampire Diaries - I missed a half hour already!

I turned on the channel and some 500 year old vamp was using persuasion on Elena already...and then Damon and Stefan swooped in and saved her. So basically I missed a half hour of Elena freaking out and waiting for her 2 prince charmings to come save her :(

(commercial)

I read in the news today that a 10 year old girl. A 10 year old girl has given birth to a baby...

OH.MY.GOD.

I'll just give you a few minutes while you process that...

That reminds me of this prophecy I heard a long time back about the end of the world. I'll have to look it up.

(back from commercial)

I miss Katherine's character - she had attitude. I'm sure they'll bring her back next week. Wait, what are Jeremy and Bonnie doing? :o They are so going to start dating. And I'm still waiting for Elena to dump Stefan.

Wait..."Klous?" - one of the vamps just mentioned something about the "originals" -- oh noo...I think we're going to meet Dracula this season!

Okay let's get to more pressing matters...

• DC Comics have given Wonder Woman a make over! They've replaced the 50 year old scantily clad comic hero with - are you ready for this - black shiny pants :D

• B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has given up and resigned. His popularity came down to a terrifying 9% as he failed to implement the HST in the right manner. Now opposition leaders and critics in Ontario are using this example as a way to attack the McGuinty Government. Before we get ahead of ourselves, I just need to point out -- that the two cases are very different. Stop comparing and educate yourself

• Justin Bieber claims he's going to cut his hair! Why is that pressing news? It's not, but apparently the rest of the world thinks it is :s

• Volcano in Indonesia is nearing eruption - this is yet another volcano this year and it's really another wake up call for us to examine our climate and the condition it's in. Then again I don't know how or why a volcano chooses when to erupt. But, while on the topic we've got to understand that our climate is not what it once was. I think we all know that, but these matters are important. We can take great interest in watching disaster movies such as "The Day After Tomorrow" - which happens to be one of my favourites. The fact is that our climate is getting more confused as the days, months, years pass on. Random temperatures, tornadoes, increase in over-active weather, hurricanes, tsunami's, it's hot when it should be cold, it's cold when it should be hot -- it's confused! That can't be good for the world. That can't be good for Mother Nature.

• Which reminds me I was watching "Batman & Robin" the other day. It was the one with Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy. Well she threatened Gotham City that Mother Nature would take her revenge...hmm...maybe the psycho Poison Ivy had a point, regardless of how bad Thurman's acting was. Something to think about...

• Carrie Underwood was in Toronto this past week and sadly I missed her concert :( It's going to take me a while to get over that one. She's still one of my favourites. I can't believe I missed her concert. So sad. So very very sad.
  

• That reminds me - WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BRITNEY SPEARS????

• Obama is in a tough position and who ever thought it would hit this point so quickly into his term...I DID! BUT NO ONE WOULD LISTEN TO ME! Barack Obama won a presidency based on hope & change. These are two great ideals -- but they come with great responsibility and risk. Government policy does not produce results overnight nor do the citizens feel the results in a few years. It takes a while, a few years for the impact to be felt. President Obama may be in the midst of implementing the policies he feels America needs to move forward - but the citizens aren't going to feel it that quick and the average voter doesn't understand that. So what do you get?

• Well you get the Republicans stealing back the House of Representatives and a Senate where the Democrats barely have a majority. We're going to see a lot of gridlock in the coming years. So what should the President do now? There's nothing he can do. Now...Hillary on the other hand told it like it is. The manner in which she conducts business and government...well no one would have been disillusioned and I strongly believe under her Presidency the Democrats would have held onto their strong majorities in both the House and the Senate. Something to think about...

I don't know why I was writing with bullet points - I'm bored I guess. I'm going to actually move my blog into my website one of these days. Just haven't had the time to set that up. So look out for that. I have sooooooo much updating to do. I promise I'll get to it soon.

It's looking like I'll be hitting the road again in the coming months - so I'll give details once I get any details. I'm fully into my next book, but in the research phase. This idea is incredible. I'm not bragging. It really just is incredible. If I pull it off - I tell you it's going to be epic. EPIC!

Okay my hand hurts. I got the flu shot yesterday and then fell asleep on my arm last night - so basically I'm in pain today.

Time to go watch some cartoons. Take care everyone! Happy Diwali! I'm so excited about Diwali - it marks the occassion when I completed my first draft of Under the Moonlit Sky!!!!!! Don't worry another blog to follow soon; one which will be more concentrated on a particular subject. You know I can't concentrate on one thing while I'm watching Vampire Diaries!

-N

November 1st...

There's still about an hour before it turns to November 1st - but I thought I'd start writing now.

I know I haven't blogged in a bit and it's not because I've forgotten or don't have anything to write about. The problem is that I have too much to write about. I have way to many thoughts in my head right now. There is so much going on in this world that it's become overwhelming. The worst part is that there are still so many tragedies taking place around us and so many "unresolved" conflicts. Tragic world events are piling up and I just don't know how to write about them right now. What I can do is write a little about one such event; an event that reached it's climax on November 1, 1984.

I'm not going to get into details. For a full report you can visit: www.ensaaf.org. They have several publications. My favourite is: "Twenty Years of Impunity" a report by Jaskaran Kaur. It's absolutely incredible the way in which they have put forward witness affidavits, statements from commissions, and laid out the trail of events. I highly recommend you start there in your quest for knowledge regarding 1984.

I've met many people over the years and one thing I've realized is that everyone has their own pesonal feelings when it comes to the events of 1984 in both Punjab and Delhi (of course we cannot ignore the fact that several anti-Sikh events took place around India). There's also this "backlash" against 1984 that I've picked up on. Many people still appear to be "afraid" or "hesitant" in speaking about 1984 or simply even asking questions about it, or discussing it.

Some are afraid of inciting hatred. Some are afraid of sounding like "whining victims". Some seem afraid of opening old wounds.

These fears are understandable. But then why do we even bother speaking about any historical event or world conflict?

We should not be afraid to listen to or show love and support for someone who has undergone grave human rights abuses, personal loss, and tragedy.

At the end of the day - we are all human. Look past the politics and see the person and the soul that resides in that body, in that group. Start from there.

What surprises me most is that many people living in Delhi are not even aware of the Widow Colonies. I met a girl here in Toronto, who said she grew up in Delhi and it was only when she married in Canada, that she found out from her husband what happened in Delhi in 1984. She said she was absolutely shocked to learn that something like that had happened while she was there and she had no clue all these years.

On one side, it can be said that the stories, the decision to talk rests with the victims who suffered. On the other hand, it cannot be forgotten that these were strategically planned attacks on a group. If we stand any chance of making our world safer and better, then we have to educate ourselves.

If knowledge and sound analysis was not the underlying purpose then why would we discuss wars and conflicts in our world's history? Why would there be courses and programs dedicated to it?

Every event has characteristics to it. They involved people, authority, policy, a nation, ideals, and prejudices. When something as large-scale, calculated and strategic as 1984 happens, we need to learn from it. We need to know why it happened and how, so that we can work together to find ways to prevent such things.

Some people say "it's been 26 years, time to move on." My question to them is: "Move on from what?"

- Are we to tell the mother that still weeps for her children to move on?

- Are we to tell the kids who watched in horror as their parents were humiliated, butchered, and lit on fire, to move on?

- Or are we to tell the father that saw his daughter, wife, mother raped before his eyes, that his nightmares will eventually move on?

There is no need to say "move on" - because 1984 is a fact. There is no need to start drawing boundaries, or spew hatred - no. No need for that. All that is needed is a little compassion; a little understanding; and a whole lot of education.

This is part of history. This is still part of our reality. Twenty-six years is not a long time. Those victims, those families are still here amongst us.

Let's stop ignoring a factual event. Instead let us learn from it.

Never again. Never again to any group. Never again to any individual. Never again to any child.

Be informed. Be smart. Be proactive so that together we can make a brighter future. That may sound corny, but it's crucial.

In my book I've acknowledged the victims of '84. But I also wrote something, a thought, that came to me when I first finished reading my manuscript. I'll end with that thought now:

There is wisdom in every story told,
every experience shared;
a wisdom that can become a beacon
for hope and change for the future.
But first, we must listen.

-N

Blogging while watching Vampire Diaries =)

Hey Everyone! Long time I know!

Since life is so busy I thought I'd multi-task...hence blogging while watching Vampire Diaries!

Oh..the show just started...darn it, Katherine turned what's her name..and she's drinking blood!! What's going on in this show?!

Okay sorry, just got a little distracted. So some of you are saying "I'm too busy to blog nowadays." So am I too busy? Short answer: Yes :p But I love blogging and I'll keep it up don't worry. So thanks for being so patient with me. Man..why is Jeremy being such an idiot to poor Elena...she so belongs with Damon too. I don't know why she's with Stefan...Oh shoot! Okay, I'm back.

I think you'll all agree there's been a heck of a lot going on these days no matter where you are in the globe. From psycho pastors threatening to burn the Quran; to Clinton facilitating what she has dubbed the "last chance for peace" between Palestine and Israel; to the Pope visiting the UK amidst further sexual abuse reveals in Belgium; to the Municipal Elections; to the Toronto Film Festival; to...the earth having a mere miss with an asteroid; to...Brenda being back on General Hospital! Insane!

You see there are sooo many things going on! Omg...Caroline just attacked her first human victim...now it's commercial. I think Caroline's going to be a very annoying vamp. Man she's turning into Katerine's groupie, no way...what the heck...darn show

Anyway - I've only had time to catch 2 movies in the past couple of months, The Last Exorcism and Resident Evil: Afterlife in 3D. I actually enjoyed both movies quite well. Exorcism wasn't what I expected it to be. The last thing I was expecting when I walked into the movie theatre was a mockumentary; however it was funny and had a select few frightening moments. I do recommend it though. The ending was a disappointment and I really think they could have done a better job. The actors were a great choice but weak in the end. It was a blend of Blair Witch and Exorcism.

Resident Evil on the other hand was a great way to pass the night. Alice is always a pleasure to watch - not the way guys see it - but because she kicks ass and looks good while she does it and she's got the most ridiculous lines but she's Alice and she can say and do whatever. I've always enjoyed the entire Resident Evil series.

oh boy...Caroline is feeding again...what is up with this episode? Where's Katherine? she's the only worthwhile character to watch this season. And I thought vamps were supposed to look all cool and fashionable once they're "made" - she looks like a...well...she doesn't look the part...hmmm

anyhow, have you guys heard about Oprah inviting her entire studio audience (that's 300 people) to join her in Australia as she tapes a couple of shows there? yeah great right? Way to go Oprah. Pat on the back...Only it's going to cost Australian taxpayers $3 million!!! Good luck footing Oprah's bill and by the way she's a billionaire...A BILLIONAIRE and she's making YOU pay for a trip that's only going to make HER look good in the end! lol...man and people wanted her to be President, hahaha..can you imagine? She'd put the rest of the world into more debt if that were the case, but I'm sure we'd see a lot of stone statues made of her that's for sure.

...I hope Damon stakes Caroline...

The municipal elections are gaining steam. I'm going to talk about Brampton, since that's my hometown.

Quickly though, Toronto...Rob Ford? Come on, be serious.

So Brampton! Ready? Are you ready to vote? Ready to choose a new Mayor?! lol. No you probably aren't because you're all so stuck on this Fennell character that continues to disillusion our City. You want to debate that - email me.

...I love Bonnie's character in VD - she makes it real interesting...

Regional Council - we've got some great contenders, but the only one I'm concerned about is Dal Singh Puar. Yes Dal is the right candidate for Wards 2 & 6 and I say it loud and I say it proud. I'm sure if you live in Brampton, you've already heard his name. This guy is born and raised in Canada, he's worked hard for several years as a Constituency Assistant. He knows the issues, he knows the Region, most important, he actually knows what a Regional Councillor does, isn't that amazing? Isn't that unique? Do me a favour, when a candidate knocks on your door this month ask them on the outset: "Do you know what the job requires you to do?" If they say they do and can back it up, then ask them this: "Now how are you going to use that job to help improve my quality of life in this City?" That's it -- that's all you need to ask in order to get an idea of whether or not that person knocking on your door is either a) qualified to win and represent you; or (b) qualified to continue as your rep.

Honestly and most shockingly a lot of these City representatives are well into their second decade of service and they always win with as little as 4000 or 5000 votes in areas where the electorate is well over 50,000 people. That's insane.

Get out and vote! Stop the dictatorships that exists in our municipal governments.

...awww he loves Caroline...he loves Caroline? yuck...I sooo do not like this episode.

Speaking about vampires -- I've started a whole new book series, which I will definitely blog about soon. But not now, don't worry.

I've written too much, or well I've blabbed on and on and I'm sure you're all wondering "what's gotten into Nav?"

This is what happens when I try to multi-task.

Okay Vampire Diaries has just ended. I need to go make an important phone call. So I promise this weekend I will blog again and I won't do it while watching TV!

Until then -- do have a look around you. See what's taking place and try to be a part of change or effective development. The world is changing. There's a shift that's happening. It's happening to our environment, to our climate, to our political, social, economic realities. Always stay informed, and stay active. This is your world. You make it go round.

:)

N.

A Special Note on a Special Occassion

Hi Everyone!

Yes I'm back from Calgary!!! It was an incredible trip, albeit far too short, but an incredible trip nonetheless. I'm going to sum up the Calgary events and how it all went in my next blog. This post I want to dedicate to a very good friend of mine who is celebrating her birthday today. Her name is REET.

Now those of you who have already read "Under the Moonlit Sky" will note that one of Esha's best friends is named, Reet. You've guessed right, that character was modeled on my friend Reet, who happens to be one of my dearest friends and an individual that I admire and always get a good laugh out of :p sorry Reet! lol

There was no particular reason why I chose to name a character after Reet. It just appealed to me and I really didn't realize it until I found her name written in my story. I wanted a fun-loving character, but also someone that we can adore and Reet was it for me. I know I've only given her a short appearance in the novel; however, whatever bit she is in it, she has a powerful role in providing some perspective to our main protagonist, Esha.

And that's really how my friends are. I've had the privilege of being surrounded by some incredible people and my friends are everything to me. Although, we're always very busy - we lead hectic career and family lives, whenever we do get to see one another and spend some time together, it's the best place to be in the world. There's nothing more I could ask for than to be around them. I draw great inspiration by their strength, intelligence, and the way they live their lives.

So all of the friends that are used in the book for Esha are modeled on my own friends and I would want it no other way. Of course in a fictional story, we have the liberty to slightly exaggerate, so don't hold anything against them!

Now since it's Reet's birthday - let me say a few words about her -

In the book, I thoroughly enjoyed having Reet share the page with Esha, especially in the beginning when she provides some situational comedy. However, she really gives Esha that reality check when it's needed and to me that is Reet. This girl can make you laugh, cry, and realize something incredible about yourself in one simple conversation.

I remember while I was writing my novel and anytime I've been doing something major - we'd take breaks - her from studying, me from writing - and we'd chat...on facebook...lol.

Reet is a friend that everyone should strive to have and that anyone should be so lucky to have. HAPPY BIRTHDAY REET!!

My friends really have written the course of history for me and they represent my life. They are a great comfort and source of inspiration and I thank all of them - they all know who they are - thanks for being who you are and....well for not getting upset that I've used you as foundations for some of my characters!

Okay stay tuned...blog, vlog, etc...on Calgary coming sooon!

-N

Random Thoughts Before CALGARY!

Soooo....Lindsay Lohan is out of jail! Do we care? No.

Chelsea Clinton got married! Do we care? Of course! It's Chelsea Clinton! Sorry Lindsay.

Also for you military-nerds...China is "flexing its muscles". They just started some demonstrations to show their military strength. A move that the U.S. isn't liking too much.

I'm still struggling to read a book. This problem started after I finished my novel. It's so hard to get back to being just a reader! I'm always paying more attention to "how" the author wrote the novel, rather than jumping into the story. This is not good; not good at all for someone who loves to read :(

I almost got trampled by Bambi this past week. It came out of nowhere and just stared me down after it stopped a mere 5 feet away from me. I stood and gawked for a minute, then I whipped out my camera and took a picture of it, which probably wasn't a good idea, but dude it was Bambi!


I know I hardly, well I never add photos on my blog - but you can see all the photos you want to on my Facebook Fan Page, so join that if you haven't already. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nav-K-Gill/255143638512?ref=ts

Things have going quite well lately, but it's just been a very hectic time. Balancing two careers, plus family, and an upcoming wedding....yes yes - lots to do this year. However, a big thanks to my wonderful family and friends that give me a reality check when I need it :p


So this Saturday, AKakaAmazing and I are headed to Calgary for the next leg of the book tours. SYC is hosting a book signing at Chapters by Sunridge Mall @2pm in N.E. Calgary. Check out the flyer. The event is posted on Facebook as well.

AK and I did a video over the weekend and it hit the channel this week. The response has been quite interesting and positive. You guys are great. We had a lot of fun. It's always interesting to be around AK. The dude is the most random character you will ever meet, but he's a great cousin to have and we're really enjoying meeting fans wherever we go. JUST TO CLARIFY: I am good in Call of Duty on xbox.

Also, I'll definitely have a camera with me in Calgary so I'll try to keep you updated on what's happening and how our trip went. I wish I could've done that in B.C. but that trip was just waaaay too busy. I'm thinking Calgary will be the same, but I'll try harder to capture as much as I can this time around.

Right now I'm listening to a crazy track by Saint Soldier called "Sister" - if you haven't checked it out yet, here's the link: http://saintsoldier.bandcamp.com/track/sister. You can catch the video on my page as well. There's a chapter in "Under the Moonlit Sky" that discusses infanticide. This issue remains important and I feel we should continue to educate ourselves on it. It hasn't disappeared. Although society continues to evolve and develop that does not automatically mean that certain practices and issues simply disappears; rather the veil becomes darker and the practice runs underground and that's when it's most dangerous.

Okay I've written too much. I need to do some movie reviews. So I'll try to get some in soon!

N.

Writing on '84

I've been back for about a week now from BC - the most recent book signing for "Under the Moonlit Sky". The trip was absolutely incredible. It was a success due to the efforts of some great colleagues, friends and of course family. I will remain forever grateful for your help.

It's been a while since I've blogged properly and there's something important that I want to touch upon tonight. Under the Moonlit Sky is my debut novel, yes. Under the Moonlit Sky employs several themes, yes. Under the Moonlit Sky can't be swept into one category, yes. However, at the end of the day we must realize that the horrid events of 1984 which saw pogroms against Sikhs carried out in a most systematic way - are mentioned in this novel. Not only are they mentioned, but key descriptions of these events are included so that the reader can gain a first hand look at that period.

How it felt to write in a first person narrative, through the eyes of a character that experiences those events, is something that I may never fully be able to explain in proper detail. All I can really say is that it affected me greatly and left me with a long-lasting impression that 1984 truly was a nightmare. It gave me sleepless nights where I would lay awake tormented by what innocent people experienced. And days where I didn't want to eat because I was so engrossed in the reports, and the stories of victims.

Now as I do PR - it's a weird experience I find at times. On the one hand Under the Moonlit Sky is many things. It's a coming of age story for the youth, it's a unique story for people that are not familiar with the events of 1984 in Punjab and Delhi. It explores the themes of identity, morality, ethics, friendships and loyalty among others.

On the other hand, it touches upon a sensitive subject: the 1984 pogroms against Sikhs. That year is probably one of the most eventful years in Indian history. So much happened that year from tensions reaching the climax between Punjab and the Central Government, to Operation Bluestar, to emergency states being claimed in the state of Punjab, International media blackouts, forced arrests, disappearances of countless people, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination to of course the violent aftermath where attacks against Sikhs were carried out in a span of a couple of days.

I went from spending a week talking non-stop about this year to coming back to Toronto and jumping back into my "usual routine" which is work and family. At first I was just very tired from my trip, because I hardly got any sleep. However, as the days progressed I began realizing that I felt some sort of withdrawal and sorrow. I began to feel the toll of those discussions which centered around discussing the horrific eye witness accounts of people in Delhi in November 1984.

Writing Under the Moonlit Sky was an effort built upon passion, dedication, and a real sense of need to write and share this story. I absolutely love writing and exploring the creative spirit. However, I must emphasize that 1984 is no easy period to write about.

I carry a heavy weight around with me, knowing each day that this story is inspired by the experiences of the victims of that year. I feel the sorrow inside of me, the pain of knowing that the violence I have described in Under the Moonlit Sky isn't entirely fiction...these things actually happened to innocent people; men, women, grandparents, children...

Some people say we must "forget '84' -- The discussion does not have to be about whether or not to forget. The discussion can be intelligent. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging someone's pain; acknowledging someone's loss, acknowledging someone's horrid nightmare. The discussion does not have to be heated or violent -- it can be compassionate towards the victims. A mother raped in front of her kids, a father burned alive before his family, a grandmother left to raise the babies and children hiding under dead bodies for a chance for survival. Acknowledging their pain, understanding this piece of history, isn't about drawing boundaries, it's about studying our history to try to prevent it from ever happening again. Isn't that what we are supposed to do as intelligent human beings?

I'm not entirely sure why I chose now to share this with all of you. I guess as Under the Moonlit Sky takes off, I just want you all to know that it does impact me very much. That yes there is this excitement about having my debut novel out there doing well. Yes it is a dream come true to be a published author, but it was no easy feat to write about, and it is no easy feat to discuss 1984. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the victims and families that were affected by the events of 1984 -- leading up to it, during it, and following it.

Although, I have spent much effort giving Under the Moonlit Sky a global appeal, ensuring that it touches upon various themes and issues that affect people, it is built upon a year that we must accept as a bitter truth -- it is a year when the very essence of humanity came into question. When the lines between sanity and insanity were blurred; when the balance between life and death depended on a simple thing called "identity".

-N

On the Road...and so it begins!

Okay, so the past few weeks have been quite interesting. There's a lot going on. Namely, my debut novel, "Under the Moonlit Sky" is out and it's doing well. It's picking up speed, but gotta keep the momentum going.

The signing and launch at Chapters in Brampton was fantastic. We had some excellent show of support. A huge shout out and love to my family, friends, and the media support, and to the Sikh Activist Network. Speaking of which, this Friday, June 25th at Mirage Banquet Hall, the second "When Lions Roar" event is taking place. It's an incredible event that brings music, poetry and the spoken word together to remember 1984. I'll be on hand as we sell copies of "Under the Moonlit Sky" where some proceeds will go to help the Network. I'll be available to sign copies and chat with people. So come out and enjoy!

Saturday I'm headed out to B.C. with my cousin, AKakaAmazing. AK has been great with this support thus far. We'll be in BC in various locations doing PR for the book and really just taking it as it comes.

Look out for us and come join us if your in BC, on Saturday, July 3rd at Black Bond Books in Guildford Mall in Surrey as we officially launch the book there and I'll be doing a signing.

I'll make sure I blog during my travels!