The Monthly Roundup
Of Catalogs, Diverse stories, Growth, and Daily Lives.
Hello All!
I’m happy to celebrate with you the doubling of our community since the last update. I am also celebrating in advance the micro-win that I will have soon - this is the 99th post of helloIndia! in 4 months - thank you, dear readers, for reading, sharing, and commenting on the posts. They have been invaluable in my writing new stories!
So here’s a thank you offer - enjoy all of the nearly 100 stories at your leisure - $3.60 a month or $36 for the year (or 36 cents per story). What’s more, once redeemed, the discount is always on!
Being a paid subscriber comes with its own set of privileges. Not only do you get access to all the exclusive, paywalled stories, but you also have the opportunity to have your specific questions about India addressed through comments, chats, or personal direct messages. Plus, you can request topics you're interested in!
Back to the update! I thought it may help to start a monthly roundup and track the progress each month, as we have had new readers join us since the last note I wrote. Do you agree?
I launched a new series, “The Mystery of Faith,” that was well-received. I also hosted the first guest post, “A Little-Known Story of Humility” with
which is a short and fun read.Another story that did well was ‘The Joy of a Newspaper Amid the Din,” where I wrote about the daily lives in India involving newspapers and shoe repairs.
I originally wrote “A Visit to The Market,” during my college years and chose to share it, after some updates, for the first time with this community Also a first was my experiment to create custom images based on the text that depict Indian markets, which received positive feedback. Some writers shared how they liked the technique and used it for their stories too.
Note: I have experimented with visuals again for this post, so let me know what you think!
I wrote this prequel to an earlier story I published as a stand-alone, thanks to
who influenced me to reconsider my ‘maybe’ to writing a series. I am glad I did - there is more to come this month. Thanks, Joyce!Upcoming Paywalled Posts:
Unraveling the Epics: Why they matter, and how they reflect in daily lives.
New post in the new series: The Mystery of Faith
Business India Topic of Interest - Surprise Me Series! :-)
For new readers looking to make sense of this publication, here is a quick intro. I would recommend anyone new start exploring the entire site first, rather than be introduced via new email posts alone. It may seem a bit abrupt like joining a conversation midway.
The only golden rule for this publication is this - there is no rule!
I write on topics of interest, fun, and popular demand - if I can!
Here are the pillars of this publication:
Ancient India
I write original takes, in modern form, on many beloved stories of India - from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas - and other lesser-known stories, orally shared within the culture or some directly from my grandmother.
Each tale has curated links, notes, and insights. This will instantly acquaint you with India’s cultural DNA.
The stories can be read as one-offs, whether standalone or part of a short series.
Discover this original take on an astonishing tale from pre-modern India, believed to be rooted in actual events.
Modern India
These are tales that are part of recorded history or continue in present-day India. For instance, a lesser-known headache for women in India is the persistent irritant of ‘eve-teasing.’ which I share through first-person accounts.
Travel
These are stories about traveling in India, favorite cities, retreats, and lesser-known insights and places in the ‘guidebook.’ I sprinkle curated links to where to stay, what to check, and where to eat as relevant to the story.
Business India
This is a relatively new section, mostly paywalled, wherein I intend to continue to spotlight business practices, its culture, and the new models, with insights into the businesses of India. I focus on the business traveler or leader who works with India-based companies and is constantly puzzled by common issues. Work culture is a unique beast, and many grapple with the uneven ways of working discovered when confronting issues with teams in India.
What's one business practice in India you're curious about?
This story about engaging with a government official should provide a clue on some aspects of work culture.
Culture
Stories that related directly to cultural ins and outs. Here I host the popular series on aphorisms - 4 so far! Check them out under ‘Culture,’ or the catalog.
Last month's stories sparked some wonderful conversations and memories within our community. Here's what some of you had to say:
“A virtual campfire” | “Enchanting” | “Beautiful.” | “Fascinating.” | “Enjoyed reading.” | “Pure enchantment.” | “There is much to learn.” | “Thanks for bringing back memories!” | “Holding my breath again… my goodness, what a extraordinary tale you’re presenting us again.” | “You have a really compelling style.” | “Beautifully done.” | “Enchanting story that truly captivated me! | “Queen of Cliffhangers.”
Thank you all for your valuable time and the insightful feedback you've shared.
I accidentally learned that due to a system glitch maybe some of you may not have received all of my March 1-24 posts. Please check if you missed a post - there were eleven posts during that time. The entire catalog is listed here on the site by date. Please do let me know if you did not receive them by email.
If you are enjoying this publication, please consider upgrading or sponsoring a post using this ‘buy me a coffee link so more readers can enjoy it for free. I paywall archives after 7-14 days.
Remember, the limited-time, thank-you offer is available - enjoy all of the nearly 100 stories at your leisure - $3.60 a month or $36 for the year. What’s more, once redeemed, this discount is always on!
Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to sharing new stories.
Best,
Jayshree
p.s. Did I mention I also write
?
I do apologise, Jayshree, to have pushed you into writing a series, but then you do know how to capture and hold on to people’s attention. That Market story… I could almost smell the spices and hear the buzzing, the Ramayana and Mahabaratha are told in such a way I can visualise the scenes, and all stories about life in India just make me want to pack and leave.
And after every story I find myself thinking… what will the next one be?
Thank you so much for all those moments I’m whisked away from chilly modern-day Europe to warm (and often ancient) India with her immense heritage and mystery 💙🙏🌿💫🥰
Very nice summary!!