The Story and the Inspiration behind "Ghosts"...in the author's own words

 

Psychiatrist, Dr. Bulbul Bahuguna, talks about the story and the inspiration behind her debut novel The Ghosts That Come Between Us, which is scheduled to release on Mar. 15, 2013. The book has received critical acclaim. It is a gripping account of family drama, dynamics, and dysfunction. Can one experience define your entire life?

Chicago Children's Choir At DSC Jaipur Literature Festival

 "My best wishes to the Chicago Children's Choir on their January trip to India. Glad to note that they will be performing at DSC Jaipur Literature Festival as a part of their India tour; I hope to catch-up with them at the lit fest.

 I still fondly remember their memorable performance of Sita Ram (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4z8GHoiekc) at the AIF Gala at the Union Station a few years ago."

http://www.bulbulbahuguna.com/

Book Review "The Ghosts That Come Between Us”

"The Ghosts That Come Between Us”

Book Review by: - ForeWord CLARION

Bahuguna artfully represents Nargis's subtle--even calculating--representation of her father, revealing him as a domineering and judgmental presence, while allowing her naive worship of her father to be believable. This layered revelation of character is integral to the energy of the novel, and it brings to light the confusing and complex nature of incestuous relationships. The strength of Nargis's voice is especially apparent when she dissects other characters, creating mental sketches of the people who surround her, and giving the reader a look into her emotional interior."

"The Ghosts That Come Between Us is a fascinating story with a moving central character..."

Cowardly Attack on Malala Yousafzai

 

On October 9, 2012, a small bus carrying a group of girls home from their school was stopped in Swat, Pakistan by two gun-carrying individuals. One of them, on entering the bus, asked the girls, "Which one of you is Malala Yousafzai?" The moment she was identified, the gunman shot Malala twice. Her crime: Speaking out about the need for girls living in Swat region to receive an education.

Malala was struck by two bullets; one in her face and the other was lodged in her neck. The brave girl survived and is now making excellent progress in England ... thanks to the technology and caring medical staff. I have full faith that the courageous 15 year old will recover fully. The world needs her, Pakistan needs her and, certainly, the young girls living in Swat need her.

The rape and murder of Delhi's Braveheart and the gunning down of Sandy Hook school children have jolted Indians and Americans alike to put aside the individual differences in a bid to stop the mindless violence against the most vulnerable sections of our society --- children and women. I am sure the Pakistanis will bravely mobilize their ranks to stop the scourge that attempts to silence the fearless Malalas in that country. The Pakistanis must not allow the emotional momentum, generated by Malala Yousafzai, to dissipate.

Brave Nargis, the protagonist in my forthcoming novel "The Ghosts That Come Between Us" leaves the reader with a clear thematic message: "To Be Brave Is To Be Honest."

I implore civil societies everywhere to be brave enough to honestly confront their collective demons.

http://www.bulbulbahuguna.com/

One Billion Rising Against Sexual Abuse

I am grateful to those who read and commented on my Delhi Braveheart postings.  Her brutal gang rape, and murder, has sparked an international phenomenon. People everywhere are asking the same question: What is it about Indian society that has allowed such crimes to flourish?

The problems that have festered over centuries will arguably take a long time to resolve; however, the global spotlight on women's sexual victimization in India is already beginning to deliver hope. It's an opportune coincidence that the India visit of Eve Ensler, the renowned playwright and activist, in connection with her One Billion Rising campaign http://onebillionrising.org/ was happening when millions were protesting across the country against the gang rape of the Braveheart.

Speaking to the Indian press she said, "India is really inspiring the rest of the globe in rising. We are getting so many sign-ups since the December 16 incident and the protests. They are saying if India can do it, so can we. India now is really the vanguard. And I believe we are going to see a massive rising in India with regards to violence against women issue."

Eve Ensler, herself a survivor of incest and physical abuse by her father, puts it best when she surmises that society needs to create conditions which allow the victim to 'survive and thrive.