Featured

Submission Guidelines for Our Blogazine

Inviting Entries for Blogazine!!! 

Clips and Pages is inviting all the writers to participate in our year-long Blogazine event. There are no limits on themes and it’s completely free. 

Just read the general guidelines carefully to submit your entries and gain a ticket to get published with us.

*General Guidelines* 

1. Send us your submission at  officialclipsandpages@gmail.com 

If you wish to join our WhatsApp group of writers, then please share your WhatsApp number along with your submission. 

Feel free to spread the word about this amazing opportunity to all your writer friends. (We believe in helping and sharing resources with others. Remember, ‘you rise by lifting others’.) 

2.  All kinds of submissions are welcomed. And it’s an open theme: feel free to write on any topic of your choice. Just make sure you stick to the line and word limits of each. 

Short Poem: 20-25 lines

Long Poem: 100 lines (max)

Nano Tale: 100-300 words

Short Story: 800- 1000 words

Long Story: 1000-3000 words

Article: 1000-3000 words

Book /Movie Reviews: 1000-3000 words 

Interviews: 1000-3000 words 

3. Minimum number of entries is 2 and maximum is 12. Try not to exceed the number of entries allowed. If you do, we will be still be considering only 12 entries per writer. 

4. Your submission can be a combination of all the above Genre, provided you don’t exceed the number of entries. 

5. Your work must be original and authentic. (You must have its copyright.) 

6. Proofread thrice before submitting your work, please. We don’t want to reject entries because of too many grammatical errors. 

7. Remember to attach an author’s bio of around 100 words along with your entries. We won’t be able to post your submissions without a proper author’s bio. Also, share a photo of you in jpg format which is to be posted along with the bio. 

8. You can also attach any picture or artwork which you think would go well with your submission when we post them on out blog. For book reviews, you have to attach a picture of the book, preferably clicked by you. For movie review, you must attach a poster of the movie and may be a still image from any special scene of the movie. For interviews, you must attach a picture of the interviewee and perhaps a photo of their best works. 

9. There are no charges involved. It’s absolutely free. There is no last date to submit your entries. It’s a year-long event. 

10. All the entries will be published on our Blogazine. The top entries will also get a chance to be featured at our e-zine and the best ones will be published on our magazine.

Submission Guidelines For Book Review:

It should be a proper review with a paragraph dedicated to the following (not in order):
• Introduction
• Conclusion
• Blurb/Summary (Without Spoiler)
• Important Themes
• Title
• Cover
• Story Line
• Character Sketch (in case of novels)
• Positive and Negative aspects of the book (You may write this in bullet points)
• Writing Style, Language, Vocabulary
• The flow of the Story
• Literally Devices (Setting, Structure, Symbols, Imagery, Mood, Tone, etc.)
• Rhythm, Rhyme Schemes, Metaphor, Symbolism, Imagery, etc. (in case of Poetry Books)
• Humour/Irony/Sarcasm (if any)
• Inner Meanings (if you find any)
• Morals (if you find any)
• Unique Features (if any)
• Quotes from the Book (optional)

Submission Guidelines for Movie Reviews:

It should be a proper review with a paragraph dedicated to the following (not in order):
• Introduction
• Conclusion
• Basic Facts (Genre, Actors & Actresses, Directors, Singers, etc.)
• The Plot Structure
• Story in short (Without Spoiler)
• A little Analysis of Plot Elements (Beginning, Action, Climax, Ending, etc.)
• Creative Elements (Direction, Editing, Dialogue, Characters, Mood, Tone, Cinematography, Costume, Symbols, etc.)
• Your Opinion (supported by Facts and Examples from the movie)
• Title
• Poster
• Acting Skills
• Music Quality
• Deep Meanings (if you find any)
• Purpose/Moral (if you find any)
• Mistakes/Inconsistency (if any)
• Unique Features (if any)
• Dialogues from the Movie (optional)

Clips and Pages Publishing Consultancy Services

Welcome to Clips and Pages Publishing Consultancy Services!

Are you an aspiring author seeking guidance to navigate the intricate world of publishing? Are you a seasoned writer looking to enhance your book’s marketability and reach a broader audience?

Look no further! At Clips and Pages, we offer comprehensive and personalized publishing consultancy services tailored to your unique needs and goals. 

Our Services

Publishing Path Guidance:

 Unsure about which publishing path is right for you? We’ll explain the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing, and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your objectives.

Manuscript Evaluation:

Our team of experienced editors will review your manuscript, providing constructive feedback on its strengths and areas for improvement. We’ll help you polish your work to ensure it’s submission-ready or market-ready, depending on your publishing route.

Query Letter and Book Proposal Assistance:

Crafting a compelling query letter or book proposal is crucial for attracting the attention of literary agents or publishers. We’ll guide you in creating a persuasive pitch that showcases your book’s potential and captivates industry professionals.

Agent/Publisher Research:

We’ll conduct targeted research to identify suitable literary agents or publishers who align with your genre and writing style. Our goal is to help you find the best possible fit for your manuscript.

Self-Publishing Guidance:

 If you choose to self-publish, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from formatting and cover design to distribution and marketing strategies. Our expertise will help you navigate the self-publishing landscape with confidence.

Book Marketing Strategies:

Crafting a compelling book is just the first step. Our marketing experts will assist you in creating an effective book marketing plan, including online promotion, social media strategies, and more, to maximize your book’s visibility and sales potential.

Our Pricing

Publishing Path Guidance:

Pricing: Starting from ₹3,000

Manuscript Evaluation:

Pricing: Starting from ₹2,500 for up to 50,000 words

Query Letter and Book Proposal Assistance:

Pricing: Starting from ₹1,500

Agent/Publisher Research:

Pricing: Starting from ₹2,000

Self-Publishing Guidance:

Pricing: Starting from ₹4,000

Book Marketing Strategies:

Starting from ₹3,500

Please keep in mind that these rates are just rough estimates and may vary significantly depending on individual service providers, the complexity of the project, and the experience level of the professionals involved.

Why Choose Clips and Pages?

Here are a few reasons why you should choose Clips and Pages for Publishing Consultancy Services:

Industry Experience:

Our team comprises publishing professionals with years of experience in the literary world. We know what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive market.

Personalized Approach:

We understand that each author’s journey is unique. Our consultancy services are tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.

End-to-End Support:

Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer, we’re here to support you at every stage of the publishing process.

Commitment to Quality:

Our focus is on ensuring the highest quality for your work. We are dedicated to helping you present your book in the best possible light.

How to Get Started?

To embark on a journey towards publishing success, reach out to us at officialclipsandpages@gmail.com. Let us know about your project and the specific areas in which you seek assistance. We’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and create a customized plan to turn your literary dreams into reality. 

Remember, every great book deserves the opportunity to shine. Partner with Clips and Pages Publishing Consultancy Services to make your mark in the literary world today! 

🌐 Visit our Website

📧Mail us: officialclipsandpages@gmail.com

Clips and Pages Literary Services

Welcome to Clips and Pages Literary Services!

At Clips and Pages, we are passionate about nurturing and promoting the literary arts. Whether you’re a budding author, an established writer seeking feedback, or someone in need of editing services, we are here to support and enhance your creative journey. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch literary services to help you polish your work and achieve your writing goals.

Our Services

Have a look at some of the services we provided at Clips and Pages…

Manuscript Editing:

Our expert editors will meticulously review your manuscript, offering comprehensive feedback to enhance its overall quality. We focus on grammar, syntax, punctuation, and consistency, while also providing valuable insights into plot development, character arcs, and pacing.

Developmental Editing:

For writers seeking a more in-depth assessment of their work, our developmental editing service delves into the structure, plot, character development, and overall narrative flow. We’ll provide constructive feedback to strengthen the core elements of your story, allowing it to resonate with readers.

Book Reviewing:

Our team of avid readers and book enthusiasts can craft thoughtful and engaging reviews for your book. A positive review from our platform can significantly boost your book’s visibility and credibility in the literary community.

Beta Reading:

Our team of experienced beta readers will work with you at every step of the way to offer detailed feedbacks on your manuscript and ensure that your work is polished and ready for publication.

One-on-One Mentoring:

Aspiring writers can benefit from personalized guidance through our one-on-one mentoring sessions. Our experienced mentors will help you refine your writing style, explore storytelling techniques, and provide encouragement to overcome creative challenges.

Query Letter Review:

 A well-crafted query letter is crucial for catching the attention of literary agents and publishers. Let our experts review and optimize your query letter to increase your chances of getting noticed and securing representation.

Author Website Review:

Your author website is your virtual storefront. Our team will evaluate your website’s design, content, and user-friendliness to ensure it effectively showcases your work and engages your audience.

Social Media Presence Consultation:

In today’s digital age, social media plays a vital role in connecting authors with readers. We’ll offer tailored advice on how to enhance your social media presence and use it as a powerful tool for book promotion and author branding.

How It Works?

Here’s what you need to do to avail our services:

Submit Your Request:

Choose the service that best suits your needs and submit your request through our website. Provide us with the necessary details about your work and your specific requirements.

Receive a Quote:

Once we review your request, we’ll provide you with a personalized quote based on the scope of the project and the level of service you require.

Agree on Terms:

After you approve the quote, we’ll finalize the project details and agree on the timeline for completion.

Service Delivery:

Our team will diligently work on your project, ensuring high-quality results within the agreed-upon timeframe.

Client Satisfaction:

Your satisfaction is our priority. We encourage open communication and revisions if necessary to ensure your work meets your expectations.

Our Pricing

Manuscript Editing:

Basic editing: ₹0.50 to ₹1.50 per word
Developmental editing: ₹1.00 to ₹2.50 per word

Book Reviewing:

Short book review: ₹500 to ₹1,500
Detailed book review: ₹1,500 to ₹5,000

Beta Reading:

Fiction and Non-Fiction: ₹0.30 per word
Poetry: ₹250 per piece

One-on-One Mentoring:

Hourly rates for mentoring sessions: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per hour

Query Letter Review:

Query letter review and feedback: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000

Author Website Review:

Website review and recommendations: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000

Social Media Presence Consultation:

Social media consultation: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000

Please keep in mind that these rates are just rough estimates and may vary significantly depending on individual service providers, the complexity of the project, and the experience level of the professionals involved.

Why Choose Clips and Pages?

Here are a few reasons why you should choose Clips and Pages for literary services:

Professionalism:

Our team consists of experienced professionals with a passion for literature and a keen eye for detail.

Tailored Solutions:

We understand that each writer’s needs are unique, and we customize our services to fit your specific requirements.

Confidentiality:

We prioritize the privacy of your work and ensure that your intellectual property remains secure.

Commitment to Excellence:

Our goal is to help you succeed as a writer, and we are dedicated to providing services that add value to your work.

At Clips and Pages Literary Services, we are driven by the belief that every writer has a voice worth nurturing. Let us be your partners in literary success. Contact us today to explore how we can support your writing journey!

🌐 Visit our Website

📧 Mail us: officialclipsandpages@gmail.com

Emily (Aldo Quagliotti)

You grow and I get old

we swing as weeds get cut

your voice tones up, my hair turns white

the noise of days getting bye

becomes a signature on your diary

the digital involvement

pales at my return

when I hug you after months

and so much of you is upset

we throw our dice right in the middle

your revolution, my nostalgia

we whip our days ignoring

that time is selflessly marathon training

since we first met in mum’s belly

and you were smaller than a thought

than a fear, than a hope

and now you are the baby I wish I had

the pipe dream I sealed in a bottle

and poured in the sea of realism

Remembering the Not-so-Dreamy City of Doon (Shyamolima Datta)

We are all aware of this “not so dreamy” city anymore that’s located at the foothills of the Himalayan range and is a valley. 

My family roots in this town dates back to 1940s when my grandfather came to this town as a senior scientific officer with the DRDO. 

He narrated some beautiful stories about Doon, specifically of the Raipur area which was dotted with beautiful trees and the warmth of the neighbours he enjoyed.

After his retirement, we settled at a place called Dalanwala. It was full of greenery and my grandmother loved gardening. And so, we had all the trees and flowers at our beautiful home—roses, plum trees, litchi trees, guava trees and the like. My grandmother nourished the plants with her own hands and eventually she taught me a lot about gardening.

Doon is also known for its schools and I studied at one of them named “Convent of Jesus and Mary”. The nuns were very caring; they taught us to value the blessings of the lord and we had weekly sessions about praying for each other. 

We had many places around to go for picnics and one of them was the hills of Mussoorie. It was just 45 minutes from our town and every time we visited the place, it was a matter of great joy for all of us girls. Why won’t it be? We could eat exclusive chocolates made at Mussoorie, take pleasure in shopping at the Mall road, enjoy horse riding and have a lot more fun.

Mussoorie also reminds me of the famous author Ruskin Bond who has always been in love with Dehradun. His books on Dehradun are a great hit and he has never left this place. In fact, he went to London, didn’t like it and returned. Currently he is settled at Landour which is very near to Mussoorie. He is always nostalgic about the dreamy town that we all miss.

I also want to mention about the bakeries of Doon where we often went with friends and family to enjoy some homemade cookies, tarts and the list went on. Ellora bakery has to be mentioned here for their products such as biscuits, pastries, stick jaws, cookies and the like. Thankfully, Ellora is still there and that is an emotion.

Rajput Road was not so crowded then and we enjoyed long drives. My dad used to take all of us to enjoy the fresh Breeze and lovely trees. We crossed the Mussoorie diversion and had some fresh Pakoras (hash browns), which were freshly made then and there. My dad has always been fond of photography and he always had a camera with him in order to click photographs of these beautiful scenes. The residents were marvellous and ever ready to lend a hand. Going for long drives with them, enjoying a good chit chat and singing old songs as we drove down was enthralling. My mom used to make it even more fun with her happy-go-lucky nature.

This was my Doon. It reminds me of the song by John Denver “Country Roads Take Me Home”. And, no matter where I am, Dehradun will always be a real home for me. 

About the Author

Unlocking the Timeless Treasures: The Importance of Reading Classic Books


Reading is an activity that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. While there are many new books being published every day, classic books have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished by readers all around the world.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of reading classic books and provide some must-read examples.

The Importance of Reading Classic Books

1. Classic Books Help Us Understand Our Past

One of the most important reasons to read classic books is that they allow us to gain a deeper understanding of history. Whether it’s Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” or F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, classic books give us a glimpse into the culture and society of a particular time period. They provide insights into the way people lived, thought and interacted with one another, giving us a richer and more nuanced understanding of our past.

2. Classic Books Help Us Develop Empathy

Empathy is a skill that is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. By reading classic books, we are able to experience the world from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences. Classic books like Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” offer powerful insights into the experiences of marginalized communities, helping us develop empathy and compassion for others.

3. Classic Books Help Us Improve Our Critical Thinking Skills

Reading classic books requires us to engage with complex ideas and themes, which in turn helps us develop our critical thinking skills. Classic books like George Orwell’s “1984” or Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” challenge us to question the status quo and consider the implications of societal norms and values. By grappling with these ideas, we develop our ability to think critically and form our own opinions.

4. Classic Books Help Us Develop Our Writing Skills

If you want to become a better writer, then reading classic books is a great place to start. Classic books offer examples of some of the best writing in the English language, giving us a chance to learn from the masters. Whether it’s the poetic prose of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” or the lyrical language of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”, classics offer endless inspiration for aspiring writers.

5. Classic Books Help Us Escape Our Daily Lives

In addition to their educational value, classic books also offer a chance to escape our daily lives and immerse ourselves in new worlds. From the magical realm of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” to the romantic adventures of “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, classics offer a chance to escape into different worlds and forget about our problems for a while.

Must-Read Examples of Classic Books

Now that we’ve explored the importance of reading classic books, let’s take a look at some must-read examples:

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This classic novel is a witty and charming exploration of love, marriage, and social class in 19th-century England. Austen’s writing is both elegant and humorous, and the character of Elizabeth Bennet is a timeless heroine who continues to inspire readers to this day.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a powerful exploration of racism, injustice and courage in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, Lee offers a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a society grappling with its own prejudices.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This iconic novel is a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s. Fitzgerald’s prose is both lyrical and evocative. And, the character of Jay Gatsby as a quintessential American figure continues to captivate readers today.

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

This gothic novel is a haunting exploration of love, revenge and the destructive power of obsession. Bronte’s vivid descriptions of the moors and the tormented characters of Catherine and Heathcliff have made “Wuthering Heights” a timeless classic.

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This coming-of-age novel is a poignant exploration of teenage angst and alienation. Salinger’s depiction of the troubled teenager Holden Caulfield has resonated with the readers for generations, making “The Catcher in the Rye” a must-read for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or out of place.

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This classic novel is a powerful exploration of love, independence and the struggle for self-realization. Bronte’s portrayal of the strong-willed heroine Jane Eyre has inspired generations of readers, making this book a timeless classic.

7. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

This dark and twisted novel is a haunting exploration of vanity, corruption, and the price of eternal youth. Wilde’s prose is both elegant and unsettling, and the character of Dorian Gray is a chilling reminder of the dangers of succumbing to our darkest desires.

In conclusion, reading classic books is not only an enjoyable pastime, but it also has numerous benefits. By reading classic books, we gain a deeper understanding of history, develop our empathy and critical thinking skills, improve our writing and escape into new worlds.

The must-read examples of classic books provided above are just a few of the many timeless works of literature that continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. So, whether you’re looking for a way to escape your daily routine or deepen your understanding of the world around you, there’s no better way to do it than by diving into the pages of a classic novel.

About the Author

Aakanksha Jain is an Indian writer, blogger and book reviewer. Her first book is “How to Become an Amazon Influencer?” and her second book is a collection of micro-fiction stories named “Reflection”, published in 2022. She is also the founder of Books Charming, India’s Top Book Reviewing site.

Instagram –https://www.instagram.com/bookscharming/

Website – https://www.bookscharming.com/

WHY DRACO MALFOY DESERVES REDEMPTION?

To Begin With…

The Harry Potter universe is vast. For those of you, who missed out on this fantasy series by J.K Rowling, let me give you a quick introduction. In a world full of magic, witchcrafts and wizardry, witches and wizards and fantastic beasts, a baby is born. However, baby Harry doesn’t know about a prophecy that links his life with the darkest wizard to grace the earth—Lord Voldemort. To eliminate the threat to his rising power, Voldemort attempts to kill Harry. But Harry’s mother, Lily Potter, sacrifices her life to save her baby.

Harry grows up living with his cruel aunt and uncle, the Dursleys, unaware of his magical powers. Until one day, when he was 11 years old, a Hogwarts admission letter comes for him. He discovers this other hidden world—where magic is much real. In Hogwarts, Harry has tons of adventures and meets Draco Malfoy as one of his adversaries.

ORIGINS

Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, was bought up at the Malfoy Manor alone, in a cold detached way. He grew up, learning he was special, superior as a pure blood wizard. He only associated with other Death Eater families and therefore only knew one particular way of living.

FRIENDSHIP

Draco offered Harry his friendship at Madam Malkin’s even before he knew who Harry was. Considering Harry had just come from the Dursley’s, there is little doubt he was in the shabbiest oversized clothes, with his messy haircut and broken glasses held together with some cello-tape. Arriving at Hogwarts, and realizing who Harry Potter was, Draco tried to offer his friendship yet again only to be refused further. And then he saw Harry make alliance with Ron Weasley, who belonged to the poor lowly Weasley family, which is why Draco turns against him. I think that it was a genuine attempt at friendship but then he had to keep up his pretences and when he saw Ron he just couldn’t help being smug and snobby.

Everything Draco did was to impress his father, Lucius. I would go as far as to say he didn’t do or say anything without thinking what his father would say. Draco’s cold and superior attitude could be the likes of him impersonating his father.

His only friends were his Slytherin house members, including Crabbe and Goyle; but were they really friends? From what is evident from the movies and the books, they acted more like henchmen and bodyguards than actual friends. They weren’t much of a friend than a sheep, just following him everywhere. That’s not how friendship works.

His other friend was Pansy Parkinson, another stuck up Slytherin girl. But she was probably after him as he was good looking, rich and pure blooded. Draco was jealous of the friendship of the trio (Harry, Ron and Hermione) and hoped for something similar.

LIFE AT HOGWARTS

Draco was bought up thinking he was the center of the world. Then he comes to Hogwarts and meets Harry, who was undeniably the most talked about person in the whole Wizarding community. Draco shows signs of being envious, jealous of not receiving the attention he thought he deserved. Harry was talented at flying and Quidditch the most, Draco was only second to Harry in the sport. (Harry was the only seeker who could defeat Draco at school.) Draco was also good at studies, second only to Hermione. But he despised her because she was a muggle-born. Draco therefore resorted to dirty tricks to discredit Harry.

Draco always had it hard at school, looked down upon for belonging to Slytherin. Even the books state Slytherin to be the most evil of all houses and to produce the most number of Death Eaters. But didn’t Horace Slughorn and Regulus Black and Severus Snape also belong to Slytherin and later Harry’s own son, Albus Severus? No one really comments on how artistic Draco was, creating “The Weasley is our King” song and the “Potter Stinks” badges which made the insults worse if someone tried to fix it. He was creative with his insults; one has to give him that!

Draco sure did his share of misdeeds, where he bullied everyone, tried his best to get Hagrid fired, called Hermione a mudblood (which is very offensive in Wizarding terms). Hating him for his shortcomings is natural and justified. Yes, he was annoying and an archetypical bully but wasn’t that a child impersonating his environment—how people in his social circle behaved, how his father expected him to behave?

No one told him to try being friends with the trio—not Snape, not his family, not his House members. People expect Slytherin to behave like Smuts. He wasn’t any different from a typical Slytherin. The point is he had a change of heart, a character development.

Having a soft spot in the heart of his house head, Severus Snape, was little compensation to the fact he was nearly alone and wasn’t living the glorious school life he imagined he would. He did take pride in few things like how he was a Prefect and Harry was not. When he became a member of Dolores Umbridge’s Inquisitiorial Squad, he made it his only motive to discover what Harry was up to. Well, not only did Harry escape from him, but during that time his father Lucius was captured and sent to Azkaban.

THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS

Even though he knew his father was a Death Eater, facing shame from the entire Wizarding community, but being left alone to fend for himself and his mother took a toll on him. Until now, Draco had a sheltered upbringing with his father as the head of the family. Draco was mostly left to his antics, keeping in mind he didn’t do anything to bring shame to the family name. Now, with his father gone, he had to take upon his father’s role and make amends to the Dark Lord so that he and his mother could stay alive.

It is said Draco loved only himself; but I disagree. He didn’t just love himself. He loved his mother more than anything else in the world. He also wanted his father’s approval; and to gain that and the status of a true Slytherin, he sold his soul to Voldemort.

Worse was yet to come as Draco was asked to kill Dumbledore to prove that he was loyal to the cause. And if he failed, he would have to pay with his life. Now Dumbledore was a wizard even Voldemort was afraid of and couldn’t think of defeating him in a one on one duel. How a fifth year student was to kill him was not told to him. He was to figure that out himself. Draco had little choice in making a decision. He was being set up to fail indeed.

Initially, Draco might have liked the idea of a Dumbledore-free Hogwarts— something which represented everything his father disliked. But eventually the impossibility and the consequence of his actions dawned upon him. But alas, it was too late. He became depressed under the pressure of the task. Having killed two other people instead of Dumbledore, he might have discovered his distaste for killings. But it is again something his father would have disliked being such a strong advocate of violence.

Draco was also the only person in the history of Hogwarts to bypass Dumbledore’s defense spells. He invited a whole bunch of Death Eaters to Hogwarts. It resulted in the death of Dumbledore, although not by his own hands. Facing Dumbledore, even if he was weak and wandless, Draco couldn’t bring himself to do what was required by him. Draco was adept at Occlumency (the ability to shut your thoughts out from others) which also indicate how emotionless, closed and damaged he was.

A CHANGED DRACO

Depressed, confused, scared for his life, Draco had no option but to go along with what he was told to do. Even so, we see acts of defiance in him—parts where he saved Harry in the mansion. He recognized him right away but didn’t say it. If it weren’t for that day, Harry would be dead. Harry owes his life to many people, Draco being one of them. The pain in his eyes is evident when his aunt Bellatrix was torturing Hermione. He still refused to reveal their identity even though he knew exactly who they were.

Then I think about how he was raised, in that cold, heartless manor. Everything he was taught to believe in. Everything he was asked to do, and sacrifice. Many people compare him to Sirius, saying he was from a pure-blood family too.

Maybe Draco wasn’t brave, he was a coward. But cowardice means survival, and survivors live to tell the tales. Dead men tell no tales. Maybe it took him long to understand who was wrong; maybe it was too late when he finally did. But he were just a teen, he was allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.

Draco changed, having seen the bitter dark parts of the world he grew up in. We could see his reluctance to cross over to the Death Eaters when Voldemort comes back with a dead Harry in Hagrid’s arms. He even went to the extent of running to give Harry his wand to fight off Voldemort as soon as he realized Harry was alive. That took guts, defying years of his upbringing, doing something his father would have disliked.

AFTERMATH OF THE BATTLE

Draco married Astoria Greengrass who, even though a Slytherin, was not the first choice of his parents. Even after whatever he was taught to believe in, and the way of living he was accustomed to, Draco changed and lived a much more liberal life and adopted a more tolerable way of living. He and Astoria raised Scorpius to be much better a Malfoy than Draco himself.

In The End…

Draco is what we call an antagonist. And I refuse to believe that if he had a different upbringing, he would not have turned out differently. Perhaps a version of how Fred and George were. Who’s to say James Potter didn’t make mistakes? He was a bully until Lily’s love changed him.

Alright, so Draco loved attention and he did everything to get what he wanted. I think these are petty human qualities. And despite all these external petty drama, his personal life was a mess. Whenever he was angry or confused or jealous he turned mean like any other teen I know.

No one notices how he was suffering from depression. Draco quit Quidditch, something he was really good at. He stopped seeing his friends. He even looked sick, paler and hallowed than he did before. What teenage boy has the pressure of the entire Wizarding community on him—always fearing for his life and his family’s, if he made a wrong move? Draco never had a Patronus, because he couldn’t think of enough happy memories to cast a Patronus charm and this brings tears to my eyes.

No one really noticed how guilty he was. Everyone saw the pain he caused, but none saw the pain he himself was in. Everyone hated him for the destruction he brought. No one realized how he hated himself because of it. He was hated just because he came from a certain family of Death eaters. But then, how can you judge someone for the deeds of their parents?

He was raised by two vile human beings in an environment of gloom and sadness as a result of the dark lord’s failure. He was instilled with all sorts of horrible values. And even though he was doomed from the beginning to be the villain of the story, he changed the narrative, preferring to break away from his family’s legacy of hatred and violence.

So, all I see in Draco is not a monster, but a boy broken by years of tragedy and pain, forced to do the unspeakable. He was never the villain, he was just a simple boy—a product of toxic parenting and a victim of dreadful circumstances.

Author’s Bio:

My Festive Mood (Sankha Ranjan Patra) [Photography: Srayasee Biswas]

When God and Nature

 conspire together,

Comes such a weather

What an impediment to merriment!

Unexpected that Undone days 

Some say, in a crowd ,aloud

Some ,in silence, without doubt.

All defeated again along with

Man-made mundane mirth 

Me like worshipper of Devil 

Cherish the moment most 

Light of festivity fades away

With the delight of the evil 

Hidden under human beings.

Then Mankind mourns not for 

Their prayers unable to reach there 

Then Mankind mourns for 

Their pleasures unable to reach there

No more rain will be sure 

Still is belief pure

Many hop with hope .

Me as usual within walls

Celebrate darkness 

As I succeed to please my deity 

As I bring showers of sorrows 

In the beginning or in the evening

No body knows who is behind 

Let them grieve for being ignorant.

Photography: Srayasee Biswas

Two Bengali Poems (Soumo Hor and Dibyendu Das)

মা

শরতাকাশে মেঘের ভেলায় এলো খুশির বার্তা,

উড়ো হাওয়ায় কাশের বনে আগমনীর কথকতা।

বাঁশের সাথে বাঁশ মিলে বানাই মায়ের বাসস্থান, 

মৃন্ময়ীরূপের পুজো হবে, প্রতিষ্ঠা হবে প্রাণ।

যখন ঐ ভুবনভোলানো আঁখি পানে চাই মা গো তোমার, 

বিশ্বেশ্বরী মনে করাও শুধু আপন  মায়ের কথা বারবার। 

সব সংসারই আলোকিত হয় মায়েদেরই কল্যাণে, 

মা গো তোমরা এক; তোমরা সত্য, তফাত রূপায়ন আর রূপদানে। 

মা গো সহনশীলতার প্রতীক তুমি, ভক্তসবের মনের বল, 

কোথাও যেন মিলেমিশে যায় তোমার আর ‘মা’-এর চোখের জল। 

-সৌম্য

Photography: Sukanya Basu Mallik

দুর্গা দুগ্গা 

কৈলাস থেকে দুর্গা আসে তো অনেক কিছুই চেপে,

ধরণী-দুগ্গা খালি পায়ে হাঁটে সকাল-সন্ধ্যা-রাতে।

দুর্গা দেবীর আগমনী সুরে বইছে খুশির ধারা, 

ঘরের দুগ্গারা শত অপমানে কেঁদে কেঁদে হয় সারা।

দুর্গা মায়ের সন্ধিপূজায় কতই না আয়োজন,

ঘরের দুগ্গা মরে কিনা বাঁচে তাতে কিবা প্রয়োজন?

নত মস্তকে সাষ্টাঙ্গে পূজিতা যে দুর্গামাতা,

ধরণী-দুগ্গা ঘরে একা কাঁদে, রয়ে যায় বঞ্চিতা।

সুখ শান্তির চাওয়া পাওয়া নিয়ে কতই না ব্রতকথা,

ঘরে ঘরে যত দুগ্গারা কাঁদে বুকে নিয়ে শত ব্যথা। 

দুর্গা-দুগ্গা একসাথে যেদিন সমভাবে হবে পূজিত,

সুখের জোয়ারে দুঃখগুলো সেদিন হবেই বাষ্পীভূত।

~দিব্যেন্দু দাস

DEAR DURGA (Madhu Jaiswal) [Photography: Koushik Ghosh]

Dear Durga give us a boon to be the fire

so not to be an able Nari and be sheepish anymore

Having the courage to speak profusely

and stand against the injustices done

Giving a tight slap, punching or kicking hard

having the vigour to blow up the maniacs self

To be shakti, the daring rebel

Who doesn’t choose a date in the time ahead

instead, she has the courage to revolt instant

silencing the evil on the spot!     

Photography: Koushik Ghosh

The Goddess and the Warrior (Lopa Banerjee)

Born between the transitions

of revolution, weren’t you?

The promise

of a strenuous labor of war

The Gods and the demons

The immortals and the perishables

Striving

for that elusive immortality 

The elite of the Gods

and the loud, dalit raakshasas.

Durga

‘Srishti Sthiti Vinashanang’

Destroyer of creation, 

Stabilization,

Dance of a cracked earth 

Sheltering woes

Born in the belly of a patriarchy 

In tatters, lost.

[First published in ‘The Durga series’ which is a part of the book of poetry and memoir ‘Woman And Her Muse’, Authorspress, 2018.] 

Photo Credit: Lopa Banerjee
Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started