Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Have a Date with Dashing Preet! - Read 'Just Not Meant For Marriage!

 Dear friends,


What happens when a person finds his soul-mate but that soul-mate is unwilling to reciprocate?

Read on to experience it in my e-book titled Just Not Meant For Marriage!

A Kindle Countdown Deal will be on from 3rd to 10th December, 2025 at www.amazon.com for this e-book which will be available for just $1.99. So hurry and purchase it. Read and review it. Enjoy your reading and reviewing sessions. Please don't forget to post your invaluable review at Amazon.com.

You could even peruse my other 27 books.

Eagerly awaiting your invaluable feedback!

Thanks.

Priya Swaminathan




EXCERPT

          Preet had an annoying habit. It drove girls literally up the wall. He would court all the pretty girls in college, have them eating out of his hands and eating out their hearts for him and then spoil it all by popping the most-dreaded question. It was not the eagerly looked forward to, “Will you marry me please?” No, that wasn’t the most-dreaded question. It was, hold your breath, “Are you just not meant for marriage?” All the girls who had swooned over him some time in their college lives had been flabbergasted by that bomber.
              
          But eventually, everyone had reconciled themselves to the inevitable, ridiculous proposal. In fact, no girl was still quite sure what that absurd question meant. Did he mean that he was asking her to marry him in a back-handed manner, or did he want to cast her away by insinuating that she was not worthy enough for marriage? And that too after wooing her as if she was the last girl on earth!

******************
             
          Preet was the equivalent of Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Salman Khan and Naseeruddin Shah; all rolled into one combo package of style, romance, brawn and smoldering intensity. As for looks, he had everything going for him, right from grayish-brown dreamy eyes fringed by thick lashes, smooth high forehead, well-chiseled cheek-bones and chin, tawny complexion and thick black hair that was always styled as per the latest trend in town. His gym-toned body was just meant for modeling as he wore smart outfits that suited him to the T. Towering well above six feet, he stood out from the rest of the college boys.
              
          Almost all the girls who enrolled in Universal College fell in love with him as soon as they set their eyes on this impossibly good-looking dude. After all, seeing the above-mentioned heroes on screen and seeing their combo in person, was different. Well actually, thrilling! They just couldn’t believe their luck. Each girl tried to get into his good books and charm him as much as she could. In fact, these girls thought that education and careers were secondary, as their primary aim was to land the catch of Preet! It was the be-all and end-all of their existence.
                
           Thus Preet got to see girls of all shapes and sizes, dressed in all types of clothes from mini-skirts to saris, ‘artificially’ made-up or ‘naturally’ made-up and with all sorts of fancy accessories. His friends envied him but joked that thanks to him, they also got to see well-dressed lasses and feast their eyes on them! Preet was cool and casual in his manner towards the girls. He didn’t lead anyone on. He obviously was waiting for someone special to light up his life. He just knew that one look would be enough to separate the grain from the chaff. His heart would tell him so!

END OF THE EXCERPT

Did you like what you just read? Would you like to find out what happens next?

Kindly purchase the e-book and read on.... Preet is waiting for you....

Here's the link:


https://www.amazon.com/Meant-Marriage-Priya-Ramesh-Swaminathan-ebook/dp/B0716TDTJK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0



The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Mount Abu - In Seventh Heaven! (Part 2)

The pleasing courtyard of Shree Ganesh Hotel - Mount Abu
                                                             

     The Shree Ganesh Hotelwas clean and small, but the hearts of its owner and staff were large! The owner, Sri Kanaujiya went out of the way to make our stay comfortable. He provided us with tips for our itinerary, arranged a very reasonable sight-seeing trip at Rs. 100/- per head and gave us directions like a seasoned elderly person. He insisted on our seeing the beautiful Brahmakumari Museum and Nakki lake. His son who ran the Baba’s cafeteria was smart and helpful. The cook and his assistant were two brothers. Helpful, cheerful, prompt, courteous, sincere and with a delightful sense of humor! We enjoyed our light-hearted banter with all of them over our meals. The tea that they served was out of this world!

     No room service charges and fancy tariff rates assailed our senses here, as is generally the norm with big hotels. We felt very cozy and protected. The warmth of the people added to its homeliness. We wished that we could’ve stayed a little longer there. But, there is always a next time, isn’t it?

Chilling out at Sunset Point - Mount Abu

(We haven't defaced the wall. Some other love-bird's handiwork!)


     The highlight of our trip? 
     The stroll up to the 'must-see', Sunset Point was tiring as well as invigorating. Tiring, because it was the last point to be seen that day, after all that ascent and descent; and invigorating because, we looked forward to that glorious much-talked about experience. Besides, the company of nubile young honeymooning couples, raucous families and sedate senior citizens, commuting in quaint hand-drawn sledge-like carriages, ponies or briskly walking towards the hill; was very lively. There was anticipation in the air. Would we see the sun in all its finery or miss it if it was shrouded in mist? All of us were on a mission at sunset point.To see the brilliant golden orb turn orange, red and then suddenly vanish! 

     Hawkers vended stoles, hats and crunchy snacks. People, including myself, clicked the hills and surroundings, non-stop. Most of us saw the setting sun through our narrow camera lenses, and when we came to our senses, the sun had risen in The United States of America! As twilight set in along with the chill, we slowly made our way to the hotel. Suddenly, I turned around and saw the most beautiful scene there. Silhouettes of tourists, tall trees and the misty hills with just the after-glow of the sunset. Wow, here was the best snap, begging to be clicked! You bet, I obliged it!

     Our worst experience while staying there?
     It was appalling to see men lugging hand-drawn sledges filled with tourists, uphill to the Sunset point. Since the sledges were obviously too heavy, they had to literally run along with the sledges. Around 2 to 4 men were needed to pull the sledges. It was disheartening to see this inhuman practice still being followed in the 21st century. To add to their misery, people were haggling over the measly prices too! Yes, poverty abounds in India as does inhuman behavior. We could only hope that the Government does something radical to alleviate their lot.
The Majestic Ambaji Temple

     We got an opportunity to visit Ambaji, a place about less than an hour from Abu Road Station. It boasts of a breath-taking, temple of the Goddess Durga and a ropeway to a hill-top shrine named Gabbar, which has an earthen lamp, burning eternally. The main road is a shopper's delight, especially for the ladies. Garments, accessories, artefacts, etc. catch one's fancy here. The 'Ambika dharamshala' attached to the temple complex is very reasonable, with rates starting from Rs. 200/- onwards. Delicious, unlimited meals can be had at the 'Ambika bhojanalay', at a 'peanuts' price' of Rs. 10/- No, I'm not joking. It's just too good to be true. 

     This unique experience was peaceful and divine. We were filled with contentment. Our Rajasthan trip had been nicely rounded off by our unscheduled visit to this holy place of pilgrimage. Yes, all the Gods had blessed us and ushered us safely, throughout our journey. I am sure that I'll definitely visit Ambaji again, in the near future.

                                 CONCLUDED
**********************************************

                                        

The copyright of this travelogue and photographs is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

This travelogue had been published in the Spice Edition of Sakaal Times, dated 1st June, 2014.

Mount Abu - In Seventh Heaven! (Part 1)

 

Twilight delight!

We had looked forward to visiting Mount Abu for its famed Dilwara Temples and scenic beauty, since a decade. Just being there gave us a high. Reaching the highest point in Mt. Abu, Guru Shikhar, with a beautiful Lord Dattatreya's temple, perched on a majestic huge rock, took us straightaway to seventh heaven! So this was heavenly bliss! We could feel the Divine aura envelop us in its cozy warmth. 

We purchased beautiful, dirt-cheap, framed prints of exquisite Rajasthani, miniature paintings as mementoes of our visit. We bought a set of 8 paintings titled, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, after each note of the classical music, which were (according to the enthusiastic salesman), to be hung on the wall, in that particular sequence only, shaped like the high and low keys of the harmonium!

Our hearts were already singing in unison! A snap clicked by our affable, smart, tourist guide, is treasured by us. It shows us in ethnic splendor, a Rajasthani ensemble complete with baubles and other accessories like the odhni and turban. Hubby and I resemble a local Rajasthani couple, in all that traditional finery.

But one has to be really fit to see Mount Abu as most of the places in our itinerary were located atop high hills, where one has to trek up and down hundreds of steep steps. Phew! As all of us managed to see all those places, our energetic guide declared that all of us were used to eating desi ghee, and were hence as fit as a fiddle! His certificate bolstered even the faint-hearted amongst us, like a fragile newly- wed bride and her over-solicitous husband!

Guru Shikhar - The highest point in Mt. Abu
Mount Abu is a small place which offers a variety of places for sight-seeing. All the 'points' can be seen in a day. The people are friendly. The climate was just right, as we went there in the second week of February. It was chilly in the nights and morning and warm in the day-time.

The Nakki lake was bewitching with all its twinkling lights at night. A restaurant shaped like a motor launch, at the edge of that vast lake, added zing to the experience.



To be continued....

The copyright of this travelogue and photographs is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

This travelogue had been published in the Spice Edition of Sakaal Times, dated 1st June, 2014.


Thursday, 27 November 2025

Priya's Vision Academy's Online/Offline, Creative/Content Writing Classes-cum-workshops

 


Priya's Vision Academy's Online/Offline, Creative/Content Writing Classes-cum-workshops 


Yes, you can also become a professional writer.

Priya's Vision Academy conducts classes-cum-workshops for those who are interested in creative writing and desire to see their names in print, one day.

All help and information will be provided regarding publications and their contact details. The participants can write in English, Hindi or Marathi. I will explain the concepts in all these three languages.
 
The contents of the classes-cum-workshops will be aspects and techniques of writing stories, articles, press-releases, travelogues, autobiographies, debates, ads and reviews. The classes/workshops will be fun-filled, interactive sessions packed with information.

Assignments will be regularly given, assessed and thoroughly analyzed. Suggestions will be given to improve the content.

Kindly note that I am a Science graduate and also have a Post-degree, Degree in Communication and Journalism from the Pune University (B.C.J.).

My poems, articles, travelogues and stories have been published in reputed newspapers like Maharashtra Herald, Pune Newsline and Sakal Times; and magazines like Woman's Era, Alive, Poona Digest, Citizen, etc. I have been writing freelance; for three decades.

I have an ad agency’s experience too! I have written copy for websites, brochures, hoardings, bill-boards and print ads.

I maintain 4 blogs. They are as follows:
Uniquepriyasvision.blogspot.com
Creativepriyasvision.blogspot.com
Radiantpriyasvision.blogspot.com
Uberrimafideslicindia.blogspot.com

I've published 28 books (either/both in e-book and paperback versions) of which 25 are available at www.amazon.com.




I'd been adjudged as the second prize-winner in a novel-writing contest organized by Vishwakarma Publications, Pune; for my debut novel 'The Mysterious Basement of Summer City'.

I had won the third prize in an essay-writing contest organized by the I.M.A., Pune; for an essay on the topic 'Should self-defense be a part of the curriculum for girls in schools?'

I was awarded the ‘Writers’ Award Certificate’ by www.penfactor.com for my story titled ‘The Baby-doll’.

Besides the above-mentioned prizes, I’ve earlier won several writing contests.

I also contribute travel-related reviews to reputed websites like www.tripadvisor.com and www.holidayiq.com.
 I am among the top 10% of reviewers from Pune, at www.tripadvisor.com.

Fees: Rs. 8000/- p.m. (Please note that the fees are payable on registration, one day in advance.)

Total Course Fees: Rs. 24000/-

Age: 10 years and above

Duration: 3 months

Days: Saturdays & Sundays (For working professionals, flexible days and timings!)

Timings: 1.5 hours

Mode: Online/Offline (The offline mode is only available for big batches of 25 or more.)

Language of instruction: English, Hindi and/or Marathi (The students may choose any language in which they are proficient, for their writings)

(These classes could also be conducted in your housing society's or institution's premises in Pune, subject to availability of 25 students or more, at mutually agreeable timings and days.)

                                        A GROUP DISCOUNT WILL BE GIVEN.

At the end of the course, the student will have a portfolio of 25 writings of various kinds, to show to their prospective employer for content-writing assignments.

 A certificate of participation will be given to each participant at the end of the class-cum-workshop.

Please don't miss this golden opportunity! Hurry! What are you waiting for?
 Enroll immediately for giving wings to your imagination and creativity! Learn the ropes from an established, award-winning author who believes that anyone with some imagination and good language skills can become a good writer. Your online reviews for my writings are most welcome!

Kindly contact: Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Please call: 9067138313

Priya's Vision Academy - Makes Your Life Blossom!






Wednesday, 26 November 2025

'God's Will' by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan - An Excerpt

 Dear friends,

          For the God-fearing people in this world, nothing in life occurs without His Will!
         
          They lead their lives with a song on their lips and a prayer in their hearts. They are hard-working folks of the soil who swear by their sweat and toil.

           Babu and Rojakutty are two such simpletons who lead a solitary existence in their village, till their paths cross.
          
           Will their destinies entwine or unravel?

Read on to find out, in my engrossing novel titled God's Will - (All the way...)


          This novel is available at www.amazon.com under a Kindle Countdown Deal till 30th November, 2025at a discount; for just $1.99.

         Kindly peruse it and let me have your invaluable feedback. You could even have a free preview at the site.
                        
                         Now 'God's Will' needs 'Your Will', to read and enjoy it!
 
         While you are it, you could even peruse my other 24 books at Amazon.
                   
 Thanks, 
Priya 

Here's the link:

Free with Kindle Unlimited membership Join Now
Available instantly
Or $2.99 to buy
Delivery Tue, Mar 12
Ships to India

E-book's cover


An Excerpt

          “Eh, you. Will you give me a lift home?” She had waved his cycle down, as if it was an auto.

          One look at her pavade-davani  clinging to her buxom figure like second skin and her glowing face like a blooming lotus, and his mind was made up.

          “Hop on.”

          “Thanks da.” Her voice was musical. Sweet yet strong. Like the twang of a mouth-organ.

          “Which place are you from?” she asked, as he struggled to pedal. She was no feather-weight beauty.

          “Nagapattinam.”

          “Oh,” she fell silent.

          “Are you working here?” she asked curiously. She had guessed that he was not a student. He was dressed like a casual laborer in a folded-up brownish-white dhoti and full-sleeved, checked shirt with the sleeves carelessly rolled up to his elbows. That attire had surely seen better days.

           Though it was raining and he was drenched just like her, he smelt of sweat and toil. A scent that she was all-too familiar with! Her own!

                             End of the Excerpt




Intrigued? Eager to find out what happens next? Do buy and read this e-book today. Don't forget to post your review on Amazon to enable me to get more readers! Thanks in anticipation, Priya

The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Sadhu T.L. Vaswani's Birthday - 25th November - International Meatless Day

                                               

                 Image courtesy: https://sadhuvaswani.org/pages/sadhu-vaswani

       

       The great visionary, poet, writer and educationist Sadhu T.L. Vaswani, founder of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, was born on 25th November, 1879.

          
          Today, his Mission has spread its wings far and wide. A staunch animal rights activist, he propagated the message of non-violence towards all living creatures. His birthday is celebrated world-wide as 'International Meatless Day' or 'International Vegetarian Day'. Several people pledge to observe this day, by abstaining from having non-vegetarian food.
               
           (By the way, why not make every day meatless?)


One of his most powerful messages was:

Religion - Let's talk of it less, practise more!

Still relevant in today's times!


My review on 'Darshan', as follows, had earlier been posted on www.tripadvisor.com.

 

Darshan - An interactive 3D show on Sadhu T.L.Vaswani's life and mission

          Yesterday, I visited Darshan, with my husband. Being an ex-student of the St. Mira's High School, I felt proud and was visibly moved when I experienced the aura of our school's Founder, Sadhu T.L. Vaswani. Indeed, his is a life to be emulated. The show was very inspiring, motivating and touching.
         
           Its venue is at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission's campus at 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Nr. G.P.O., Pune-1. The show incorporates a sound and light show, real-life mannequins, footage shot with models, tableaux with voice-overs; bringing to life the spiritual quest of Sadhu T.L.Vaswani's mission in life; and a simulated conversation with his disciple, Dada J.P.Vaswani. The visuals and acoustics are state-of-the-art and draw you into a divine experience.
           
          However, I felt that the show must include some of the achievements of the school and college too. It should also highlight all the humanitarian work carried out by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, to make the layman aware of its yeoman service to humanity.
          
          Some more time should be allotted to visitors for the touch-screen info, as it is voluminous and will involve detailed reading. But overall, it was an overwhelming and sublime experience, one that we would like to repeat again and again. A must-watch!
          
          The timings of the show are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The show's duration is 100 minutes. The last show is a fast-track one that runs for 60 minutes. The entry is free. It's open for visitors of ages 3 years and above.
          
          The premises are spic and span, green and peaceful. The founder's Samadhi nearby can be visited too. Excellent arrangements are available for the visitors, such as a waiting area with seating, washrooms and a wheel-chair facility for the infirm/handicapped persons. The staff is very courteous, patient and helpful.
          
          A book written by Sadhu T.L.Vaswani titled 'The Life Beautiful - A book of daily readings', is given to each visitor, free of cost, after the show. Visitors are requested to give their feedback in the visitors' register.
         
          Kindly visit the website www.darshan.net.in for more details.

         The copyright of this review is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Monday, 24 November 2025

God's Will by Priya Ramesh Swaminathan - Kindle Discount Offer, November 2025

 

                                                     Collage created by me with the help of Canva.com

Dear friends,

          For the God-fearing people in this world, nothing in life occurs without His Will! They lead

 their lives with a song on their lips and a prayer in their hearts. They are hard-working folks of the

 soil who swear by their sweat and toil.

           Babu and Rojakutty are two such simpletons who lead a solitary existence in their village, till

 their paths cross.
          
           Will their destinies entwine or unravel?

           Read on to find out, in my engrossing novel titled God's Will - (All the way...) set

 in picturesque Kerala. Roja Kutti and Babu eagerly await you with offerings of fresh 

fish and coconuts...


This e-book will be available for just $1.99 from 25th to 30th November, 2025

at www.amazon.com.

Hurry!

Have a traditional 'sadhya' meal and settle down for a relaxing and enthralling reading

 session with this unusual romance novel. Don't forget to post your online review, dear

 readers! May God bless us all! Thanks. Priya

Here are the links to both e-book and paperback versions:

https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Will-Priya-Ramesh-Swaminathan-ebook/dp/B07V6SHRM9/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

2 results
$0.00
Free with Kindle Unlimited membershipBuy for $2.99


$13.99
New

God's Will: All the way...ISBN-13978-1079213225

#kindlebooks #discount #25thto30thNovember2025 #romance #novel #author #coach #priyarameshswaminathan #godswill #alltheway #onlinecreativewritingcourse #priyasvisionacademy #coconut #fish #curry #Emami #kathakali #dance #Kerala #Onam #festival #life #lovers #malayalam #malayali #boat #nature#awardwinningauthor #uniquepriyasvisionblog

The copyright of this book is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Plagiarists, BEWARE! 

You, (as well as anyone who aids and abets you), will be prosecuted for Copyright Infringement.

One such case is already on its way....