Remembering Akanksha Sachan: A Trailblazer in the Indian Cosplay Scene

 December 30, 1993 - August 2, 2023

The world of cosplay mourns the loss of Akanksha Sachan, a trailblazing figure in the Indian cosplay community. Born on December 30, 1993, Akanksha's journey was one of passion, creativity, and a deep love for all things fantastical. Her untimely passing on August 2, 2023, left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her admirers, friends, and fellow cosplayers.

A Legacy of Creativity and Dedication

Hailing from Lucknow and later based in Delhi, Akanksha's artistic journey began during her college years at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata, where she honed her skills in fine arts. Her interest in cosplay grew out of a fusion of her fascination with anime, comics, and video games, along with her talent for design. She embarked on a remarkable journey that would see her rise to become a revered name in the world of cosplay. Akanksha's journey as a cosplayer began in 2010 (One of the first pro cosplayers in India). In an era when the concept of cosplay was still nascent in the country, she stood as a trailblazer. Her early days were characterized by a struggle to explain her unique craft, often having to educate others about what cosplay truly meant. 

Her perseverance ultimately led to her being invited as a celebrity guest to major events, where she not only showcased her extraordinary work but also inspired countless others to embrace their passions without hesitation. From cosplays that flawlessly captured the essence of beloved characters to gaming videos that resonated with fans, Akanksha's dedication and talent shone through in everything she did. Her cosplays were more than costumes; they were immersive portrayals that breathed life into the characters she loved.

A Star on the Global Stage

Cosplayers - Li Harper, Akanksha Sachan, Michelle Krikowa, Yamaki Yama and Michelle Krikowa 

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Akanksha's dedication to her craft earned her recognition not only within India but also on the international stage. She and her former cosplaying partner Aorin Shariyari formed the dynamic duo "Star Guardians," captivating audiences with their impeccable cosplays at events and competitions throughout the country. Her talents led her to represent India at the esteemed World Cosplay Summit 2018 in Nagoya, Japan, showcasing her prowess to a global audience.

Her creative flair extended beyond the realm of cosplay. She established Sachan Design, a luxury costume boutique that offered embroidery design, custom prints, and worldwide shipping. Her commitment to craftsmanship and design was evident in every piece she created. Her designs were sought after not only by fellow cosplayers but also by those who admired her artistic sensibilities.

A Community Builder and Mentor

Akanksha's impact on the cosplay community went beyond her stunning cosplays and designs. She was known for her kindness, willingness to mentor newcomers, and her passion for sharing her knowledge. Her online presence, with over 80,000 followers on Facebook and 30,000 on Instagram, showcased her ability to connect with fellow enthusiasts and cosplayers around the world. Her Twitch livestreams, where she engaged in crafting sessions and gaming, further solidified her position as a beloved figure in the community.

Akanksha's sudden passing due to an anaphylactic shock to anesthesia has left the community in shock and mourning. Fond memories and heartfelt tributes poured in from all corners of the world, a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

Nagpur Anime Club shared, "Her legacy will continue to live on through the passion she ignited in others, the memories we shared together, and the positive impact she had on our lives. We will remember her as a guiding light, a friend who walked along with us, and a cosplay guru who believed in our potential."

Cosplayers and friends alike expressed their sorrow and memories, remembering Akanksha as a beacon of inspiration and creativity. The impact she had on the lives of those she touched was immeasurable.

Awards and Accolades

ESL Cosplay Competition Winner 2017 (Delhi Comic Con)

India Gaming Show Cosplay Competition Winner 2017

World Cosplay Championship 2018 India Prelims Co-Winner

Represented India in World Cosplay Summit 2018, Japan

Multiple Regional Cosplay Championships Winner (2011-2023)

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As we reflect on Akanksha Sachan's life and contributions, we are reminded of her remarkable ability to turn her passion into a thriving career and a source of inspiration for countless others. Her memory will continue to live on through the characters she embodied, the designs she created, and the lives she touched.

In the words of one of her friends, "Rest in peace in a better place, Sachan...one day we'll meet again." Akanksha Sachan's light may have dimmed, but it will forever shine in the hearts of the cosplay community and beyond.

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Comics Character League 2023 by ICUFC: A Triumph of Fandom and Excellence

 

In the dynamic world of Indian comic book enthusiasts, where heroes and villains come to life through imagination, the Comics Character League 2023 emerged as a testament to the dedication, knowledge, and passion of fans. This first annual event, organized by the Indian Comics Universe Fan Club (ICUFC), transformed ordinary enthusiasts into extraordinary participants, resulting in an unforgettable celebration of comic lore and competitive spirit.

Round 2 match between finalists

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Another Round 2 Match between Team 5 and Team 8, Sachin and Rishabh clashed again later in third place play-off

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The league's journey began with an online quiz, a proving ground where dozens of fans put their comic knowledge to the test. From this pool of fervent followers, eight exceptional individuals emerged as chosen warriors, their selection a result of their unparalleled mastery of the comic universe. Each participants selected 15 different characters in different categories like side kicks, foreign superheroes, Indian superheroes, villains etc. All participants were allowed to change couple of characters during the league as per changing league scenario and future opponents remaning characters.

The finals saw a gripping showdown between two worthy contenders, Prahalad Dubey and Manoj Kumar Garg, representing Teams 7 and 2 respectively. With their chosen characters, Billoo and Fighter Toads in the first final, and Mowgli and Jambu in the second, the stage was set for a clash of titans. The rounds leading to the finals had been intense, with narrow victories, setting the tone for an epic culmination. However, the finals took an unexpected turn. Contrary to predictions, Prahalad Dubey showcased remarkable dominance, emerging victorious with a staggering 25% and 39% margin in the two finals. This impressive performance not only secured his championship but also showcased his strategic prowess and deep understanding of his characters' strengths.

Final league standings of the Comics Character League 2023 with wins-losses-(Ties):

Champion - Prahalad Dubey (Team 7), 7-4*

Runner-up - Manoj Kumar Garg (Team 2), 6-4-(1)*

3) - Sachin Kumar (Team 5), 5-5-(1)

4) - Rishabh Tiwari (Team 8), 5-5-(1)

5) - Mohan Lal Maurya (Team 6), 4-5

6) - Saransh Rishi (Team 4), 4-5

7) - Pritesh Chakraborty (Team 3), 4-5

8) - Prakash Sharma (Team 1), 3-5-(1)

*Counting Final as one match.

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[I sponsored prizes for 5th and 6th place participants after consolation bracket round.]

Beyond the results and winners, the Comics Character League 2023 was a celebration of fandom, passion, and excellence. From an online quiz to a grand finale, the journey of these chosen warriors illuminated the power of comic culture and the unity it brings to fans across the spectrum. This event stood as a testament to the incredible heights that fandom and dedication can achieve, turning fans into icons and transforming an ordinary league into an extraordinary celebration of all things comics.

एक लड़की जो कला और रंगों से जादू करती है - ज्योति सिंह (साक्षात्कार)

मोदीनगर निवासी ज्योति सिंह कई सालों से और कई विधाओं, शैलियों में कला के क्षेत्र में सक्रिय हैं। पेंटिंग, कॉमिक्स, डिजिटल आर्ट, कलरिंग में अक्सर उनका कोई न कोई काम प्रकाशित होता रहता है। वे एक फ्रीलांस आर्टिस्ट के तौर पर एक समय में कई प्रकाशनों के लिए काम करती रही हैं। ज्योति कई नए कलाकारों का मार्गदर्शन भी करती हैं। विश्व पुस्तक मेला 2023 में उनसे फिर मिलना हुआ और काफ़ी बातें हुई। 

Q. अपने परिवार के बारे में बताएं।

ज्योति - परिवार में माता पिता भैया भाभी हैं। पिताजी का फोटोग्राफी का बिज़नेस है और मां अध्यापिका हैं। पिताजी ने हमेशा बहुत प्यार किया है और करते हैं और मां तो फिर मां होती है । मुझे शिक्षित करने में मां ने हमेशा प्रेरित किया है। घर में सारे लोग बहुत caring and supportive हैं। 

Q. कला से लगाव कब से है और इस बीच आपको क्या क्या उपलब्धियां मिली?

ज्योति - बचपन से कला के साथ एक अलग रिश्ता रहा है। मैं बचपन से इंट्रोवर्ट रही हूं शांत रहती थी लेकिन peace of mind के लिए हमेशा आर्ट का सहारा लिया। कभी दुखी होती थी तो किसी को नहीं बताती थी बस पेपर पेंसिल मेरे लिए थेरेपी का काम करते थे। हालांकि इसे करियर की तरह नहीं सोचा था it was something i loved to do in my leisure time but when I was in my last semester of BBA मैंने कुछ फेमस आर्टिस्ट का काम देखा social media पर और उन्हें कॉपी करने की कोशिश की और धुन कुछ ऐसी लगी कि Institute of fine arts से एक साल का diploma कर लिया। और उसके बाद my hobby became my addiction. Mental peace achieve करने के साथ साथ मैंने नेशनल लेवल पर अलग अलग states में group exhibition में participate किया है जिसमे 15 से ज़्यादा certificates and medals हैं।

I have worked as a digital colorist with some renowned children book publishers while studying at college and currently doing digital colorist freelancing.

Q. आपके करियर में बड़ा बदलाव / टर्निंग पॉइंट कब आया?

ज्योति - After completing my post graduation I worked for an MNC for three years but उसकी वजह से आर्ट को ज़्यादा वक्त़ नहीं दे पा रही थी सिर्फ वीकेंड पर ही कुछ काम हो पाता था चूंकि मेरा रहना गुड़गांव में था तो ज़्यादा वक्त़ मिलता नहीं था लेकिन lockdown में मुझे आर्ट के साथ रिश्ता बहाल करने का मौका मिला और मैंने महसूस किया कि इसके अलावा कोई काम मेरे लिए ऐसा नहीं है जो मैं इतनी खुशी से कर सकूं जितना कि आर्ट तब से इसे फुल टाइम जॉब बना लिया। मैं समझती हूं ये मेरी ज़िंदगी या करियर का टर्निंग पॉइंट था।

Q. किन क्रिएटिव लोगों का आपके जीवन पर बड़ा प्रभाव पड़ा है?

ज्योति - बहुत से लोग रहे है जो ज़िंदगी के किसी न किसी मोड़ पर मेरी प्रेरणा बने हैं सब के नाम ले पाना मेरे लिए मुश्किल है मगर कुछ लोग हैं जिन्हें मैं समझती हूं कि अपनी फील्ड के माहिर लोग हैं और उनका impact मेरे ऊपर बहुत ज़्यादा है जिनमें Lalit Sharma ji, Pradeep Sherawat ji, Vijay Sharma ji, Jagdish Kumar Ji,  Dildeep Singh ji, Abhishek Malsuni ji, Hemant ji, Vinod uncle आदि है। 

 Q. अपने शहर मोदीनगर के बारे में कुछ बताएं। यहां की कौनसी बातें और जगहें आपको पसंद हैं?  

ज्योति - Honestly speaking मैंने मोदीनगर ज़्यादा explore नहीं किया है मगर कुछ ऐसी जगहें हैं जहां मैं अक्सर जाती रहती हूं उनमें से एक मशहूर मोदी मंदिर है जहां सुकून है शांति है cultural parks हैं यहां जहां मैं evening walk करती हूं। मोदी नगर में काफी अच्छे collages हैं। अब तो मेट्रो भी शुरू होने वाली है। I am happy कि मेरा शहर तेज़ी से तरक्की कर रहा है। 

Q. बहुत से आर्टिस्ट को पता नहीं होता कि वे नौकरी या काम के लिए कहां से सही शुरुआत करें, उनको आप क्या सलाह देंगी?

ज्योति - ये सभी के साथ होता है क्योंकि एक आर्टिस्ट आर्ट को बिजनेस समझ कर शुरू नही करता लेकिन वक्त के साथ उसे अहसास होता है कि वो अपने passion को profession में तब्दील कर ले। इसके लिए ज़रूरी है कि आप ये determine करे आप जॉब करना चाहते हैं या अपना आर्ट वर्क करना चाहते हैं। जॉब के लिए आपको market scenario पता करना पड़ेगा कि किस तरह की आर्ट relevent है कौन से courses और certificates आपके लिए helpful हो सकते हैं आपका forte क्या है linkedin नौकरी. कॉम जैसे पोर्टल्स पर कनेक्शन बनाना वगैरह मतलब कि बहुत कठिन है डगर पनघट की। मगर आपका कला के प्रति समर्पण ज़रूरी है । Everything thrives on gradually तो हो जायेगा करते करते। आर्ट के सफर का मज़ा लीजिए हो जायेगा you just need to be dedicated and aware about what you are upto. 

Q. ट्रेडिशनल आर्ट और डिजिटल आर्ट में से आपको क्या ज़्यादा पसंद है और क्यों?

ज्योति - हर फूल की अपनी खुशबू होती है इसलिए मुझे तो दोनों ही बहुत पसंद है। अलग तरह का फील है दोनो forms में । हालांकि शुरू शुरू में मुझे डिजिटल बिल्कुल पसंद नहीं था शायद इसलिए कि मेरा ज़्यादा वक्त पेंसिल पेपर के साथ बीता लेकिन अब मेरी सोच बदली है डिजिटल में आपके पास एक्सपेरिमेंट करने की आज़ादी है टाइम की बचत है कभी भी कर सकते हैं। Earning के chances डिजिटल में ज़्यादा और आसान हैं वहीं ट्रेडिशनल आर्ट में focus imagination time dedication आदि की ज़रूरत पड़ती है so i am comfortable in both forms now.

Q. कलरिंग करते समय आप किन बातों का ध्यान रखती हैं?

ज्योति - I m just a learner तो मैं आजकल सीख रही हूं कि theme के according कौनसे colour selection लेने चाहिए और grey scale पर कैसे काम किया जाता है. Story और mood के according कैसे colour choose करने चाहिए।

Q. आपके सबसे हिट प्रोजेक्ट्स कौनसे रहे हैं और आने वाले समय में आपके कौनसे प्रोजेक्ट्स आ रहे हैं?

ज्योति - मेरे लिए तो मेरी हर आर्ट मेरे दिल के करीब है लेकिन मैं समझती हूं कि आपका सबसे अच्छा काम वो है जिसमें आप अपने भाव को देखने वाले तक पहुंचाने में कामयाब हुए हैं। ऐसी ही एक painting जो मैंने अपने drawing room में लगाई हुई है भगवान कृष्ण और मीरा की । It was also my first painting on Canvas.

आने वाले प्रोजेक्ट्स की फेहरिस्त लंबी है मैने कई कॉमिक्स प्रकाशन के लिए cover page design किए है कई कॉमिक्स जिनकी कलरिंग मैंने की है आने वाले हैं लेकिन खास तौर पर मैं Reva 2 और shadow blade के लिए excited हूं।

Q. ऐसे आर्टवर्क या प्रोजेक्ट जो आपके दिल के करीब हों, लेकिन ज़्यादा लोगों तक नहीं पहुंच पाए?

ज्योति - जी हैं कुछ ऐसी पेंटिंग्स जो मैंने लॉकडाउन में बनाई है और कुछ पहले की भी है जो शायद अधूरी अधूरी ही हैं मुझे लगता है कि भविष्य में वो भी किसी exhibition का हिस्सा बनें। 

Q. आपकी पसंदीदा कॉमिक्स कौनसी हैं?

ज्योति - अब तो कॉमिक्स पढ़ने का मामला कम कम ही होता है ज़्यादा तर तो मैं उसके आर्टिस्टिक पहलुओं पर गौर करती हूं मगर बचपन में काफी कॉमिक्स पढ़ी हैं जिनमें चाचा चौधरी बिल्लू पिंकी ध्रुव नागराज वगैरा मेरी पसंदीदा कॉमिक्स रही हैं।

Q. आपकी सबसे मशहूर पेंटिंग के बारे में बताएं।

ज्योति - मेरे लिए तो मीरा और कृष्ण की पेंटिंग मेरी सबसे ज़्यादा मशहूर पेंटिंग है बहुत सारी exhibition का हिस्सा रही बहुत से लोगों ने इसे खरीदने की इच्छा ज़ाहिर की मगर मेरा इसे बेचने का बिल्कुल भी मन है क्योंकि मेरा मानना है कि आपका सबसे अच्छा काम आपके सामने होना चाहिए जिससे आपको और अच्छा करने का मोटिवेशन मिले तो फिलहाल ये पेंटिंग घर के ड्राइंग रूम की शोभा बढ़ा रही है।

Q. फुल टाइम जॉब और फ्रीलांस काम में क्या अंतर है और इनमें आप किसे बेहतर मानती हैं?

ज्योति - सबसे बड़ा अंतर आज़ादी का है फुल टाइम जॉब में आप एक schedule से bound होते है जबकि फ्रीलांस में अपनी साहूलत और शर्तों के साथ आप जीविका अर्जित करते हैं। लेकिन मैं नए आने वालों को मशवरा दूंगी कि वे ज़रूर जॉब करें ताकि उन्हें ज़्यादा लोगों से मिलने का और उनके काम को और उसे करने के तरीक़े को देखने का मौक़ा मिले। ये उनके लिए काफी फायदेमंद learning experience रहेगा। 

Q. कोविड-19 के बाद आपके जीवन में क्या बदलाव आए हैं?

ज्योति - सबसे बड़ा बदलाव तो ये कि nothing is permanent in this world इसी वजह से शायद मैं ज़्यादा down to earth हों रही हूं  चूंकि मैंने अपने करीबी लोगों को खोया है इसलिए अब ज़्यादा देर नाराज़ नहीं रहती किसी से। शायरी की तरफ झुकाव हुआ है जिसकी वजह से imagination level increase हुआ है। Work from home की वजह से आर्ट वर्क ज़्यादा कर पाई। Overall mixed experience रहा post कोविड 19। शायद इसी का नाम ज़िंदगी है सुख और दुख के समागम का नाम। बदलाव आए है लेकिन ज़रूरी ये है कि हम हर गुज़रते दिन के साथ अपने आपको सकारात्मक बदलाव की तरफ ले कर चलें।

Q. आर्ट के अलावा आप कुछ अन्य कम्युनिटी से भी जुड़ी हुई हैं, उनके बारे में बताएं।

ज्योति - जी आर्ट के अलावा और कुछ NGOs हैं जिनसे मैं जुड़ी हुई हूं जिसमें स्पाइनल कॉर्ड इंजरी से related awareness प्रोग्राम और दिव्यांग लोगों की मदद की जाती है। इसी तरह मोटिवेशनल मॉडलिंग भी करती रहती हूं मेरे साथ काफी लोग जुड़े हुए है जिनकी वजह से इस तरह के अच्छे कामों का मैं भी हिस्सा बन जाती हूं। मेरे कुछ मित्र para athlete international players भी है जिनकी वजह से sports events से भी जुड़ाव है।

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#ज़हन

The Symphony of Bitterness (Poem)

June 2023

 In the looking glass of life, behold,

A reflection of stories, both bitter and bold.

Within the depths of our mirrored soul,

A symphony of flavors, a journey untold.

Gaze upon the glass, what do you see?

A tapestry of self, woven uniquely.

Love, cherish, and honor thy own,

For you are the seed that has fully grown.

In the depths of taste, bitter takes hold,

A metaphor for challenges, strong and bold.

Mother's hand adds bittersweet to the feast,

A symbol of love, nourishing the least.

Embrace the bitter, a teacher profound,

Lessons learned in its depths can be found.

For within its taste, resilience takes flight,

Nourishing our spirit with wisdom's light.

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Second Golden Mikes Award: Super Yoddha

 

The audio series "Super Yoddha" captivated audiences and emerged as the winner of the prestigious Golden Mikes Award (Silver) in the Sci-Fi category in 2023. 

Synospis - A talented young prodigy defies expectations by achieving the highest rank within a prestigious 100-year-old clan, establishing a new benchmark for excellence. However, his triumphant moment is abruptly cut short when he is unexpectedly stripped of his rank, leaving him devastated and his clan's honor compromised. Just as hope seems lost, his devoted fiancé steps in, offering him a chance at redemption. To reclaim his position and restore the clan's honor, he must face formidable challenges with high stakes and formidable odds. This thrilling quest becomes not only a test of his skills and resilience but also a testament to the unyielding loyalty and love that binds him to his fiancé and the honor of his clan.

Website screengrab credits

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Team's second Golden Mikes Award this year.

Happy Mother's Day - A Valuable Lesson

 Happy Mother's Day! 

My mother, Shrimati Kamlesh, taught me a valuable lesson when I was young - to respect every individual, no matter who they are or what they do. She believed that being a law-abiding, hard-working human was enough reason to show respect to someone, regardless of their social status. In Hindi language, there are two words for "You" - "Aap" and "Tu / Tum". "Aap" is considered the respectful form of address.

I noticed that people around me were surprised and confused when I addressed workers or domestic help with "Aap". They would often ask me why I was showing them so much respect. To which, I would simply ask them back, "Why not?". For me, it was a matter of principle - I believed that every individual deserved to be treated with respect, regardless of their profession or social status. Using "Aap" was my way of acknowledging their worth and showing that I valued them as a human being. Looking back, I'm grateful for the lesson my mother taught me and the values she instilled in me. It has helped me become a better person and treat everyone with the respect they deserve. #mothersday #mom

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Reuters Training Course: Introduction to Digital Journalism (Meta Journalism Project)

 Credential URL

The course has been informative and has given me valuable insights into various aspects of digital journalism, including news gathering, writing, and publishing.

However, I must say that there is always scope for improvement in any training content. While I found the course to be comprehensive, I think it's important to address the issue of false balance and bias in journalism in couple of examples cited in a module.

#ReutersTraining #digitaljournalism #Metajournalismproject

New Fiction Audio Series

Hello everyone!

I'm happy to provide a quick update on my most recent job assignments. Apart from Chanakya and few testing shows, I'm currently working on four fascinating audio series with some really amazing writers and voice-over artists: "Super Yoddha," "Sword God," "Zero to Hero," and "Sherdil." First few episodes of every series are free, only on Pocket FM Website and App!

Super Yoddha (New Poster)

Zero to Hero (New Poster)

Each series has its own tale and cast of people, and we've worked hard to bring these worlds to life with engaging scripts, amazing voice acting, and immersive sound effects.

Writers - Apurva Anitya, S. Sridhar, Manisha Agarwal, Saurabh Nishad, Nidhi, Surbhi, and Shubham.

World Book Fair 2023, New Delhi Day 1-2 Highlights

 
Feb 26, 2023

It was an absolute pleasure to have met so many of you at our H2, 234 stall during the book fair. As an author, connecting with both familiar faces and new readers is always a highlight for me, and this event was certainly no exception. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Shubhanand, Himanshu Mishra, Vishi Sinha, Jyoti Singh, Abhiraj, Mit Gupta, Vikas Nainwal, Anurag Yadav, Alok Kumar, Manmohan Bhatia, Sidharth Arora, Lalit, and Pawan for visiting my stall and engaging in such meaningful discussions with me.

Furthermore, I had an incredible time collaborating with my co-authors and launching eight anthologies at the "Flairs and Glairs Publication" stall located in Hall 5. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our collective work and passion for literature to readers, and I am grateful for the experience.

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#WorldBookFair #WBF2023 #BookFair #Anthologies #Collaboration #ReadingCommunity #BookLovers #BookWorms #WritingCommunity #AuthorGoals #Publishing #mohitness #mohit_trendster #Grateful #Thankful

Upcoming Event - World Book Fair 2023, New Delhi

It's truly an honor to be invited to attend the World Book Fair 2023 as a guest of multiple publications. As someone who has dedicated their life to writing, it's a dream come true to be able to connect with fellow book lovers and industry professionals. I'm humbled by the recognition from these publications, and I hope to make the most of this opportunity by sharing my knowledge and learning from others. The book fair is always a wonderful celebration of the written word, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it.

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Preprations...

My books as an author and editor will also be available there! If you're interested in picking up a copy, you can find 'Colorblind Balam', 'Kuch Meter Par Zindagi', 'Weekend Wali Kavita', 'Ibadat Ishq ki', and a few anthologies.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey! विश्व पुस्तक मेले में आपसे मुलाकात होगी।

#worldbookfair #WorldBookFair2023 #delhi #books #literature #mohitness #mohit_trendster #ज़हन #मोहित_शर्मा_ज़हन #पुस्तकमेला #भारत #दिल्ली #colorblindbalam #kuchmeterparzindagi #anthology

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