True Love, a Short Story by Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

Ritu and Parvatesh had met again after years, their sudden reunion in the chilly Delhi winter feeling like a divine coincidence. It had been nearly eight years since they last saw each other.

"You here?" Ritu asked, surprised.

"After joining the Income Tax Department, I was appointed here...and you?" Parvatesh replied, curious.

"Just like that," Ritu said briefly, falling silent.

Both of them got lost in memories of their past, reminiscing about their college days, visits to parks and restaurants, and fun times together. However, their happiness was short-lived, as the painful memories of their separation resurfaced. They recalled the Bollywood-esque drama of their breakup and Ritu's subsequent marriage to Nitin, an engineer, as per her father's wishes.

Despite having a child, Parvatesh had never forgotten Ritu. Overwhelmed with emotions upon reuniting, he tried to hug her, but Ritu pushed him away, aware of her boundaries.

"What are you doing, Parvatesh? I belong to someone else, and you do too. Please respect our limits," she said.

Parvatesh looked crestfallen. "Didn't you truly love me? Have you forgotten me?" he asked.

Ritu's response was poignant. "I still love you truly, and I haven't forgotten you. However, Parvatesh, true love seeks intimacy of the soul, not just physical closeness. The Creator has bound me to someone else, and I must honor that commitment. Perhaps your love was tainted by worldly desires, which is why I couldn't be your life partner."

In that moment, Parvatesh grasped the true meaning of love.

© Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer

Fatehpur, UP, India 

editorsgveer@gmail.com

■

Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer is a celebrated author, storyteller, critic, reviewer, and editor. His captivating narratives have enthralled global readers, transcending borders and languages. As an accomplished editor, Dr. Veer has curated over two dozen literary books and magazines, shaping the literary landscape. He champions innovation through Micropoetry Cosmos and The Fatehpur Resolution. His stories feature rich imagery, emotional depth, and universal themes, showcasing his mastery of language and narrative craft. A literary icon, Dr. Veer's contributions have inspired new generations, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary literature. His dedication to storytelling cements his leading position.

Banished Dreams, a Poem by Rafia Bukhari

It was an everlasting impression.
Every lock was impacted by rust
Carrying a loss was a profession
All dreams were covered by dust. 

The dashed dreams were kept
The eyes remained wide-open
whenever broken being slept,
The interpretation was stolen.

It arrived early in the morning,
The letter containing the content    
The bond unbroken till the ending,
Banished dreams life to be meant.
- Rafia Bukhari 
Pakistan 

Rafia Bukhari is a Pakistani author and poet who writes in English. born in Larkana, Sindh, on June 15. "The Painful Payment" (2021) and "A Flight of Broken Wings" (2023), her two English poetry books, have already been released. Her books have been well received, even though there are not many English-speaking people in the area. Her poetry frequently finds inspiration in nature, especially in the setting sun. Her poems typically depict internal conflict that results in self-discovery.

She has also translated between forty and fifty sindhi short stories in English. A number of these translations have already been released, and more will be added shortly. At Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, she is currently working toward her MPhil in English with a focus on Shah Abdul Bhittai's Risalo into English.

MY LATEST DREAM, A POEM BY PROF. LJILJANA SAMARDŽIĆ

[Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić]

MY LATEST DREAM

I dreamed about my mother,
I saw her clearly,
strong and pretty
with a bright face,
as she looked
before losing her husband
and later her son...

Like once upon a time,
interestingly she spoke,
and I was just smiling...
Mom was making something,
and I was helping...
The phone was also heard...
Mom answered and said,
'here she is, a moment, please.'
 Passing the receiver to me,
 she whispered,
'your guy'...
I hear his cheerful voice,
he's asking, 'how are you, 
what are you doing.'
'Nothing special,
 we work and talk in the kitchen.'
'And how are you?'
I'm too shy in front of my Mom
to add, 'my love.'
Through a smile, he's responding,
'great, when are you coming,
 I want to come for you.'
At that moment, I wake up,
and this beautiful dream disperse...

As I rub my eyes,
I smile, I feel calm,
blessed is my soul...
A wonderful start to the new day!

Happy that I dreamed about my mother,
for the first time since she has gone,
almost seventeen years ago,
I thought,
what was the message of this dream...
Soon, the first answer comes...
I am not alone,
I will be protected for ever,
by my Mom,
she lives in me,
as I had lived in her,
before she brought me
into this world.

And how could He appear in a dream
about my Mom?
She had passed away
long before I met him.
Did she come to my dream
to teach me,
be nice to that gentleman,
or,
be careful, he is admired by many women...

I haven't solved this dilemma yet,
but I realized that
the message of the dream 
isn't important so much.
What's important is that I feel
safety, warmth and happiness,
whenever I think of it.
My recent dream gives me strength
in these hard times...!
-Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić
Novi Sad, Serbia 

Critical Acclaim:
This enchanting poem is a heartfelt tribute to the divine aura of motherhood. The wings of memories soar in the sky of emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul. The emotional resonance, harmonized with aesthetic appeal, evokes a deep sense of connection, touching the heart intimately. The poem stirs emotions and memories, transporting us to a realm of nostalgia and introspection. The verses celebrate the selfless spirit of motherhood, weaving a tapestry of love, care, and devotion. This poetic ode is a testament to the transformative power of art, reminding us that simple yet profound emotions can be expressed through beautiful language. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the unconditional love of a mother.
- Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer
Editor 

[Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer]

Serbian Version of the Poem:

MOJ ZADNJI SAN

Sanjala sam svoju majku,
i jasno je vidjela,
stamenu i lijepu,
vedroga lica,
kao što je izgledala
prije gubitka muža, 
a potom i sina...

Kao i nekada davno,
zanimljivo je pričala,
ja sam se samo smješkala...
Mama je nešto pravila,
a ja joj pomagala...
Čuo se i telefon....
Mama se javila i rekla, 'tu je, momenat.'
Dodajući mi slušalicu, šapnula je, 
'tvoj dasa'...
Čujem njegov vedri glas, 
pita, 'kako ste, šta radite.'
'Ništa posebno,
spremamo u kuhinji i pričamo.
A ti, kako si?'
Pred majkom me stid
da dodam, 'moja ljubavi'.
On, kroz osmijeh, odgovara,
'odlično,
kada dolazite, 
želim da vas dočekam.'
U tom trenu se probudim,
rasprši mi se ovaj prelijepi san...

Dok trljam oči,
smiješim se, spokojna,
duša mi blažena...
Divan početak novoga dana!

Srećna što sam svoju majku sanjala, 
prvi put otkako je nema, 
skoro sedamnaest godina,
pomislih,
šta je poruka ovoga sna...
Prvi odgovor mi se javlja...
Nisam sama,
vječno će me čuvati 
moja mama,
ona živi u meni
kao što sam ja živjela u njoj,
dok me nije na ovaj svijet donijela.

A kako to da mi se
u snu sa majkom
i On javlja?
Mama je otišla iz ovoga života
mnogo prije nego sam njega srela.
Da li mi je u san došla majka
da bi me poučila,
prema tom gospodinu budi fina,
ili, 
pazi se, on je miljenik mnogih žena...

Ovu dilemu još nisam razriješila,
ali shvatih,
nije toliko važna poruka sna.
Važno je da osjećam 
sigurnost, toplinu i sreću
kad god pomislim na njega.
Moj nedavni san daje mi snagu
u ovim teškim vremenima...!

-Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić
Novi Sad, Srbija

[In the picture, Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić and her mother for New Year 1997/8, at Nada's, her late brother's wife's, in Bačka Palanka, Serbia. Her beautiful Mom passed away in 2008.]

KRISTAQ F SHABANI IN HINDI, TRANSLATED BY DR. SHAILESH GUPTA VEER

[Poet: Kristaq F Shabani]

कविता, जीवन की एक चिकित्सा
कविता:
समय और स्थान का
सर्वाधिक सुन्दर द्वैत,
आत्मा का साइडर,
विचारों की बुनावट का एक उत्पाद,
सबसे सनसनीखेज
और रंग-रूप का दुर्लभ प्रस्फोट,
लावा,
उत्साह का प्रदर्शन 
अधिक सकारात्मक ऊर्जा के साथ,
रंगों से परे एक इंद्रधनुष…
ख़ूबसूरत अज्ञात की 
यात्रा की शुरुआत का एक ट्रिगर
एन्जिल्स का नृत्य, प्रेम गीत, देवदूतों का एक वर्ग
स्वर्ग के महत्वपूर्ण दृश्यों में नृत्य करती अप्सराएँ
हरीतिमा आच्छादित नदी में फूल,
कविता, आत्मा का एक पोषक तत्व,
कविता ज्यों देह में आत्मा  
"फँसे हुए" विरोध का एक ट्रिगर,
कृपा की रोशनी,
रसातल में न फेंकने की एक अपील,
विपत्तियों से बचाव,
अविस्मरणीयता का प्रतीक
कविता मौत को मौत के ताबूत पर लिटा देती है...
कविता, जीवन की एक चिकित्सा।
- क्रिस्टाक एफ शबानी 
अल्बानिया
(हिन्दी अनुवाद: डॉ. शैलेष गुप्त 'वीर'
भारत)

[Translator: Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer]

POETRY, A THERAPY OF LIFE
The poetry:
The most fantastic duet 
of time and space
The soul’s cider,
A product of thought’s embroidery,
The most sensational 
and rarest burst of coloration,
Lava, 
Release of fervor
 with more positive energy,
A rainbow beyond colors…
A trigger of the beginning 
of a journey to the beautiful unknown 
Angels' dancing, love cantatas, 
a Class of Prophets   
Oreads' dancing in vital scenes of Heavens
Flowers in the river of greenness, 
Poetry, a nutrient of the soul, 
like soul in body 
A trigger of the "trapped" protest, 
Illumination of graces, 
An appeal for non throwing into abysses, 
Avoidance of deadfalls,
A symbol of unforgetfulness 
The poetry causes death to lie onto the coffin of death…
Poetry, a therapy of life.
- KRISTAQ F SHABANI 
ALBANIA 

International Education Conference Wraps Up with Key Takeaways

Education shapes character and cultivates a rich cultural life : Dr. Shailesh

A Two-Day International Conference on "Educational Values and Consciousness Embedded in Vedic and Post -Vedic Thought" was successfully held on March 21-22, 2025, via virtual mode. The conference was jointly organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Modern College of Professional Studies, Mohan Nagar Ghaziabad, Amrit Manthan Welfare Society, Ghaziabad, and Madhavi Foundation, Lucknow.

The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Nisha Singh, Principal of Modern College of Professional Studies. She warmly welcomed the conference chairman, Dr. Mithilesh Dixit (Founder and Chairman, Madhavi Foundation, Lucknow); keynote speaker, Dr. Prashant Arve (Chairman, Department of History, Ramjas College, Delhi University); special guest, Ras Acharya Dr. E Made (Ambassador, International Academy of Arts and Culture, Bali, Indonesia); chief guest, Dr. Inder Jeet Sharma (Founder, International Hindi Committee, USA); and other esteemed guests.

In her welcome speech, Prof. (Dr.) Nisha Singh emphasized that the Vedic education system was not merely a collection of information but a comprehensive philosophy of life that provided a new direction to knowledge and morality. Dr. Mithilesh Dixit, while shedding light on the evolution of the education system from the Vedic period to the modern era, described education as a sacred medium of knowledge and stressed the importance of value consciousness in education.

Keynote speaker Dr. Prashant Arve noted that the Vedic and post-Vedic education systems focused on the development of the complete personality of an individual, rather than merely accumulating knowledge. Following the inaugural session, various technical sessions were conducted, featuring research presentations on sub-topics related to educational values, morality, technological development, and applications of Vedic knowledge in the modern context.

Scholars and researchers from India, Nepal, Indonesia, the USA, and the UAE presented over 70 research papers during the two-day conference. Session chairs included Prof. Dr. Mahesh Diwakar, Mr. Mukesh Tiwari, Nivedita Shri, Dr. Shweta Deepti, Dr. Bhavatosh Sharma, Prof. Dr. Dhruv Kumar, Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Sengar and Dr. Ankur Gupta. 

Session Chair of the last technical session, reputable writer & archeologist Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer said, In every era, technical awareness is relative to the prevailing understanding of the time. Education empowers individuals with consciousness, transforming them into social beings and elevating them to humanity. It shapes character and cultivates a rich cultural life.

The conference concluded with a closing session, where prominent scholars and educationists discussed the achievements and conclusions of the conference in detail. The two-day international conference was efficiently organized by Dr. Nishi Tyagi, Head of the Department of Education, and Dr. Haritima Dixit, with the support of the organizing committee. The seminar was conducted by Mrs. Asha Sharma, spokesperson of the Department of Education.

The conference organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and guests for their contributions to the successful event.

PURPLE TULIPS : TIME IS NOW, A POEM BY ANTONELLA DI SIENA

Now it’s winter 

of biting wind 

on the torn hazel tree 

a flight rises 

with its desolate 

and innocent cry

Those interrupted words 

furrow in the air

the lost perfume

and the severed thoughts.

Next to the window

wet reflections cover

the shadow

of the lunar profile

and in that game of mirrors

I lose myself in

a back look

that you don’t feel

absorbed.

                                            

Antonella Di Siena’s short biography:-

Editor of the International Review of Art, Culture, “LE MUSE”

Writer, Art and Literary Critic, Translator

Sociology Department-Neuroscience School

Social commitments.

Sacred Family Institute. Reception of disabled

Family Organization for reception – (short and middle term reception for weak babies)

FEMALE EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED ON MARCH 6 IN THE SALA ZUCCARI OF THE SENATE OF THE REPUBLIC - ITALY

On March 6, 2025 in the Sala Zuccari of the Senate in Rome, the extraordinary ceremony was celebrated: the Female Excellence with the delivery of the 2nd International Prize "DivinaMente Donna", promoted and organized by the VerbumlandiArt Divinamente Donna Award.

The wonderful artistic context, precious of Federico Zuccari's frescoes, was full of the presence of the recipients of the Excellence Award and the Literary Prize, with a parterre of prestigious guests from Italy and abroad for this singular event, whose motivations were expressed in the greeting of the President of VerbumlandiArt, Dr. Regina Resta, the Honorary President of the Prize Marisa Manzini, Deputy Attorney General of Catanzaro, who sent a video message, and in the opening of the event, conducted very well by Pino Nazio, a Rai journalist. This was followed by the greetings of the parliamentarians present, Sen. Manfredi Potenti, Sen. Tilde Minasi and Hon. Laura Ravetto.  In her speech, Dr. Regina Resta, President of VerbumlandiArt, of the Divinamente Donna project as well as President of the Prize, thanked the Jury Committee, composed of: Graziano Perria, former First Director of the State Police (President for institutional relations); Hafez Haidar, professor of Arabic Literature, writer and translator, candidate for the Nobel Peace and Literature Prize (Representative President for Culture);  Maria Pia Turiello, forensic criminologist (President of the Scientific Committee); Hon. Mirella Cristina, lawyer, former Member of Parliament (Godmother of the Prize);  Goffredo Palmerini, journalist and writer (President of the Jury); the members of the Jury: Angela Kosta, poet, writer, publicist; Eugenio Bisceglia, lawyer; Francesco Nigri, founder & CEO iBusiness Srls, poet; Hebe Muñoz, poet, writer, translator; Maria Cristina Pensovecchio, poet and writer; Mirjana Dobrilla, author, translator; Roberta Vitelli, psychologist and psychotherapist; Rosella Murano, teacher, writer, poet; Stefania Romito, journalist, writer, poet, Sen. Manfredi Potenti for the attention he pays to the Prize and the issues it deals with and the parliamentarians present and the Main sponsor RIABIZ & PARTNERS of which the artist Tommaso Filieri, for the creation of the splendid works awarded the Prize for the awardees. The direction of the ceremony was curated by Pino Nazio who, calling the awarded personalities, illustrated the reasons for the Award from time to time. Among the guests present in the room there was also Ambassador Gaetano Cortese, author of 34 precious volumes documenting the artistic and architectural wonders of Italy's diplomatic missions in the world, editor of the special Series for the publisher Carlo Colombo in Rome. The official images of the award ceremony were taken by Mario Giannini, a great professional in the art of photography.

The writer, poet, translator, publisher and member of the association and jury, Angela Kosta, greeted the participants by thanking President Resta and the organizers, highlighting the deep bond between Albania and Italy on a cultural, artistic, literary and historical level.