The title and the cover design awakens in one the desire to read, identify and decide.

An easy, yet exhaustive self- help book, ‘Awaken the Durga Within’ once again brings the story-teller in Usha Narayanan to the fore, but this time with a difference. While the author’s earlier books deal purely with mythology and mythological characters, this one sees the life- coach in the author express herself, and that too with adroitness.

An easy and practical guide with the aim at achieving women’s empowerment of a different kind, this one sees the author dig out some gems ( women characters) from Hindu mythology, analyze their story from a perspective we’ve never ever been told and establish their true character, a character that points towards their strength, determination and resilience. Here story-telling is the stairway to the ultimate goal, the goal to awaken the Durga residing within each woman, help her discover her inner strength, guide her on the right path to asserting herself and nudge her open the cage she has been suffocating in, and fly free.

The problems discussed are real; the solutions offered are practical and do not in any way compromise on values and principles. Hence in short the woman who takes a leaf out of the book and works on it need not feel guilty of breach of values or principles. She is just reminding everyone that she too is human, made of flesh and bones, with a mind of her own and a heart that beats. She craves not for absolute power but looks forward to being accorded the respect that is rightly hers, both at home and outside. Her self-respect permits none to trample her.

The author reminds one that though there are problems aplenty, there are choices too that only you can make; choices that are simple but call for courage, determination and the will to fight to the end. She assures that the path may seem tough and perilous at first, but with sustained efforts one can ensure that the end result is rewarding.

Another interesting aspect of this book is that apart from assisting the docile one to awaken the Shakti within her, it acts as an eye-opener for the aggressive one who is ready to fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. It impresses upon her the need to imbibe the quality of restraint and act with tact.

VERDICT

Overall an interesting read, one which nudges you to introspect on your life, take steps to overcome those fears that are bogging you, and live with dignity.