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Silence
Set against the backdrop of the Jamnagar Helicopter crash on 30 August 2012, where two helicopters of the Indian Air Force had a mid-air collision, this story is a reality fiction, loosely based on the true story of an Air Warrior from the Indian Air Force. Narrated through the silent echo of the sorrowful heart of one the shattered families, their pain is best expressed as silent streams of tears flowing noiselessly down a pair of eyes that have intensely loved and sadly lost. Sometimes, when the heart weeps, there is only language that it understands…..Silence.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Rajalakshmi Prithviraj
2 books32 followersRajalakshmi Prithviraj dons the hat of an Air Warrior, Educationist and Psychologist in her profession.
She is passionate about penning her thoughts and writing true stories from her life (with the consent of her characters of course!!).
She loves traveling, and thanks to her profession, she puts on her travel shoes every two years. If you ask her about her hometown, then pat comes her reply, “INDIA”.
She is passionate about penning her thoughts and writing true stories from her life (with the consent of her characters of course!!).
She loves traveling, and thanks to her profession, she puts on her travel shoes every two years. If you ask her about her hometown, then pat comes her reply, “INDIA”.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 4, 2016
This is a story of courage and resilience. An in-depth look into the world of the armed forces. Their struggles, travails and milieu have been described vividly. I particularly liked the chapters of conversation between the husband and wife. The intimacy was easy and it added gentleness to the prevailing hardship. The flow of dialogue is easy going and natural. A bit of editing and tightening will enhance the merits of this book. This book is about the strength of a woman and in that lies its greatest strength. Inspiring and insightful.
September 13, 2015
Review of Silence Under the Blue Sky by Rajalakshmi Prithviraj
"When reading Silence Under the Blue Sky, by Rajalakshmi Prithviraj, the reader is being invited into a very personal and very real part of the authors life. Regardless of ones background or knowledge of the topics and settings discussed, this story will touch your heart as well as provide a glimpse into a world many have no knowledge of.
Written from a third party perspective, we follow the story of a strong and respected woman undergoing a great loss. The heart of the tale is surrounded with an air of hope as the narrator and her counterpart appear to be in the early stages of courtship. Our interest is sparked as the young couple begin their interactions, then when one begins recalling the story of "Apoorva" dealing with her husbands passing, we jump between the present day couple's discussion and Apoorva's personal reflection on the events unfolding around her. In addition, a series of Apoorva's dreams frame the story, personalising the reflection further.
Apoorva is depicted as a strong, dependable and respected woman of the Indian Air Force. Her personal heartache is publicly scrutinized by both well-wishers and insensitive individuals. The kind and well-meaning supporting characters surround the pregnant Squadron Leader with heartfelt support. Other onlookers pass judgement on how she should be handling her husbands passing, surely out of their own grief, though some actions are inexcusable. Despite having no privacy from the preferred and the negative, Apoorva handles herself with grace and dignity.
The reader does not need to have any background knowledge of the Indian Air Force or ones duties of a Squadron Leader. Her position is described with enough detail to not overwhelm with information but to ensure a secure picture of the environment of her workplace. Personally I was pleasantly surprised of the sense of equality and adoration female and male officers had for the protagonist, being unaware of any details of how the Indian Air Force functions. The peak into the window of this world was a pleasant bonus of following the story itself.
Despite this novel being about a sad personal story, upon conclusion their is an immense sense of hope, possibility and the reminder of overcoming the tragic allows you support the future. When loved ones are lost, they are lived on by their families. Their positive and revered actions immortalise the memories of those lost."
- Kimberly Beadle, NSW, Australia
"When reading Silence Under the Blue Sky, by Rajalakshmi Prithviraj, the reader is being invited into a very personal and very real part of the authors life. Regardless of ones background or knowledge of the topics and settings discussed, this story will touch your heart as well as provide a glimpse into a world many have no knowledge of.
Written from a third party perspective, we follow the story of a strong and respected woman undergoing a great loss. The heart of the tale is surrounded with an air of hope as the narrator and her counterpart appear to be in the early stages of courtship. Our interest is sparked as the young couple begin their interactions, then when one begins recalling the story of "Apoorva" dealing with her husbands passing, we jump between the present day couple's discussion and Apoorva's personal reflection on the events unfolding around her. In addition, a series of Apoorva's dreams frame the story, personalising the reflection further.
Apoorva is depicted as a strong, dependable and respected woman of the Indian Air Force. Her personal heartache is publicly scrutinized by both well-wishers and insensitive individuals. The kind and well-meaning supporting characters surround the pregnant Squadron Leader with heartfelt support. Other onlookers pass judgement on how she should be handling her husbands passing, surely out of their own grief, though some actions are inexcusable. Despite having no privacy from the preferred and the negative, Apoorva handles herself with grace and dignity.
The reader does not need to have any background knowledge of the Indian Air Force or ones duties of a Squadron Leader. Her position is described with enough detail to not overwhelm with information but to ensure a secure picture of the environment of her workplace. Personally I was pleasantly surprised of the sense of equality and adoration female and male officers had for the protagonist, being unaware of any details of how the Indian Air Force functions. The peak into the window of this world was a pleasant bonus of following the story itself.
Despite this novel being about a sad personal story, upon conclusion their is an immense sense of hope, possibility and the reminder of overcoming the tragic allows you support the future. When loved ones are lost, they are lived on by their families. Their positive and revered actions immortalise the memories of those lost."
- Kimberly Beadle, NSW, Australia
February 20, 2016
EVERY INDIAN SHOULD READ THIS
For most of the Indians, Indian security is all about Army and Kashmir. Air force and Navy has always been connected with the colors of luxury and paraphernalia. Rajalakshmi tries to convey the message that Women in Blue are also humans. They have ups and downs in their lives. The story explains how Apporva, Officially called Squadron Leader Srinivasan,copes with the loss of her husband Squadron Leader Manoj in a Helicopter crash. Apoorva neither wailed nor fainted but accepted the new silently.
Highlights
The support she got from the Air Force family was the highlight of the story. Apoorva was pregnant when she lost her husband. Hence it was necessary for her to be well fed and hydrated. But there are those group of people who call themselves relatives, and finds happiness in shredding the broken pieces of composure of the bereaved. Apoorva's telepathic communication with her husband, touched the right string, without any overdose of romantic outburst. Rajalakshmi proves that love can be more beautiful if expressed and portrayed with subtlety. The introduction of Apoorva's four and half year old elder daughter Ananya will melt the strongest of the glaciers set inside any heart.
Drawbacks
The story had some loose ends regarding the literary perfection. The book should have been elaborated a little more especially the relation between Apoorva and Manoj and also their colleagues for more conviction.
I salute Rajalakshmi for her valor. To battle the inner demons is not easy. While writing the book, she would have to relive every moment, which would have been really painful because Squadron Leader Manoj is indeed her husband and she is indeed his wife. I deliberately used present tense since Manoj still lives inside Rajalakshmi. This book should not be analysed by its literary value but to show justice to my job I stated the negatives. This really deserves to be a best seller.
My rating is 4.5/5.
I took .5 because I felt it should have been elaborate. Else, I love this. I
had tears rolling down my face and was unable to complete it in a single stretch. Thank you Rajalakshmi for sharing your story. This is the greatest tribute to your husband.
For most of the Indians, Indian security is all about Army and Kashmir. Air force and Navy has always been connected with the colors of luxury and paraphernalia. Rajalakshmi tries to convey the message that Women in Blue are also humans. They have ups and downs in their lives. The story explains how Apporva, Officially called Squadron Leader Srinivasan,copes with the loss of her husband Squadron Leader Manoj in a Helicopter crash. Apoorva neither wailed nor fainted but accepted the new silently.
Highlights
The support she got from the Air Force family was the highlight of the story. Apoorva was pregnant when she lost her husband. Hence it was necessary for her to be well fed and hydrated. But there are those group of people who call themselves relatives, and finds happiness in shredding the broken pieces of composure of the bereaved. Apoorva's telepathic communication with her husband, touched the right string, without any overdose of romantic outburst. Rajalakshmi proves that love can be more beautiful if expressed and portrayed with subtlety. The introduction of Apoorva's four and half year old elder daughter Ananya will melt the strongest of the glaciers set inside any heart.
Drawbacks
The story had some loose ends regarding the literary perfection. The book should have been elaborated a little more especially the relation between Apoorva and Manoj and also their colleagues for more conviction.
I salute Rajalakshmi for her valor. To battle the inner demons is not easy. While writing the book, she would have to relive every moment, which would have been really painful because Squadron Leader Manoj is indeed her husband and she is indeed his wife. I deliberately used present tense since Manoj still lives inside Rajalakshmi. This book should not be analysed by its literary value but to show justice to my job I stated the negatives. This really deserves to be a best seller.
My rating is 4.5/5.
I took .5 because I felt it should have been elaborate. Else, I love this. I
had tears rolling down my face and was unable to complete it in a single stretch. Thank you Rajalakshmi for sharing your story. This is the greatest tribute to your husband.
August 28, 2017
This book is written by an Air force officer and it is her story of rising from the ashes. She lost her husband in the Jamnagar Air crash on 30 August 2012, two helicopters crashed in Jamnagar killing nine air warriors.
This is a book filled with courage, patriotism, and resilience. The story shares the story of an air crash and the subsequent fall out for one family. The lady who resurrects herself as an air warrior herself as a homage and faith to her deceased husband and the Airforce.
The book is far from heartbreaking or melancholy, it is, in fact, a testimony of how a strong person can turn around any difficult situation. The story starts just before the Jamnagar crash, it expertly highlights the best aspects of the Air force and the bonhomie that exists.
The support and care the lady – a Veer Nari (war widow) & her family got during her ordeal is commendable. With a baby on the way and a toddler at hand, she strives and shines in spite of the naysayers around. The book reads as the story of her life and the tragedy that strikes her. How she has surmounted it and set an example for others is the high point.
This story is of Squadron Leader Srinivasan who is an inspiration and as an ode to her loved one. Maltam, the junior is narrating this story and the surprise at the end of how her life had changed made it a satisfying read.
This is an emotional read, more so since I am an army wife and I have seen how a life gets shattered in a matter of moments. The author has not glossed over the hard parts, the death of Late Squadron Leader V Manoj Nair, its aftermath and the questions – all have been answered, whether it was a small child or a grown relative.
I recommend every Indian to read this book, it is a statement of the bravery, sacrifices, loyalty, and dedication of our forces, the officers and their families.
Jai Hind!
This is a book filled with courage, patriotism, and resilience. The story shares the story of an air crash and the subsequent fall out for one family. The lady who resurrects herself as an air warrior herself as a homage and faith to her deceased husband and the Airforce.
The book is far from heartbreaking or melancholy, it is, in fact, a testimony of how a strong person can turn around any difficult situation. The story starts just before the Jamnagar crash, it expertly highlights the best aspects of the Air force and the bonhomie that exists.
The support and care the lady – a Veer Nari (war widow) & her family got during her ordeal is commendable. With a baby on the way and a toddler at hand, she strives and shines in spite of the naysayers around. The book reads as the story of her life and the tragedy that strikes her. How she has surmounted it and set an example for others is the high point.
This story is of Squadron Leader Srinivasan who is an inspiration and as an ode to her loved one. Maltam, the junior is narrating this story and the surprise at the end of how her life had changed made it a satisfying read.
This is an emotional read, more so since I am an army wife and I have seen how a life gets shattered in a matter of moments. The author has not glossed over the hard parts, the death of Late Squadron Leader V Manoj Nair, its aftermath and the questions – all have been answered, whether it was a small child or a grown relative.
I recommend every Indian to read this book, it is a statement of the bravery, sacrifices, loyalty, and dedication of our forces, the officers and their families.
Jai Hind!
October 30, 2015
This book is different to what I usually read however the storyline intrigued me and I enjoyed reading it. I found the narrative easy to follow and felt like the author was telling me her story, I was really captivated by how personal the story was.
There are a lot of themes that can be unpacked from reading this story, what stood out for me most was the way it challenges the concept of family, that family isn't always relatives and in this instance it is Apoorva's colleagues that help to heal her pain. The other thing I liked about this book was the way it used a strong female character to challenge stereotypical ideals of women, Apoorva defies her relatives assumptions that bringing up children on her own will be too much hard work and that she should think about remarrying.
It was definitely a very personal account of one woman's bravery, courage and determination to survive whatever pain and challenges life throw at her, it also captures the process of letting go and that grief affects people in different ways, the chapters between Apoorva and her husband after his death were particularly moving.
My only criticism would be that I occasionally had to reread parts to work out who was who and the book seemed very short to me, I think there was space for more detail but I found it really interesting and easy to read!
There are a lot of themes that can be unpacked from reading this story, what stood out for me most was the way it challenges the concept of family, that family isn't always relatives and in this instance it is Apoorva's colleagues that help to heal her pain. The other thing I liked about this book was the way it used a strong female character to challenge stereotypical ideals of women, Apoorva defies her relatives assumptions that bringing up children on her own will be too much hard work and that she should think about remarrying.
It was definitely a very personal account of one woman's bravery, courage and determination to survive whatever pain and challenges life throw at her, it also captures the process of letting go and that grief affects people in different ways, the chapters between Apoorva and her husband after his death were particularly moving.
My only criticism would be that I occasionally had to reread parts to work out who was who and the book seemed very short to me, I think there was space for more detail but I found it really interesting and easy to read!
December 3, 2015
Silence (Under the Blue Sky) is a courageous true story about the author, her family (including the India Air Force), and the loss of the author's husband. It is quite amazing that Rajalakshmi was able to relive the event with us the reading audience. It is in part a sad story in that she lost her true love. However, it is uplifting in her strength to stay strong at the visionary request of her husband. The visionary chapters were very touching and I am very curious to know if they actually happened in a dream/meditative state.
Starting off with Maltam and linking her to Anu at the end of the story was a good artistic touch. Something that also touched me was that after her husband's passing instead of telling her older daughter right away, she chose to let her go off and play with friends in her best dress. To me that spoke to enjoy the good things in life while they are there with you.
I am not in the military, so I don't know what it is like. However, the story shows the bond that the Air Force has together. In that they stick together and look out for one another, like another family member.
The book was a quick read and I was able to get through in one sitting. It held my attention all the way through.
Great job! I am sure your daughters and husband are very proud of you!
Starting off with Maltam and linking her to Anu at the end of the story was a good artistic touch. Something that also touched me was that after her husband's passing instead of telling her older daughter right away, she chose to let her go off and play with friends in her best dress. To me that spoke to enjoy the good things in life while they are there with you.
I am not in the military, so I don't know what it is like. However, the story shows the bond that the Air Force has together. In that they stick together and look out for one another, like another family member.
The book was a quick read and I was able to get through in one sitting. It held my attention all the way through.
Great job! I am sure your daughters and husband are very proud of you!
October 6, 2015
A touching and informative read!
Rajalakshmi Prithviraj presents a story of fiction and historical fact that provides a very interesting look into Indian and military culture that I have never seen before. This story is a unique peek into what it can be like for not only an Indian woman, but one that has the support of her military "family" even more than her extended family.
I found the story confusing at times, mostly because I didn't have the cultural or military background to be able to relate, but a bit of internet searching helped with some of the translations and history. There are a few technical writing issues, but I found most of them to enhance the story and lend authenticity.
There are also several idioms used that made me smile, and made me realize that literal translations of sayings from one language to another can sometimes be very different from their intended meanings. Most do not make the story incomprehensible.
Overall the story was touching and I enjoyed reading it!
I was given a free copy for my honest review.
Rajalakshmi Prithviraj presents a story of fiction and historical fact that provides a very interesting look into Indian and military culture that I have never seen before. This story is a unique peek into what it can be like for not only an Indian woman, but one that has the support of her military "family" even more than her extended family.
I found the story confusing at times, mostly because I didn't have the cultural or military background to be able to relate, but a bit of internet searching helped with some of the translations and history. There are a few technical writing issues, but I found most of them to enhance the story and lend authenticity.
There are also several idioms used that made me smile, and made me realize that literal translations of sayings from one language to another can sometimes be very different from their intended meanings. Most do not make the story incomprehensible.
Overall the story was touching and I enjoyed reading it!
I was given a free copy for my honest review.
January 24, 2016
This book was based on a very touching story about a woman who lost her husband while she was pregnant. The dream entries were quite poignant but I had a bit of trouble with the rest of the manuscript as it was written in a very formal manner.
This book was interesting as it came from the perspective of an Indian woman. It speaks of the Indian culture and the expectations towards women as well as the subculture of the Indian Air Force. At times I was confused as to some of the lingo because it was written from that perspective. However, the book speaks in a humanistic way as well when it describes the tragedy and pain of losing someone close to one’s heart.
Overall, I would recommend this story because it gives unique insight into India’s cultural expectations towards women. It also speaks of the tragedy of love lost and dreams coming to an end-something everyone can relate to. If you enjoy studying other cultures or can relate to the pain of loss, this story is for you.
-Diamante Lavendar, author of Breaking The Silence and The Secrets Of Yashire
This book was interesting as it came from the perspective of an Indian woman. It speaks of the Indian culture and the expectations towards women as well as the subculture of the Indian Air Force. At times I was confused as to some of the lingo because it was written from that perspective. However, the book speaks in a humanistic way as well when it describes the tragedy and pain of losing someone close to one’s heart.
Overall, I would recommend this story because it gives unique insight into India’s cultural expectations towards women. It also speaks of the tragedy of love lost and dreams coming to an end-something everyone can relate to. If you enjoy studying other cultures or can relate to the pain of loss, this story is for you.
-Diamante Lavendar, author of Breaking The Silence and The Secrets Of Yashire
October 9, 2015
I feel I shared a moment with this author. This book was a beautiful book about a tragedy. I was very moved by this book and I think you should give this book a chance too. An expecting mother in the Indian Air Force who loses her husband in a tragedy. I know what it is like to lose a loved one. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
October 1, 2020
The Great Air Warriors
Very well written book. This book is full of emotions, courage and determination. I salute the Great Air Warriors and families for their sacrifice.
Very well written book. This book is full of emotions, courage and determination. I salute the Great Air Warriors and families for their sacrifice.
November 9, 2015
A heartbreaking story, and yet one filled with promise for the future, Silence Under the Blue Sky tells the tale of Anu, a loving mother widowed during her second pregnancy by a tragic military accident. Along her painful road, she must contend not only with her grief and that of her children, but also with the callousness of others, some of whom are her own family. It's a good thing she has the Indian Air Force behind her, among whom she is known as "Veer Nari" (brave woman). Follow her heroic choices to the story's suprising and hopeful conclusion as she accepts her new life and makes it her own.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews