Vishwas Gaitonde
@weareji.bsky.social
A man of the quill & of the pill
Of pens & syringes, say what you will
Writes fiction & essays & medical tomes
I wonder if one day he'll also write poems
Author of prize winning story collection ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, published by Orison Books
Of pens & syringes, say what you will
Writes fiction & essays & medical tomes
I wonder if one day he'll also write poems
Author of prize winning story collection ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, published by Orison Books
Pinned
The Second Elizabeth: A Life Appreciated
A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at her passing
medium.com
Sep 8 2026 marks the 4th anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For the occasion I'm reposting the narrative tribute I wrote after her death - "The Second Elizabeth - A Life Appreciated"
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
Reposted by Vishwas Gaitonde
Sep 8 2026 marks the 4th anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For the occasion I'm reposting the narrative tribute I wrote after her death - "The Second Elizabeth - A Life Appreciated"
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
The Second Elizabeth: A Life Appreciated
A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at her passing
medium.com
September 8, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Sep 8 2026 marks the 4th anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For the occasion I'm reposting the narrative tribute I wrote after her death - "The Second Elizabeth - A Life Appreciated"
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
👑
medium.com/@weareji/the...
👑
#History #monarchy #nostalgia #Commonwealth #RoyalFamily #remembrance
Reposted by Vishwas Gaitonde
Penguin Random House India was set to publish Sonia Gandhi's hugely anticipated memoir until they told her to cut passages critical of Narendra Modi, which she declined, obviously. They've been craven before, but this is a new low. www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/s...
Exclusive: Penguin India sought cuts to Modi, RSS, China portions in Sonia Gandhi's memoir
Alfred A Knopf, an imprint of Penguin, is expected to release the memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, worldwide on November 10 | India News
www.hindustantimes.com
August 28, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Penguin Random House India was set to publish Sonia Gandhi's hugely anticipated memoir until they told her to cut passages critical of Narendra Modi, which she declined, obviously. They've been craven before, but this is a new low. www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/s...
On Aug 27, 1964, a magical nanny floated in from the sky & blasted into movie history: Mary Poppins, Disney's musical fantasy with Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke. Most people did not connect the film with the polio vaccine.
Check it out here
medium.com/@weareji/vir...
💉
#polio #history
Check it out here
medium.com/@weareji/vir...
💉
#polio #history
August 27, 2026 at 3:41 PM
On Aug 27, 1964, a magical nanny floated in from the sky & blasted into movie history: Mary Poppins, Disney's musical fantasy with Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke. Most people did not connect the film with the polio vaccine.
Check it out here
medium.com/@weareji/vir...
💉
#polio #history
Check it out here
medium.com/@weareji/vir...
💉
#polio #history
Madras Day falls on Aug 22; today is the 387th anniversary of the city's founding in 1639
I'm reposting my narrative essay 'Finding Madras in Chennai,' on discovering the city through its street names, a fascinating exercise
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎠
@gdadvocate.bsky.social @ranjona.bsky.social
I'm reposting my narrative essay 'Finding Madras in Chennai,' on discovering the city through its street names, a fascinating exercise
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎠
@gdadvocate.bsky.social @ranjona.bsky.social
August 22, 2026 at 1:39 AM
Madras Day falls on Aug 22; today is the 387th anniversary of the city's founding in 1639
I'm reposting my narrative essay 'Finding Madras in Chennai,' on discovering the city through its street names, a fascinating exercise
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎠
@gdadvocate.bsky.social @ranjona.bsky.social
I'm reposting my narrative essay 'Finding Madras in Chennai,' on discovering the city through its street names, a fascinating exercise
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎠
@gdadvocate.bsky.social @ranjona.bsky.social
"Two Odysseys"
My longform feature on Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey seen through the eyes of a writer born in India & now living in the West. A common Indo-European oral storytelling tradition lies at the core of the Odyssey, Ramayana & Mahabharata. Read on...
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎦
My longform feature on Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey seen through the eyes of a writer born in India & now living in the West. A common Indo-European oral storytelling tradition lies at the core of the Odyssey, Ramayana & Mahabharata. Read on...
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎦
Two Odysseys
Perspectives on Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ from a writer raised in India and living in the West
medium.com
August 8, 2026 at 2:08 AM
"Two Odysseys"
My longform feature on Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey seen through the eyes of a writer born in India & now living in the West. A common Indo-European oral storytelling tradition lies at the core of the Odyssey, Ramayana & Mahabharata. Read on...
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎦
My longform feature on Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey seen through the eyes of a writer born in India & now living in the West. A common Indo-European oral storytelling tradition lies at the core of the Odyssey, Ramayana & Mahabharata. Read on...
medium.com/counterarts/...
🎦
Post
🎼
Few Indian composers have composed Western symphonies. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage, composing a symphony while still a teenager. In my feature 'The People's Symphony' I examine the work, & the vision behind its creation
serenademagazine.com/the-peoples-...
🎶
🎼
Few Indian composers have composed Western symphonies. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage, composing a symphony while still a teenager. In my feature 'The People's Symphony' I examine the work, & the vision behind its creation
serenademagazine.com/the-peoples-...
🎶
The People's Symphony
Few Indian composers have ventured into the symphonic tradition. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage. Vishwas Gaitonde examines the work, its origins and the vision behind it...
serenademagazine.com
August 4, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Post
🎼
Few Indian composers have composed Western symphonies. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage, composing a symphony while still a teenager. In my feature 'The People's Symphony' I examine the work, & the vision behind its creation
serenademagazine.com/the-peoples-...
🎶
🎼
Few Indian composers have composed Western symphonies. With 'New Beginnings', Lydian Nadhaswaram enters that lineage, composing a symphony while still a teenager. In my feature 'The People's Symphony' I examine the work, & the vision behind its creation
serenademagazine.com/the-peoples-...
🎶
'The Crème de la Crème of Tarzan Films'
My essay on the one serious, literate attempt to treat Tarzan’s source material with genuine cinematic ambition
medium.com/counterarts/...
Other Tarzan films don't do justice to the Tarzan envisioned by creator Edgar Rice Burroughs
#Tarzan #Literature #Cinema
My essay on the one serious, literate attempt to treat Tarzan’s source material with genuine cinematic ambition
medium.com/counterarts/...
Other Tarzan films don't do justice to the Tarzan envisioned by creator Edgar Rice Burroughs
#Tarzan #Literature #Cinema
The Crème de la Crème of Tarzan Films
The one serious, literate attempt to treat Tarzan’s source material with genuine cinematic ambition
medium.com
July 11, 2026 at 12:48 PM
'The Crème de la Crème of Tarzan Films'
My essay on the one serious, literate attempt to treat Tarzan’s source material with genuine cinematic ambition
medium.com/counterarts/...
Other Tarzan films don't do justice to the Tarzan envisioned by creator Edgar Rice Burroughs
#Tarzan #Literature #Cinema
My essay on the one serious, literate attempt to treat Tarzan’s source material with genuine cinematic ambition
medium.com/counterarts/...
Other Tarzan films don't do justice to the Tarzan envisioned by creator Edgar Rice Burroughs
#Tarzan #Literature #Cinema
Reposted by Vishwas Gaitonde
Natural light from the sun offers a range of physical, mental and behavioral benefits. Even an extra 5 to 10 minutes of sunlight each day can help regulate your sleep, mood and more.
Here are five ways natural light may boost well-being:
Here are five ways natural light may boost well-being:
Guest column | The surprising health benefits of natural light exposure
Sunlight can have positive effects on your sleep, mood, metabolic health and more. Here’s how much exposure you need to see benefits, and how to get it safely.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Natural light from the sun offers a range of physical, mental and behavioral benefits. Even an extra 5 to 10 minutes of sunlight each day can help regulate your sleep, mood and more.
Here are five ways natural light may boost well-being:
Here are five ways natural light may boost well-being:
Marriages seemingly made in heaven can very well end up like hell on earth
😠😡😔
"Ghost Baby" - a short story of love & upheaval
medium.com/@weareji/gho...
💘
#shortstory #fiction #literary #India #marriage #MarriedLife #traditions #bloodline #relationships
😠😡😔
"Ghost Baby" - a short story of love & upheaval
medium.com/@weareji/gho...
💘
#shortstory #fiction #literary #India #marriage #MarriedLife #traditions #bloodline #relationships
March 6, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Marriages seemingly made in heaven can very well end up like hell on earth
😠😡😔
"Ghost Baby" - a short story of love & upheaval
medium.com/@weareji/gho...
💘
#shortstory #fiction #literary #India #marriage #MarriedLife #traditions #bloodline #relationships
😠😡😔
"Ghost Baby" - a short story of love & upheaval
medium.com/@weareji/gho...
💘
#shortstory #fiction #literary #India #marriage #MarriedLife #traditions #bloodline #relationships
My remarks on undertaking the English rendition of The Thirukkural 1330 (குறளிசைக்காவியம்) at the public launch of Vol 6 of Lydian Nadhaswaram & Amirthavarshini's magisterial epic creation - the Thirukkural set to music
youtu.be/LzwrzHS-y9A
Broadway Theatre, Catford, London
17 Jan 2026
#Thirukkural #Music
youtu.be/LzwrzHS-y9A
Broadway Theatre, Catford, London
17 Jan 2026
#Thirukkural #Music
The English Rendition of The Thirukkural 1330
YouTube video by Weareji
youtu.be
March 6, 2026 at 3:46 PM
My remarks on undertaking the English rendition of The Thirukkural 1330 (குறளிசைக்காவியம்) at the public launch of Vol 6 of Lydian Nadhaswaram & Amirthavarshini's magisterial epic creation - the Thirukkural set to music
youtu.be/LzwrzHS-y9A
Broadway Theatre, Catford, London
17 Jan 2026
#Thirukkural #Music
youtu.be/LzwrzHS-y9A
Broadway Theatre, Catford, London
17 Jan 2026
#Thirukkural #Music
"Long Live the Old Year"
⌛️
As we approach the end of one year & the beginning of the next, a reflection on the old/new years, and on history, culture & meaning
medium.com/counterarts/...
⏳
#Clocks #Calendars #HappyNewYear2026 #NewYear #Time #Transition #Cultures #Timekeepers #Hogmanay
⌛️
As we approach the end of one year & the beginning of the next, a reflection on the old/new years, and on history, culture & meaning
medium.com/counterarts/...
⏳
#Clocks #Calendars #HappyNewYear2026 #NewYear #Time #Transition #Cultures #Timekeepers #Hogmanay
December 29, 2025 at 3:32 PM
"Long Live the Old Year"
⌛️
As we approach the end of one year & the beginning of the next, a reflection on the old/new years, and on history, culture & meaning
medium.com/counterarts/...
⏳
#Clocks #Calendars #HappyNewYear2026 #NewYear #Time #Transition #Cultures #Timekeepers #Hogmanay
⌛️
As we approach the end of one year & the beginning of the next, a reflection on the old/new years, and on history, culture & meaning
medium.com/counterarts/...
⏳
#Clocks #Calendars #HappyNewYear2026 #NewYear #Time #Transition #Cultures #Timekeepers #Hogmanay
On the Death of an Elephant
🐘
The wider implications of the killing of an elephant in Kerala, India, and of humans who have issues on sharing our planet with animals
medium.com/contemplate/...
🐘
#wildlife #habitat #nature #deforestation #animalrightsmatter #AnimalCruelty #nature
🐘
The wider implications of the killing of an elephant in Kerala, India, and of humans who have issues on sharing our planet with animals
medium.com/contemplate/...
🐘
#wildlife #habitat #nature #deforestation #animalrightsmatter #AnimalCruelty #nature
On the Death of an Elephant
The wider implications of a pregnant elephant’s death in India
medium.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:22 PM
On the Death of an Elephant
🐘
The wider implications of the killing of an elephant in Kerala, India, and of humans who have issues on sharing our planet with animals
medium.com/contemplate/...
🐘
#wildlife #habitat #nature #deforestation #animalrightsmatter #AnimalCruelty #nature
🐘
The wider implications of the killing of an elephant in Kerala, India, and of humans who have issues on sharing our planet with animals
medium.com/contemplate/...
🐘
#wildlife #habitat #nature #deforestation #animalrightsmatter #AnimalCruelty #nature
At school, I had thought that Shakespeare, despite his brilliance, was overrated. Then, during the summer holidays when I was in Standard 8, something made me recognize Shakespeare for the genius that he was
Here's that story:
medium.com/@weareji/how...
#Shakespeare #Literature #Education
Here's that story:
medium.com/@weareji/how...
#Shakespeare #Literature #Education
How I Changed My Mind About Shakespeare
I once thought him overrated before I discovered his genius
medium.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:18 PM
At school, I had thought that Shakespeare, despite his brilliance, was overrated. Then, during the summer holidays when I was in Standard 8, something made me recognize Shakespeare for the genius that he was
Here's that story:
medium.com/@weareji/how...
#Shakespeare #Literature #Education
Here's that story:
medium.com/@weareji/how...
#Shakespeare #Literature #Education
Pictures from my book signing at Barnes & Noble in Cary, North Carolina. The neighborhood turned out in force, and I was so appreciative and gratified.
October 7, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Pictures from my book signing at Barnes & Noble in Cary, North Carolina. The neighborhood turned out in force, and I was so appreciative and gratified.
Some of the good people who came to my author event on Sep 5 at Scuppernong Books in Greensboro, NC.
Judging by the audience reaction, the reading was well received. It's always nice when that happens.
Judging by the audience reaction, the reading was well received. It's always nice when that happens.
October 7, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Some of the good people who came to my author event on Sep 5 at Scuppernong Books in Greensboro, NC.
Judging by the audience reaction, the reading was well received. It's always nice when that happens.
Judging by the audience reaction, the reading was well received. It's always nice when that happens.
Event at HubCityBookshop, Spartanburg SC, on the 23rd was interesting.
I read while seated in a comfy chair. Some walked out on me but then one gentleman took copious notes, & had many questions. And I signed the store's 'Author Wall' like the others who had read before me.
I read while seated in a comfy chair. Some walked out on me but then one gentleman took copious notes, & had many questions. And I signed the store's 'Author Wall' like the others who had read before me.
October 7, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Event at HubCityBookshop, Spartanburg SC, on the 23rd was interesting.
I read while seated in a comfy chair. Some walked out on me but then one gentleman took copious notes, & had many questions. And I signed the store's 'Author Wall' like the others who had read before me.
I read while seated in a comfy chair. Some walked out on me but then one gentleman took copious notes, & had many questions. And I signed the store's 'Author Wall' like the others who had read before me.
A momentous occasion! Sep 21, 2025. The launch of my 1st book of fiction 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' at Malaprop's bookstore in Asheville, NC, hosted by OrisonBooks& the Great Smokies Writing Program.
My reading (excerpts from 4 stories in the book) was well received.
My reading (excerpts from 4 stories in the book) was well received.
October 7, 2025 at 11:30 PM
A momentous occasion! Sep 21, 2025. The launch of my 1st book of fiction 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' at Malaprop's bookstore in Asheville, NC, hosted by OrisonBooks& the Great Smokies Writing Program.
My reading (excerpts from 4 stories in the book) was well received.
My reading (excerpts from 4 stories in the book) was well received.
These ladies in the audience are members of a book club, and they're going to collectively read & discuss the stories in my book along with other members of their club. So this is my first entry into a book club!
October 7, 2025 at 11:27 PM
These ladies in the audience are members of a book club, and they're going to collectively read & discuss the stories in my book along with other members of their club. So this is my first entry into a book club!
"I was terribly jealous of Tarzan's Jane. I thought she was a wimp and I'd have been much better as a mate for Tarzan myself — which is true. I would have been."
~ Jane Goodall
The famed primatologist & conservationist Jane Goodall has passed on. #RIP
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/4...
~ Jane Goodall
The famed primatologist & conservationist Jane Goodall has passed on. #RIP
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/4...
Jane Goodall, legendary primatologist, has died at age 91
Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
www.npr.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:26 PM
"I was terribly jealous of Tarzan's Jane. I thought she was a wimp and I'd have been much better as a mate for Tarzan myself — which is true. I would have been."
~ Jane Goodall
The famed primatologist & conservationist Jane Goodall has passed on. #RIP
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/4...
~ Jane Goodall
The famed primatologist & conservationist Jane Goodall has passed on. #RIP
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/4...
'Millions of books are published each year. Why should readers be interested in yours?'
I answer this & other questions on The Authors Show: wnbnetworkwest.com/channel/6
Available today (Oct 1) in the US, & int Oct 2 in Europe, India, Aus & NZ
Then it will be archived, with another access link
I answer this & other questions on The Authors Show: wnbnetworkwest.com/channel/6
Available today (Oct 1) in the US, & int Oct 2 in Europe, India, Aus & NZ
Then it will be archived, with another access link
October 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
'Millions of books are published each year. Why should readers be interested in yours?'
I answer this & other questions on The Authors Show: wnbnetworkwest.com/channel/6
Available today (Oct 1) in the US, & int Oct 2 in Europe, India, Aus & NZ
Then it will be archived, with another access link
I answer this & other questions on The Authors Show: wnbnetworkwest.com/channel/6
Available today (Oct 1) in the US, & int Oct 2 in Europe, India, Aus & NZ
Then it will be archived, with another access link
After years of hard work and waiting, and then working some more, THAT day has come
🎀
Publication day!
vishwasgaitonde.com/works.htm
😊
My first book of fiction, the prize-winning story collection 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' has been published today.
📕
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
🎀
Publication day!
vishwasgaitonde.com/works.htm
😊
My first book of fiction, the prize-winning story collection 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' has been published today.
📕
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
September 3, 2025 at 1:46 AM
After years of hard work and waiting, and then working some more, THAT day has come
🎀
Publication day!
vishwasgaitonde.com/works.htm
😊
My first book of fiction, the prize-winning story collection 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' has been published today.
📕
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
🎀
Publication day!
vishwasgaitonde.com/works.htm
😊
My first book of fiction, the prize-winning story collection 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' has been published today.
📕
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
Hey Madras! Live long and prosper!
💒
In celebration of Madras Day (Aug 22, Chennai's 386th birthday), my essay "Finding Madras in Chennai," published in Counter Arts magazine on Medium
medium.com/counterarts/...
#History #India #Chennai #Madras #madrasday #BritishRaj #streetnames
💒
In celebration of Madras Day (Aug 22, Chennai's 386th birthday), my essay "Finding Madras in Chennai," published in Counter Arts magazine on Medium
medium.com/counterarts/...
#History #India #Chennai #Madras #madrasday #BritishRaj #streetnames
Finding Madras in Chennai
To celebrate Madras Day, a look at the city of Chennai through its street names
medium.com
August 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Hey Madras! Live long and prosper!
💒
In celebration of Madras Day (Aug 22, Chennai's 386th birthday), my essay "Finding Madras in Chennai," published in Counter Arts magazine on Medium
medium.com/counterarts/...
#History #India #Chennai #Madras #madrasday #BritishRaj #streetnames
💒
In celebration of Madras Day (Aug 22, Chennai's 386th birthday), my essay "Finding Madras in Chennai," published in Counter Arts magazine on Medium
medium.com/counterarts/...
#History #India #Chennai #Madras #madrasday #BritishRaj #streetnames
My short story collection, 'On Earth as It Is in Heaven' releasing Sep 2 now available for pre-order from
Amazon: amazon.com/Earth-as-Hea...
Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/on-earth-a...
Publisher:
: orisonbooks.com/product-page...
Winner, Orison Fiction Prize
#Books #fiction #literary #writer
Amazon: amazon.com/Earth-as-Hea...
Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/on-earth-a...
Publisher:
: orisonbooks.com/product-page...
Winner, Orison Fiction Prize
#Books #fiction #literary #writer
July 9, 2025 at 1:45 AM
My short story collection, 'On Earth as It Is in Heaven' releasing Sep 2 now available for pre-order from
Amazon: amazon.com/Earth-as-Hea...
Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/on-earth-a...
Publisher:
: orisonbooks.com/product-page...
Winner, Orison Fiction Prize
#Books #fiction #literary #writer
Amazon: amazon.com/Earth-as-Hea...
Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/on-earth-a...
Publisher:
: orisonbooks.com/product-page...
Winner, Orison Fiction Prize
#Books #fiction #literary #writer
'Beyond India's Stonewall Moment'
🌈
To mark #PrideMonth, my feature in Counter Arts on
Medium, tracing the recent history of India's #LGBTQ movement from Section 377 repeal to gay marriage
medium.com/counterarts/...
#India #Equality #Gaypride2025 #GayIndia
🌈
To mark #PrideMonth, my feature in Counter Arts on
Medium, tracing the recent history of India's #LGBTQ movement from Section 377 repeal to gay marriage
medium.com/counterarts/...
#India #Equality #Gaypride2025 #GayIndia
Beyond India’s Stonewall Moment
The unfolding of India’s LGBT movement
medium.com
June 11, 2025 at 9:58 AM
'Beyond India's Stonewall Moment'
🌈
To mark #PrideMonth, my feature in Counter Arts on
Medium, tracing the recent history of India's #LGBTQ movement from Section 377 repeal to gay marriage
medium.com/counterarts/...
#India #Equality #Gaypride2025 #GayIndia
🌈
To mark #PrideMonth, my feature in Counter Arts on
Medium, tracing the recent history of India's #LGBTQ movement from Section 377 repeal to gay marriage
medium.com/counterarts/...
#India #Equality #Gaypride2025 #GayIndia