In India, stories are more than entertainment — they are traditions lovingly passed from one generation to the next. From bedtime tales told by grandparents to the vibrant celebrations of Navratri that fill homes with music, devotion, and joy, storytelling has always been deeply woven into our culture. In Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic, author Shraddha Hakani beautifully captures this spirit, creating a children’s story that feels both magical and deeply rooted in Indian values.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas, the story introduces readers to Princess Devi, a young girl who embarks on an emotional journey of courage, self-belief, and compassion. When the peaceful land of her friends is threatened by the terrifying monster Varasur, fear spreads across the snowy kingdom of Shailpur. Though Devi initially doubts herself, she slowly learns that true strength does not come from power or size, but from resilience, wisdom, kindness, and faith in oneself.

What makes this book especially meaningful for Indian families is how naturally it reflects themes that resonate deeply within our culture. The nine nights of preparation echo the spirit of Navratri — a celebration of feminine strength, inner power, and triumph over darkness. Young readers are gently introduced to timeless values such as bravery, friendship, humility, and standing up for others, all through a story that feels warm, adventurous, and age-appropriate.

One of the most admirable aspects of Shraddha Hakani’s writing is the emotional authenticity she brings to Princess Devi’s character. Devi is not portrayed as fearless from the beginning. Instead, she experiences uncertainty and self-doubt, making her journey relatable and inspiring for children. This thoughtful portrayal encourages young readers to understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to rise despite it.

The storytelling itself feels comforting and immersive — almost like listening to a cherished bedtime story from childhood. Hakani’s writing style is simple enough for young readers to enjoy independently, while still carrying emotional depth that parents will appreciate. There is a softness and warmth throughout the narrative that makes the book especially well-suited for family reading.

The illustrations by Manas Dash bring the world of Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic vividly to life. From snowy Himalayan landscapes and royal palaces to magical forests and thrilling moments of adventure, every page bursts with colour, imagination, and charm. The artwork beautifully complements the storytelling and keeps children visually engaged from beginning to end.

Another thoughtful addition is the inclusion of activities and reflection questions at the end of the book. These interactive elements encourage children to think about the lessons within the story while making the reading experience even more engaging for families and educators.

At a time when many children’s books focus primarily on entertainment, Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic stands out for blending fantasy with meaningful cultural storytelling. Shraddha Hakani has created a story that not only entertains young readers, but also celebrates Indian heritage, the strength of young girls, and the universal importance of kindness and courage.

Heartwarming, empowering, and visually enchanting, Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic is a beautiful addition to every child’s bookshelf — especially for families looking to introduce stories that celebrate both imagination and cultural values.

A magical reminder that even the smallest voice can carry the greatest strength.

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Book Review: “Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic” by Shraddha Hakani

In a world where children’s books often focus only on adventure, Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic beautifully combines imagination with important life lessons. Written by Shraddha Hakani, this charming story takes young readers into the snowy Himalayan kingdom of Shailpur, where a brave young princess named Devi learns that true strength comes not from size or power, but from courage, wisdom, and kindness.

The story follows Princess Devi as she discovers that the peaceful town of her friends has been destroyed by a frightening monster named Varasur. Fear spreads across the mountains, and Devi begins to doubt herself. However, with guidance from her wise father, King Himavan, and support from her loyal friends, she prepares herself over nine days and nights to protect her people.

One of the strongest parts of the book is its message. The story teaches children about bravery, friendship, preparation, and believing in oneself. Instead of showing a hero who is fearless from the beginning, the author presents Devi as someone who feels scared and uncertain, making her character more relatable and inspiring for young readers.

The illustrations by Manas Dash are bright, colourful, and full of life. Every page captures the magical atmosphere of the Himalayas, royal palaces, forests, and battles in a way that keeps children engaged. The artwork adds warmth and excitement to the storytelling, making the book visually delightful.

The language used throughout the book is simple and easy for children to understand. The storytelling style feels gentle and comforting, almost like listening to a bedtime tale. Parents and teachers will also appreciate the interactive activities and questionnaires included at the end of the book, which help children remember the story and learn from it.

Devi and the Nine Nights of Magic is more than just a fantasy tale. It is a story about inner strength, compassion, and standing up for what is right. With its meaningful message, beautiful illustrations, and engaging storytelling, this book is an excellent choice for young readers and families alike.

A heartwarming and magical read that reminds children that even the smallest person can make the biggest difference.

VML Exports, under his stewardship, is redefining structural steel fabrication standards across Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape

CHENNAI — In a sector where structural precision can make or break large-scale infrastructure, one name is steadily rising to prominence. Manigandan Varadharajan, the Chennai-based industrialist and Founder of VML Exports, is carving a formidable reputation in the niche but critical domain of Heavy Steel Sturd Framing Fabrication and Erection — delivering solutions that are redefining benchmarks for commercial, industrial, and large-scale construction projects across the region.

In an industry often characterised by delays, inconsistent quality, and fragmented workforces, VML Exports stands out as an outlier. The company has assembled a highly skilled team of fabricators, structural engineers, and installation specialists — a workforce that Manigandan Varadharajan has cultivated with deliberate focus on technical rigour and on-site discipline. The result, according to clients and industry observers, is a company that not only delivers on its promises but does so with a consistency that is rare in the fabrication sector.

“Safety First, Quality Always, and On-Time Delivery Every Time — this is not a tagline at VML Exports. It is an operational mandate.”

At the heart of VML Exports’ operational model lies a philosophy that Manigandan Varadharajan articulates with characteristic directness: Safety First, Quality Always, and On-Time Delivery Every Time. Far from being a mere corporate slogan, this three-pronged mandate is embedded into every project lifecycle — from initial site assessment and structural design to fabrication, erection, and final inspection. Sources close to the company indicate that this ethos has been instrumental in securing long-term client relationships, with several major industrial and commercial developers returning to VML Exports for successive projects.

The demand for advanced steel sturd framing systems has seen a marked uptick in recent years, driven by rapid urbanisation, the expansion of India’s manufacturing base, and growing investor interest in commercial real estate across Tier-1 cities. Tamil Nadu, with Chennai as its industrial nerve centre, sits squarely at the intersection of these trends. VML Exports, by positioning itself early and investing in both human capital and operational infrastructure, appears well-placed to capitalise on this growth cycle.

Core Areas of Expertise

VML Exports’ service portfolio is both focused and comprehensive, spanning the full spectrum of heavy steel sturd framing requirements:

• Heavy Steel Sturd Framing Fabrication & Erection
• Large-Scale Steel Framing Solutions for Infrastructure Projects
• Industrial and Commercial Steel Sturd Systems
• Skilled Workforce Management and Deployment
• Quality-Focused Execution and Site Supervision
• Safety-Driven Operations and Compliance
• Timely Project Delivery and Professional Coordination

Looking Ahead

Industry watchers suggest that VML Exports’ trajectory under Manigandan Varadharajan’s leadership is one to monitor closely. As India accelerates its infrastructure push and private sector construction activity remains buoyant, the expertise that companies like VML Exports bring to the table will only grow in strategic importance. For Manigandan Varadharajan, the focus remains squarely on execution — scaling capabilities, deepening client relationships, and upholding the standards of engineering excellence that have become the hallmark of the VML brand.

In a competitive and demanding industry, Manigandan Varadharajan and VML Exports appear to have found their footing — and, by all indications, are only just getting started.

ABOUT MANIGANDAN VARADHARAJAN

Manigandan Varadharajan is a Chennai-based entrepreneur with deep expertise in Heavy Steel Sturd Framing Fabrication and Erection. Through VML Exports, he has established a strong reputation for quality-driven solutions, skilled workforce deployment, and customer-focused service delivery.

ABOUT VML EXPORTS

VML Exports is a Chennai-based specialist company focused on Heavy Steel Sturd Framing Fabrication and Erection services. Backed by a skilled workforce and an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and on-time delivery, the company serves clients across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.

 West Bengal: In a country where millions of students leave their hometowns every year for education, finding reliable accommodation, tuition support, food services, examination updates, and local guidance remains a major challenge. Addressing this gap, Foster Nextgen Private Limited has launched STUDIAN, a student-focused digital platform designed to simplify student life through a single mobile app and web platform. (Studian)

Founded by Amit Kumar Shah and Pinki Mallick, STUDIAN was created with a simple mission: ensure that students never miss important opportunities and can easily access essential services around their educational institutions. Inspired by the challenges faced by students when relocating to new cities, the founders envisioned a platform that would act as a student’s “Local Guardian” in an unfamiliar environment.

Available on the Google Play Store and through the official website, STUDIAN, the platform offers a wide range of student-centric services. Students can receive exam alerts, government job notifications, information about tuition teachers and coaching institutes, accommodation ( PG, Hostel, Shared Flat etc), food providers, study materials, and other campus-related services through one integrated platform. (Google Play)

Unlike traditional education apps that focus only on learning content, STUDIAN aims to build a complete student ecosystem. The platform uses GPS-powered discovery to help students locate nearby PGs, rental rooms, hostels, food services, bookstores, and other student necessities without depending on brokers or middlemen. (Google Play)

The founders believe that access to timely information can significantly impact a student’s academic journey. Through STUDIAN, students can stay updated about examination schedules, application deadlines, and career opportunities while also connecting with verified local service providers. This approach helps students save time, reduce costs, and make informed decisions. (Google Play)

Operating under Foster Nextgen Private Limited, the startup has already started building a growing network of tutors, accommodation providers, food vendors, and educational service providers across West Bengal. The company aims to create a trusted digital ecosystem where students and local service providers can connect directly and transparently. (Studian)

Speaking about the vision behind the venture, founders Amit Kumar Shah and Pinki Mallick stated that STUDIAN is not just another app but a long-term initiative to solve everyday problems faced by students. Their goal is to transform STUDIAN into India’s leading student super app, providing everything a student needs—from exam updates and accommodation to essential local services—through a single trusted platform.

With increasing adoption among students and service providers, STUDIAN represents a new generation of student-focused technology startups emerging from West Bengal. As the platform continues to expand, the company aims to empower students with better access to information, opportunities, and support systems throughout their educational journey. (Studian)

Website: www.studian.in
Mobile App: STUDIAN on Google Play Store
Company: Foster Nextgen Private Limited
Founders: Amit Kumar Shah & Pinki Mallick