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Preparing for Parenthood: 7 Books that Make it a Little Easier

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Whether you’re preparing for your little one’s arrival or navigating the early days of parenthood, these thoughtfully selected books offer practical advice, emotional support, and inspiration to help you along the way.

 

iParent
iParent || Neha J Hiranandani

Neha J Hiranandani’s iParent comes to the rescue! This book decodes India’s app generation and elevates the discussion beyond ‘these kids and their phones!’ Based on research, candid conversations and personal reflection, this timely book is a witty meditation on parenting in a digital world. Hilarious and informative in equal measure, iParent empowers you to connect with the new generation and guide them to cyber-safety without being a helicopter parent. No judgement, no preaching.

 

How Not To Be A Superwoman
How Not To Be A Superwoman || Nilanjana Bhowmick

In How Not to Be a Superwoman, Nilanjana Bhowmick explores the immense pressure women face to excel in every roleas mothers, career women, partners and friendsand the toll this pursuit takes on their mental health and happiness. Her compelling work unveils the raw, real stories of diverse women who have broken free from the relentless cycle of perfectionism, and offers insightful, practical advice on achieving balance and joy that comes from embracing one’s true self. Through a feminist lens, she confronts and rejects society’s unrealistic expectations while advocating for a life of fulfilment, self-compassion and genuine empowerment. This is a must-read for women seeking to liberate themselves from the exhausting superwoman ideal and embrace a more self-loving, balanced way of living.

 

Power to the Parent
Power to the Parent || Ishinna B. Sadana

Through Power to the Parent, Dr Ishinna B. Sadana talks to parents to understand their most vulnerable doubts and fears, provides them with a safe space without judgement or preconceived notions, empowers them to deal with their children in different situations and connects with them in a positive way.

Using Dr Ishinna’s practical ways of dealing with kids, many parents have seen transformational results in their relationship with their children. She writes with clarity and simplicity, using real-life examples and case studies so that parents can start applying the lessons they take from the book immediately and see the changes.

Ultimately, Power to the Parent enables parents everywhere not only to raise happy and resilient children, but also to become happier and more confident parents.

 

To Every Parent, To Every School
To Every Parent, To Every School || V Raghunathan, Meena Raghunathan

To Every Parent, To Every School addresses the challenges posed by our swiftly changing VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. It goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition or curriculum revisions, which are necessary and continuous processes; nor is it about swapping topics in and out of curricula. While these adjustments are necessary, they aren’t sufficient. What is crucial is empowering our children with the capacity to anticipate and adapt to rapid changes as they occur.

The authors, both veteran educators and thought leaders, offer a variety of insights and action points making this book a valuable addition to the library of every parent and school.

 

The Wisdom Bridge
The Wisdom Bridge || Kamlesh D. Patel

Daaji in The Wisdom Bridge offers nine principles to guide you, the reader, to live a life that inspires your children and your loved ones. These principles are important references for parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and caregivers to create fulfilling and happy lives. They will not only help you enrich the lives of your children and raise responsible teenagers, but pave the way for an inspired life and resilient bonds in your family.

 

Divorce is Normal
Divorce is Normal || Shasvathi Siva

Divorce Is Normal is an invaluable companion for anyone contemplating separation and divorce, and a necessary reminder for everyone else that divorce is normal. Through her story, Siva brings to readers fresh insights on unhappy marriages and divorce in the Indian context, helping expand perspectives so that people can overcome societal stigma and accept a brighter, happier future. Filled with practical tips, comforting stories and endless compassion shaped by a lived experience, this book acts like a warm hug and a stern friend all at once.

 

The Parents I Met
The Parents I Met || Mansi Zaveri

The one question that always comes with being a parent is, ‘Am I doing this right?’. Yet, the love we feel for our child is irrevocable. Parenting is probably the only relationship we’ll never walk out of. We are in it forever.

But today, somewhere in the rigmarole of life and material achievements, we forget these precious moments and start chasing that first place on the victory stand for our kids.

Featuring interviews conducted by Mansi Zaveri, the founder of the award-winning parenting platform Kidsstoppress.com, The Parents I Met is an anthology of her authentic conversations with parents of successful individuals who made it big against all odds. What was it that they did right while raising their kids to create the person their child is today? This is what she set out to find.

The challenges faced by each new generation may be unique, but the fundamental principles to overcome them remain the same. We hope that in these stories, you will find answers, advice or simply validation.

Put Yourself First: 6 Must-Read Books on Self-Care

Taking care of ourselves can sometimes feel like a luxury we don’t have time for, but it’s crucial for our well-being. This collection of books is all about making self-care a priority in your life. From practical tips to inspiring stories, these reads will help you discover new ways to put yourself first and thrive.

 

Do It Today
Do It Today || Darius Foroux

Are you also tired of putting off your dreams until “tomorrow?” Guess what! Tomorrow never comes. Am I right?

I’ve procrastinated and putt off my desire to write a book for a decade. I always came up with excuses like, “it’s not the right time.” Or, “I need to do more research.” But in 2015 I got tired of this endless procrastination, and finally took action. Six months later, my first book was published.

Look, we all have limited time on our hands. And we’re getting closer to death every single minute. That shouldn’t scare. That should motivate you! Time is limited, that’s why we must do the things we want: Today.

In this “best of” collection, I’ve handpicked 30 of my best articles that help you to overcome procrastination, improve your productivity, and achieve all the things you always wanted. Plus, I’ve written an extensive introduction about my life and work philosophy. And I’ve made many improvements and edits to the articles. So the content of this book is different from the articles on my site.

 

The Path to Self-Love by Ruby Dhal
The Path to Self-Love || Ruby Dhal

Self-love doesn’t exist in a vacuum; the tricky part is knowing how to love yourself while maintaining healthy relationships with the other people in your life. Dhal shares practical strategies for setting boundaries and respectfully navigating different relationships without losing your self-love. She also explores the everyday challenges that might disrupt your self-love journey, from comparison on social media to negative thoughts and unhealthy relationships with food.

Written for anyone seeking to heal from challenges like the loss of a loved one, heartbreak, or toxic relationships, The Path to Self-Love is your key to loving yourself wholly and unlocking the doors to happiness, healthy relationships, and fully realized dreams.

 

The Comfort Book: THE INSTANT NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER (Special Hardcover Edition)
The Comfort Book || Matt Haig

The Comfort Book is a collection of consolations learned in hard times and suggestions for making the bad days better. Drawing on maxims, memoir and the inspirational lives of others, these meditations offer new ways of seeing ourselves and the world.

This is the book to pick up when you need the wisdom of a friend, the comfort of a hug or a reminder that hope comes from unexpected places.

 

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down || Haemin Sunim

Life moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to.

In this timely guide to mindfulness, Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk born in Korea and educated in the United States, offers advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with rest and relationships.

Combining his teachings with calming full-colour illustrations, Haemin Sunim’s simple messages speak directly to the anxieties that have become part of modern life and remind us of the strength and joy that come from slowing down.

 

Don’t Shut Up
Don’t Shut Up || Prakhar Gupta, Mudit Yadav

Your success in this world is directly proportional to your ability to manage the world and get what you need while also building sustainable relationships—communication in its various forms is the technology that allows you to do so. Don’t Shut Up is a simple and directly applicable toolkit for any communication-related situation you might have —be it a Tuesday morning presentation or a Friday evening date. What do you need from your friends, dates, college, work and life? In this book, Prakhar Gupta and Mudit Yadav have magnified your life one conversation at a time, discovered twenty-three situations that have the potential to impact your life and happiness, and offered their advice on how to navigate each one.

 

How Not To Be A Superwoman
How Not To Be A Superwoman || Nilanjana Bhowmick

In How Not to Be a Superwoman, Nilanjana Bhowmick explores the immense pressure women face to excel in every roleas mothers, career women, partners and friendsand the toll this pursuit takes on their mental health and happiness. Her compelling work unveils the raw, real stories of diverse women who have broken free from the relentless cycle of perfectionism, and offers insightful, practical advice on achieving balance and joy that comes from embracing one’s true self. Through a feminist lens, she confronts and rejects society’s unrealistic expectations while advocating for a life of fulfilment, self-compassion and genuine empowerment. This is a must-read for women seeking to liberate themselves from the exhausting superwoman ideal and embrace a more self-loving, balanced way of living.

Let These 6 Audiobooks Whisk You Away into the Fall Season

Leaves are falling, audiobooks are calling! As the seasons change, what better way to embrace the cozy vibes than with a collection of audiobooks that will captivate your imagination? From ancient mysteries to heartfelt memoirs, audiobooks offer a world of stories that can be experienced anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re drawn to thrilling adventures or intimate personal narratives, this collection brings the magic of storytelling straight to your ears. Plug in, relax, and let these incredible tales sweep you off your feet!

 

 

Mrityunjay cover art
Mrityunjay || Parakh Om Bhatt, Raj Javiya

PRESENT DAY, BHARAT

Renowned archaeologist Sudhir Arya dies mysteriously the night before Diwali. His grandson, Vivaan, comes to his hometown to perform the last rites. Here, he gets a phone call that sets him off on a puzzling journey as he discovers thousand-year-old secrets and shocking facts about his identity.

1026 CE, PRABHAS KSHETRA

Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi has attacked the first jyotirlinga of Lord Mahadev: Somnath. Did he seek the temple’s treasures? Or was he looking for a Puranic heirloom of Sanatan Dharma, the mystery of which has been buried under layers of time?

470 CE, ARAB LAND

Yogi Matsyendranath awakens the kundalini energy of his army through the ritual of Aatma Jaagran as it takes on terrifying, evil entities tasked with protecting the greatest mystery of the Kaliyuga.

SATYUGA, ARYAVARTA

Through yagnas, bloody sacrifices and mantras prohibited in the Vedas, Devi Anishtatri, the goddess of malevolence, is invoked. She appears in her most ferocious form and grants a boon so potent it could change the fate of the universe.

What is the link between Aryavarta, Arab Land and Prabhas Kshetra?

What is the vicious boon that threatens to change the fate of the cosmos?

The ultimate battle of Kaliyuga is about to begin . . .

 

 

Before I Forget cover art
Before I Forget || M.K. Raina

In his sparkling memoir, M.K. Raina documents the many lives he has lived. From sharing the stage with some of the most celebrated actors in India to his journey as a young man witnessing the violence and horrors rampant through the streets of Kashmir, an entire history of northern India is painted with subtle elegance.

Brimming with delightful anecdotes as well as poignant, painful memories of a region that once was, this book is a tour de force.

 

 

Gopal’s Gully cover art
Gopal’s Gully || Zarin Virji

It did feel strange to see her lying cold and silent and then being carried away . . . But at the back of my mind was this growing anticipation—Sanjiv Maama was taking me to Mumbai!

When Gopal’s mother dies, his uncle brings him to Mumbai to get a job because he has few prospects as a Dalit boy in a UP village.

Gopal is cast into the unfamiliar world of Squatters Colony, where he has no family or friends. He gets his first job at the bicycle shop owned by the sage Chacha and rapidly makes friends with the strange and diverse people who live in the community—Chacha’s friendly daughter-in-law, the neighbourhood thug Raja, the three-legged Tiger and beautiful Ayesha.

And he learns that when disaster strikes and lives fall apart, he too has a family in the gully.

Zarin Virji’s gripping debut describes the raw rollicking life of Mumbai’s small neighbourhoods with vigour and zest.

 

Fool Me Twice cover art
Fool Me Twice || Nona Uppal

Since school, Sana has been the popular girl with excellent grades, beloved by both teachers and parents, living an enviable life. Sana and Ashish have been dating since the eleventh grade, sharing the kind of teenage romance that makes it to the bestsellers list, sells out theatres and causes their loveless friends to gag. Nothing, not even long-distance, can tear the two apart. Except, maybe, a handsome, overachieving, book-reading senior from Sana’s college?

Pranav is the typical ‘cool guy’ sought after by the entire college. He also happens to be Sana’s new friend, Aanchal’s brother. But he’ s nothing more than a friend! Sana already has the best boyfriend in the world!

Correction: had, before a drunk driver on New Year’s Eve obliterated her happiness.

Set in New Delhi, Fool Me Twice is an unconventional story that will stump listeners expecting a good, old romance trope. We meet and fall in love with a young couple planning their futures together when life rudely hijacks the steering wheel. Exploring the ways a twenty-year-old navigates grief and life after a loss that shatters most fifty-year-olds, Fool Me Twice looks at the complexity of falling in love ‘again’ at an age where most are falling for the first time, and what it feels like to move on from mourning one great love to make room for another.

 

Bird Milk and Mosquito Bones cover art
Bird Milk and Mosquito Bones || Priyanka Mattoo

Priyanka Mattoo was born into a wooden house in the Himalayas, as were most of her ancestors. In 1989, however, mounting violence in the region forced Mattoo’s community to flee. The home into which her family poured their dreams was reduced to a pile of rubble.

Mattoo never moved back to her beloved Kashmir―because it no longer existed. She and her family just kept packing and unpacking and moving on. In forty years, Mattoo accumulated thirty-two different addresses, and she chronicles her nomadic existence with wit, wisdom, and an inimitable eye for light within the darkest moments.

 

Grandpa's Bag of Stories cover art
Grandpa’s Bag of Stories || Sudha Murty

Join Anoushka, Krishna, Meenu and Raghu along with Ajja-Ajji on their adventure to Mayawati, a beautiful hilly region in Uttarakhand. Little do they know their trip will be filled with unexpected magic as, this time, their dear Ajja becomes their new storyteller. Amidst snow-capped mountains and towering deodar trees, Ajja weaves tales of kings and princesses, mermaids and bitter gourds, imparting wisdom and compassion along the way.

As the children explore the mountains, they make new friends, learn about Pahadi folk traditions, marvel at breathtaking sunsets and travel to various destinations.

From the bestselling author of Grandma’s Bag of Stories and Grandparents’ Bag of Stories, Sudha Murty, comes another collection of immersive, captivating and sensorial tales with an exciting new twist!

6 Books to Help You Slow Down, Reflect and Grow!

If you’re on the lookout for books that can inspire personal growth and offer a fresh perspective on life, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of reads that are not only motivating but also packed with practical lessons to help you slow down, reflect, grow and find joy in the everyday. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and dive into these amazing reads that will guide you on your journey to a better mindset and a happier life!

 

Attitude
Attitude || Adam Ashton and Adam Jones

Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of life-changing knowledge that made you think: Why the hell didn’t someone tell me this sooner?!
Millions of people have listened to Adam Ashton and Adam Jones on the What You Will Learn podcast, where they have spent tens of thousands of hours studying the best ideas from the greatest minds on the planet. Their most frequently asked question: What is the best lesson you’ve come across? While you’d think a simple question would have a simple answer, it hasn’t-until now! Attitude: The Sh*t They Never Taught You will take you on a journey through takeaways from over a hundred of the world’s greatest thinkers, capturing lessons in personal development, career, business, personal finance, human nature, history and philosophy. Every lesson will be useful, and one might change your life. Remember, it is your attitude, not aptitude, that determines your altitude in life.

 

Unlocked
Unlocked || Gezim Gashi

Gezim Gashi is currently on the ‘Unlocked: The Book Tour’ across North America, making stops at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and Yale University. His objective is to motivate individuals to reach new heights in their lives.

Gezim Gashi is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, storyteller, producer, mentor, speaker, educator, branding expert, and partner at the OCS Institute of Arts & Innovation in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with companies such as the Walt Disney Company and Quincy Jones Productions. This is his first book. Originally from Akllap, Kosovo, he grew up in Alvesta, Sweden, and currently resides in both New York City and California.

 

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down || Haemin Sunim

The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to. In this timely guide to mindfulness, Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk born in Korea and educated in the United States, offers advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with rest and relationships, in a beautiful book combining his teachings with calming full-colour illustrations. Haemin Sunim’s simple messages speak directly to the anxieties that have become part of modern life and remind us of the strength and joy that come from slowing down.

Hugely popular in Korea, Haemin Sunim is a Zen meditation teacher whose teachings transcend religion, borders and ages. With insight and compassion drawn from a life full of change, the bestselling monk succeeds at encouraging all of us to notice that when you slow down, the world slows down with you.

 

Glimmers
Glimmers || Cailin Hargreaves

‘Glimmers’ is more than a journal; it’s a guide to finding joy in the everyday. Created by Cailin, this heartfelt collection of poems and illustrations illuminates the small, yet powerful moments that spark happiness and gratitude.

In these pages, you’re invited to explore your own ‘glimmers’ – those fleeting sparks of light that brighten life’s darker moments.

With thoughtful prompts and space for personal reflection, this journal is a sanctuary for self-discovery, healing, and embracing the beauty in life’s simple pleasures. Let ‘Glimmers’ be your compass in navigating life’s ups and downs, guiding you towards a journey of self-love, gratitude, and joy.

Notable Aspects –

A Collectible journal with beautiful illustrations and poetry.

Easy to do daily journal, or weekly as per the need.

Helps improve mental health and emotional well-being.

Helps reduce anxiety and connects with inner peace.

An elegant and thoughtful gift option.

Written by famous lnstagram poet and artist Cailin Hargreaves.

 

Another Sort of Freedom
Another Sort of Freedom || Gurcharan Das

Another Sort of Freedom is a funny, moving and honest memoir of a man’s struggle to break free from expectations. Gurcharan Das was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, during World War II, when Hitler, Churchill and Hirohito were bashing everyone around. His mother noted in her diary, ‘This is a restless baby.’ By age two he had become ‘a difficult child’, and by three she was calling him a ‘troublemaker’. He discovered one day that he could run, and he has been running ever since.

There are strange twists in his journey, from Partition’s chaos to misguided attempts at winning over first loves. Setting out to become an engineer, he ends up with a philosophy degree from Harvard University. He then abandons a promising academic career in ivy-covered halls to become a salesman for Vicks VapoRub in India’s dusty bazaars. This leads him to the CEO’s position of Procter & Gamble India. One day, at the peak of his professional life, his high-powered corporate mask crumbles, and he walks away to become a celebrated writer and public intellectual.

Candid, witty and wry, the memoir is filled with moments of deep introspection at every turn alongside wise observations on the author’s encounters with history on four continents. This is Gurcharan Das as you have never seen him before.

 

Focus on What Matters
Focus on What Matters || Darius Foroux

Why is it so hard to live well amidst the chaos and noise? While you might think this is a problem of the modern world, it’s a timeless issue.
2000 years ago, the ancient Stoics talked about the exact same challenges we’re facing today, like:

• How can we find inner peace?
• What does it take to be happy?
• Can we become more resilient?

The answers can be found in the philosophy of Stoicism. I’ve used the philosophy since 2014 to change my life and career.
Focus on What Matters is a collection of 70 letters/essays I wrote about different aspects of life, from happiness, wealth, health to relationships and much more.
These letters, inspired by the original works of the Stoic philosopher Seneca, serve as reminders to focus on the right things in our chaotic lives.
The goal of the original “Letters From A Stoic” by Seneca was to share Stoic ideas with his friend, Lucilius, who had hedonistic tendencies and lived a busy life.
Focus on What Matters is inspired by those letters.

Transform Your Sleep in Just 21 Days – Here’s How!

Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? In The Satvic Revolution, authors Subah and Harshvardhan show you how quality sleep can be a game-changer for your health. With their simple, practical tips, you’ll learn how to ‘sleep like a baby’ and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Ready to recharge your body and mind?

Read this exclusive excerpt and find out how!

The Satvic Revolution
The Satvic Revolution || Subah Saraf, Harshvardhan Saraf

***

From the dinosaurs to the apes, from a fish to a bumblebee, Every species that has ever been studied engages in me.

 

To repair, restore and recharge is my life’s main purpose.
Without me, the world would be nothing short of a circus.

 

I come to you every night, a little after the sun goes to bed, I bring with me the moon and the stars, which in the sky I widely spread.

 

I am the one who makes your eyelids heavy, and your mouth open in a yawn,
After all, I don’t have much time with you, as I have to depart before dawn.

 

My hope is to have you with me in the hours that are prime,
So I can energize your mind, and refill your body’s batteries for the next day’s climb.

 

You spend with me more time than you spend eating,
Yet in your school and college, I was a subject quite fleeting.

 

Learn about me and you’ll find great miracles in store,
Neglect my lessons, and chaos & destruction may knock at your door.

 

You can’t miss me for too long, even if you try,
Can you take a guess, who am I?

 

Answer: Sleep

 

Here’s a question for you: If you were blessed with a long life, living up to the age of ninety, how much of your time would you have spent sleeping?

 

Pause. Take a deep breath and think about your answer.

 

Well, it would be close to thirty YEARS!

 

In other words, we spend almost one-third of our lives sleeping!

 

We find this a bit ironic. We dedicate one-third of our lives to this one activity, but rarely do we stop and think about its quality. Rarely do we stop and think about how we could improve it.

 

Well, this chapter is here to change that. In the next pages, not only will you become aware of what exactly happens inside your body while you’re asleep, but you will also learn how to reap all its benefits without compromising on your work time, family time or ‘me’ time.

 

Allow us to introduce you to habit three—’Sleep Like a Baby’. Why ‘like a baby’? Well, because they have the best and the deepest sleep. Have you ever observed a baby or a child sleeping so soundly that even if moved from the couch to the bed in the night, he/she would find out only in the morning? That’s how deep their sleep is! Now, of course, as adults we cannot replicate their depth of sleep, but, even if we are able to achieve sleep close to that, we would accelerate our path to peak health and joy.

 

Overloading the Brain with Information before Sleep

 

When we scroll through Instagram, Facebook or any social media, our minds get bombarded with content.Here’s something interesting that Jim Kwik, the author of Limitless shares: we now consume as much data in a day as an average person in the fifteenth century would have absorbed in an entire lifetime!

 

What’s worse is that much of this data exposure happens right before we sleep. In other words, we overload our minds with an unrestricted bombardment of information when it should really be winding down for rest. What happens as a result? Afterwards, our body may sleep, but our mind remains active.

 

Have you ever experienced that the last thought you had before sleeping continues to generate random thoughts throughout the night? For example, watching a late-night horror movie often leads to a nightmarish dream, or if you happen to stalk someone on social media just before bed, their presence may find its way into your dreams. I must confess that I’ve encountered this phenomenon frequently, as you may recall from my rather bizarre dream in the
previous chapter. But why does this happen? Because the last visual or audio input we expose our minds to before sleep leaves an impression that we carry forward with us to our sleep.

 

Regrettably, many of us go to sleep after watching world news or dramatic TV shows that showcase chaos, and families and homes breaking apart. What we don’t realize is that we take this emotional residue (the lust, greed, jealousy, hatred, pain and fear) with us into our sleep. This not only keeps our minds on high alert, preventing us from sinking into deep sleep, but also makes that negativity seep into our subconscious mind.

 

In essence, how deeply you sleep at night depends largely on how you spend the last one hour before sleep.

 

Now that we’ve discussed how gadgets get in the way of achieving deep sleep, let’s look at what we can do instead in that last one hour before sleep.

***

Get your copy of The Satvic Revolution by Subah Saraf and Harshvardhan Saraf on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Here’s Why Ignoring Your Dreams Could Be Your Biggest Mistake

Ever think about how the little things we often ignore can actually lead to big success? The Power of Ignored Skills by Manoj Tripathi shows how these overlooked skills have led to amazing discoveries and achievements. Through real stories and easy-to-understand examples, this book reveals how paying attention to these hidden talents can make a huge difference in your life. Curious to know more?

Read this excerpt and see how these skills might just be the secret to your success!

The Power of Ignored Skills
The Power of Ignored Skills || Manoj Tripathi

 

***

“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
– Dr. Abdul Kalam

 

Dreams of achieving something help in aligning all efforts in that direction. Dreams motivate, inspire, improve, and help you achieve any goal. Dreaming for a significant purpose is essential, and it can even change the course of your entire life.

 

Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you are right.” Therefore, if you believe in your dream or not, you are right.

 

Let me share how Martin Luther King Junior inspired people against racism.

 

5. 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. and his Dream

In the fifties and sixties, there was a growing demand for equality in the United States. African-Americans were discriminated based on their skin colour. Martin Luther King, Jr. started civil disobedience to protest against discrimination.

 

In 1964, he addressed the people of the USA against racism and discrimination; he used the power of a dream to inspire millions of black people.

 

The excerpt of his famous speech is:

I have a dream, that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – we hold these truths to be selfevident: that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day, on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day, even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice, and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream, that my four little children, will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its Governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream, that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

 

This speech from Martin Luther King, Jr. is known as one of the excellent speeches in human history.

 

Steve Jobs is known for his famous saying “Dream bigger”, and he preached on it. He conquered the epitome of success, with his big dreams. He perfected a blend of dedication, and hard work to accomplish his dream. The initial dream of providing a computer in every person’s hands is what inspired him, and all of Apple.

 

5.2 Walt Disney and his Dream

Walt Disney had said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” He was a dreamer from an early age. Having said that, dreaming alone is not going to help, you also need passion.

 

Walt Disney did not achieve success easily. He was fired from his job of newspaper editor because, as per his boss, “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” When he was jobless, Disney formed an animation company, which ultimately went bankrupt. Still, it was his dream of incorporating the best amusement park, that kept pushing him, and finally, he got success.

 

Have you ever heard about a person, who didn’t have a clue concerning what they wanted in their life, yet became highly successful? Of course not. The dream acts as a compass, provides the direction that we should travel towards.

 

We have plenty of examples of dreamers succeeded despite adverse conditions like Napoleon, who despite having humble parentage, went on to become an emperor. Beethoven composed some of the most celebrated music, even after losing hearing ability. English novelist, Charles Dickens, was born in poverty, and never left his dream of becoming a novelist.

 

Do you have a dream, which does not allow you to sleep?

 

If yes, you will achieve success in fulfilling that dream.

 

***

Get your copy of The Power of Ignored Skills by Manoj Tripathi on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

The Incredible Story of How Lord Shiva Came to Be

Discover the fascinating story of how Lord Shiva came to be—a tale filled with mystery and contradictions. Shiva is known for his unique role as both a destroyer and a protector. His journey through the Vedic scriptures is full of unexpected twists. Read this excerpt from Shiva by Nityanand Charas Das to explore the lesser-known details of his origins and see what makes him truly remarkable.

Shiva
Shiva || Nityanand Charan Das

***

The divine Sage Vyasa wrote Vedic scriptures, such as the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Mahabharata and the Vedanta Sutra, and if a person goes through all of them, he might get confused about the origin of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Purana describes him as the supreme and the Vishnu Purana describes Lord Krishna/Lord Vishnu as the supreme. Why such contradictions? Wouldn’t it have been easier if he just made things crystal clear? After all, there cannot be many Supremes.

Let us understand why the puranic versions differ in some aspects.

 

Firstly, we have to understand that the Vedic scriptures are reciprocal in terms of the level of consciousness of the seeker.
Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita (4.11):

 

ye yetha maam prapadyante,
tams tathaiva bhajame aham

‘As all surrender to me, I will reward accordingly.’

 

Here, what does the reward refer to? It can be many things.

 

In the Bhagavad Gita (7.21–23), Lord Krishna describes the system of demigod worship:

yo yo yam yam tanum bhaktah
shraddhayarchitum icchati
tasya tasyacalam shraddham
tam eva vidadhamy aham

 

‘I am in everyone’s heart as the supersoul (paramatma). As soon as one desires to worship heavenly deities, I ensure their faith becomes steady, enabling them to devote themselves to that particular deity.’

 

How does He ensure this? There are many ways:

 

1.To begin with, as a supersoul in everyone’s heart, He encourages whatever inclination a person has towards a particular devata (celestial god).

2. Secondly, He also arranges for them to associate with others who are worshipping that particular deity.

3. Thirdly, He also provides scriptures that glorify that particular devata.

 

Matsya Purana, the oldest Purana, states that the eighteen Puranas are classified into three modes:
1. The mode of goodness,
2. The mode of passion and
3. The mode of ignorance.

 

The ones in the mode of goodness recommend the worship of Lord Vishnu, those in passion recommend the worship of Lord Brahma and those in ignorance recommend the worship of Lord Shiva.

 

Why is such a distinction made? All the people in this world are under the influence of three modes, which decide the levels of faith and intelligence they are born with. Each mode is characterized by a particular set of qualities and faults. Depending on which mode is binding an individual from his past life, he is attracted to a particular type of worship.

 

Shri Vyasa, an expert teacher, understood this and wanted to elevate each individual to the highest understanding. He concluded that just as we do not have the
same book for all standards in an educational institution, it was not practical to have only one scripture for all. So, he compiled different scriptures and categorized them. This way, each person could start some sort of worship, even if it was not the highest form of worship. And if they remained sincere in their practice, they would gradually evolve and achieve the highest understanding as well.

 

Thus, if someone, based on his past faith, is attracted to the worship of a particular personality, a scripture will describe that personality as supreme to increase the person’s faith in him. The hope is that the person will get connected to the Vedic path in some way and advance to spiritual realization, which is the ultimate goal of human life.

 

As far as the origin of Lord Shiva is concerned, depending on which Puranas one refers to, there are different descriptions. This is because, at least from the perspective of the seeker or worshipper, reality is state-specific. It’s not that the Shiva Purana will describe Lord Vishnu as supreme, although Lord Vishnu is described as a very important person. The Shiva Purana will focus on describing Lord Shiva as the supreme. Why? Because that is the way the faith of the Lord Shiva worshippers will be enhanced. This also involves describing the origin in a particular way—the Shiva Purana will not explicitly talk about how Lord Shiva is subordinate to Lord Vishnu because that is how the faith of the worshipper is preserved.

 

Since all the information about spiritual subjects must come from the scriptures, the opinion of Sage Vyasa (who compiled all the Vedic literature) is to be considered the final word. He compiled the four Vedas, eighteen Puranas, 108 Upanishads and Vedanta Sutra (Vedanta means ‘the conclusion or the end of all knowledge’). He also compiled the longest poem in the world—the Mahabharata. Still not satisfied, he also wrote the Bhagavat Purana, which he describes as the natural commentary on Vedanta Sutra.

 

Shrimad Bhagavat Purana is the conclusion of the message of all scriptures. Thus, logically, if we want to know how Lord Shiva originates, we should primarily focus on the Bhagavatam.

 

Also in this regard, the Skanda Purana mentions:

 

shiva-shastresu tad grahyam bhagavac-chastra-yogi yat paramo vishnur evaikas taj jnanam moksha sadhanam shastranam nirnayas tv esas tad anyan mohanaya hi iti.

 

‘Accept the verdict of the Shiva-Sastras (like Shiva-Purana etc.) as long as it is in line and accordance with the conclusions of Bhagavat-Sastras (Shrimad Bhagavatam) because there is only one Supreme, Lord Visnu, the knowledge of whom is the only means for liberation. This is the conclusion of all the revealed
scriptures, and anything else other than this conclusion is meant only for the bewilderment of people in general.

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Get your copy of Shiva by Nityanand Charan Das on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Jamsetji Tata’s Vision: Building a Nation, One Tonne at a Time

Meet Jamsetji Tata, the icon whose big ideas helped build modern India. In Jamsetji Tata, R. Gopalakrishnan and Harish Bhat reveal how Tata’s vision turned into reality with projects like Tata Steel and the Indian Institute of Science. This compelling account explores how Tata’s relentless pursuit of excellence and self-reliance laid the foundation for India’s industrial prowess, reflecting his legacy continues to drive India’s growth even today.

Jamsetji Tata
Jamsetji Tata || Harish Bhat, R Gopalakrishnan

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Tata Steel was one of the first great industrial enterprises conceptualized by Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata group. Jamsetji believed that steel was essential for the development of a nation. Therefore he was of the view that India should not depend entirely on imports of steel, but should have its own integrated steel plant.

 

By 1912, Tata Steel had begun production at its plant in Sakchi in eastern India (the town was later renamed Jamshedpur, in honour of Jamsetji Tata). The steel was of excellent quality, thus proving the sceptics wrong. During the First World War, the company supplied over 1,500 miles of steel rails to the Allied war effort in Mesopotamia. Over 8,000 tons of steel shells were made in the openhearth furnaces at Jamshedpur. The plant began running to full capacity on a twenty-four-hour schedule and still could not keep up with the demand, despite producing 150,000 tons of steel annually.

 

At this point, the leadership of the company—including Dorabji Tata and his partner R.D. Tata—analysed the emerging demand situation and concluded that after the war, India itself could absorb many times this amount of steel. By then Tata Steel was already supplying rails to Indian Railways. In addition, Tata Steel was also earning nice profits on the small consignments that it exported. In December 1916, Dorabji Tata was full of confidence as he spoke to his shareholders about the company’s bumper earnings, production at the plant being 30 per cent over the original capacity and its order book being totally full.

 

Buoyed by this success, the company began considering a plan of expansion to meet the high current and future demand. Charles Page Perin, who was in charge of this planning, initially recommended to the directors of the company a gradual increase in steel capacity, from 150,000 tons to 225,000 tons a year. He considered this to be a safe and prudent plan.

 

However, Dorabji Tata had a far more dynamic and ambitious plan in mind. He spoke passionately to the directors about his father Jamsetji Tata’s vision of a selfreliant and strong nation, which was at the heart of his dream for Tata Steel. He recommended a vast expansion programme, which would eventually supply India’s entire requirements of steel. To begin with, this would entail an expansion of the steel-making capacity at Jamshedpur by five times. Dorabji also said he would raise all the required capital from Indian investors.

 

This ambitious expansion plan, called the ‘TISCO greater extensions programme’, began in right earnest by 1917. However, it ran into a number of difficulties. Tata Steel was compelled to purchase materials at high wartime prices. There were labour strikes in England and a shortage of skilled labour in India. In addition, the Indian rupee depreciated during this time. As a result, the capital cost of the expansion programme, which had been budgeted at Rs 6.8 crore, rose more than three times to Rs 19.6 crore. Additional funds had to be raised from the shareholders because the company’s profits could not support such huge sums of expenditure.

 

And then, suddenly, after the First World War ended, the company’s profits declined precipitously. This happened because of several factors. Belgium began dumping its steel at very low prices in the Indian market, which had no tariff protection at that time. In addition, Japan, which was Tata Steel’s largest customer of pig iron, was hit by a huge earthquake (the Great Kanto earthquake) in 1923. One of the worst natural disasters ever to strike Japan, the earthquake reduced the country’s financial capability to purchase steel.

 

By the end of 1923, demand for Tata Steel’s products had fallen significantly and the company’s profits had declined to nearly break-even levels. On the other hand, significant funds had been expended in expanding the plant. This led to a severe cash crunch, and some of the company’s directors even suggested that it go to the British government of India with a request to be taken over by it. R.D. Tata, Dorabji’s partner, rose in angry indignation when he heard this suggestion. He pounded his fists on the table and declared that such a day would never come as long as he lived.

 

While we do not know what thoughts went through R.D. Tata’s mind when he said this, it is quite likely that he recalled Jamsetji Tata’s objective in establishing Tata Steel—a swadeshi Indian steel company, dedicated to the nation. Instead, what Dorabji and he had in mind was an alternative plan to negotiate with the government to consider imposing reasonable tariffs that would protect Tata Steel from unfair competition from tariff-free European steel.

 

However, such a plan would take time to materialize, particularly because it involved government policy. In the meanwhile, Tata Steel continued to reel under its immediate miseries, with very little cash in hand to keep operations alive. Dorabji and R.D. Tata struggled to raise funds in the adverse post-war environment. Then, one day, in 1924, a telegram arrived from Jamshedpur at Dorabji Tata’s table, bearing bad news. It simply said that there was not enough
money left to pay wages to the employees of Tata Steel. Would the fledgling company survive, or would it be forced to shut down? Would Jamsetji Tata’s dreams and visions of creating India’s first integrated steel plant come tumbling down? In November 1924, it appeared that Tata Steel was on the verge of closing down.

 

But Dorabji Tata was a man inspired by the ideals and principles of his father. To him, paying the employees their wages took precedence over everything else because it was livelihoods at stake. He knew that he had to save the company so that it could survive these very difficult times. At that point he took a step that has gone down in the history of the company as the act that saved Tata Steel. His wife and he decided to pledge their entire personal wealth, which came to around Rs 1 crore, to raise funds for Tata Steel. This included all the jewellery owned by his wife, including the famed Jubilee Diamond. This fabulous diamond, weighing 245.35 carats, was twice as large as the legendary Kohinoor and had been gifted by Dorabji to his beloved wife Meherbai many years earlier.

 

Against Dorabji’s pledge of his personal wealth, the Imperial Bank of India provided the Tatas with a loan of Rs 1 crore. This money was used to pay the wages of the workers at Tata Steel and also to fund the company for the short term. Thanks to this, production of steel at Jamshedpur continued without any significant interruption. The company’s greatest crisis had been averted, and Tata Steel survived.

 

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Get your copy of  Jamsetji Tata by Harish Bhat and R Gopalakrishnan on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

The Best New Books You Need on Your Shelf Today!

September has arrived, and with it comes a fantastic lineup of new books just waiting to be explored! Whether you’re in the mood for a page-turning thriller, a story that warms your heart, or a read that sparks deep thinking, there’s something here for every book lover. Check out our latest releases and discover the stories that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last!

 

The Book of Discoveries
The Book of Discoveries || Amit Majmudar

The Book of Discoveries is the eagerly awaited second instalment of the Mahabharata trilogy, which began explosively with The Book of Vows. Imagined afresh and composed in a style that captures the power, charm and ambiguity of Vyasa’s Mahabharata, this book dramatizes the stunning prelude to war—one that is full of thrilling adventures, fateful encounters and life-altering revelations.

 

1965: Courage Unleashed
1965: Courage Unleashed || Ian Cardozo

Did you know that the 1965 Indo–Pak War was initiated by Field Marshal Ayub Khan of Pakistan in an effort to wrest Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) from India? His failure to achieve his aim led eventually to his overthrow.

This account highlights the human dimension of war through the dramatic personal experiences of army and air force officers that astonish and overwhelm one’s imagination. It will convince the reader that real life is often stranger than fiction. The book also brings to light little-known facts that occurred across land, sea and air.

 

An Indian Woman in Islamabad
An Indian Woman in Islamabad || Ruchi Ghanashyam

As the first Indian woman diplomat stationed in Islamabad, Ruchi Ghanashyam unveils the intricacies of cross-border relationships and the relentless drumbeat of history as witnessed through the prism of political upheavals. From 1997 to 2000, Ghanashyam and her husband traversed the labyrinthine corridors of Islamabad, bearing witness to seismic events that shook the region to its core. From the thunderous echoes of the India-Pakistan nuclear tests to the harrowing shadows of the Kargil conflict, their tale unfolds against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. In a riveting twist, A.R. Ghanashyam, the author’s husband, unveils his first-hand account of the tense moments preceding the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking, offering a gripping glimpse into the heart of crisis management.

 

Jyotirlingam
Jyotirlingam || Amit Kapoor, Bibek Debroy

In the Hindu Trinity, Lord Shiva is a multifaceted deity. Fierce and benevolent, Lord shiva is the symbol of duality of life. Central to Shaivism is the worship of Shivalingam and the twelve sacred Jyotirlingams that have from time immemorial being holy shrines of pilgrimage. Through a series of personal narratives and scholarly research, Amit Kapoor, Bibek Debroy, Vibhav Kapoor and Conor Martin captures Jyotirlingams through a literal and metaphorical journey. Viewed from diverse perspectives, this book is a unique amalgamation of the western, spiritual, artistic and the mythological.

 

Our City That Year
Our City That Year || Geetanjali Shree, Daisy Rockwell

A city teeters on the edge of chaos. A society lies fractured along fault lines of faith and ideology. A playground becomes a battleground. A looming silence grips the public.

First published in Hindi in 1998, Our City That Year is a novel that defies easy categorization—it’s a time capsule, a warning siren and a desperate plea. Geetanjali Shree’s shimmering prose, in Daisy Rockwell’s nuanced and consummate translation, takes us into a fever dream of fragmented thoughts and half-finished sentences, mirroring the disjointed reality of a city under siege. Readers will find themselves haunted long after the final page, grappling with questions that echo far beyond India’s borders.

 

Phantoms of August
Phantoms of August || Mashrur Arefin, Arunava Sinha

An unnamed narrator takes it upon himself to discover the truth behind the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman—who led Bangladesh’s independence movement from Pakistan, which was achieved in 1971—and his entire family. With literary greats for company, the narrator negotiates his complicated personal life and his philosophical and literary musings even as he locates a gun to shoot the assassins who are still alive. Hallucinatory, flitting between reality and dreams, and traversing the length and breadth of Dhaka, this is a fever dream of a novel—an individual’s quest while navigating the scarred and traumatized mind of a nation.

 

Swipe Right to Kill
Swipe Right to Kill || Anirban Bhattacharya

From a perfect match to a perfect murder!

In May 2018, an abandoned suitcase was discovered on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. Inside was the dismembered body of Dushyant Sharma, a 28-year-old businessman. from Delhi. Within 48 hours of the discovery, the Rajasthan Police managed to solve the case. But the revelations were both chilling and unnerving. It introduced the world to the evil machinations of Priya Seth—a woman who self-confessed to conning a thousand men and her two accomplices, Dikshant Kamra and Lakshya Walia.

With detailed inputs from the cop who solved the case, SHO Gur Bhoopendra Singh, bestselling author, the creator-producer of Savdhaan India and the producer of Crime Patrol, Anirban Bhattacharyya, puts together a sensational and blood-curdling account of people whose greed, ambition and lust led them to commit one of the most heinous crimes in recent history, a case that has now earned the moniker of the infamous Jaipur Tinder Murder Case.

 

The Battle of Haji Pir
The Battle of Haji Pir || Kulpreet Yadav

In August 1965, 30,000 Pakistani infiltrators crossed the Cease Fire Line (CFL) in Kashmir and began attacking civilians and army personnel. Codenamed ‘Operation Gibraltar’, this assault involved a mix of trained militia, mercenaries and Pakistani army personnel. Amidst the devastation, Indian forces retaliated and captured the strategic Haji Pir Pass.

The triumph however was short-lived as the pass was returned under the Tashkent Agreement, a bitter pill for the soldiers who had fought tirelessly for it. This book chronicles their courage and sacrifice, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who won the Haji Pir Pass, a symbol of both victory and loss for India.

 

The Book of Exodus
The Book of Exodus || V.J. James, Ministhy S.

Considered one of the finest works in Malayalam literature, The Book of Exodus is a poignant and, at times, harrowing portrait of a rural community living in the backwaters of Kochi, Kerala. The protagonist, Kunjootty, is struggling to write a book of the same title, aiming to capture the stories of the natives of his village, Potta Thuruthu, the Isle of Reeds, untouched by the forces of modernization.

As the mystery and tragedy of Kunjootty’s own life become clearer, the narrative attains the proportions and complexity of an epic, where myths and legends are intertwined with reality, and where the past and present become indistinguishable from each other. Soon, all the intersecting stories of Kunjootty’s friends and acquaintances start converging into the inexorable flow of time, characterized by the nameless river that runs alongside Potta Thuruthu.

 

The Company of Violent Men
The Company of Violent Men || Siddharthya Roy

In The Company of Violent Men, investigative journalist Siddharthya Roy takes us on an unflinching and deeply personal journey into reporting violent political conflicts in South Asia. From the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, where drugs and human trafficking run rampant, to the forests of Chhattisgarh, where Maoist rebels and the Indian State have waged a war for half a century, on to the enduring conflict zone of Kashmir, caught between India, Pakistan, Roy narrates the cycles of brutality, exploitation, and injustice in which everyday people are caught.

 

The Inner Journey
The Inner Journey || Vraja Bihari Das

The Inner Journey shares strategies to quieten the mind’s incessant chatter and live in a space beyond the mind—the Heart Space. Through simple, yet potent techniques such as conscious breathing, journalling and affirmations, this book offers hope for peace in an age of chaos and love amidst distrust.

Steer away from the chaotic outside world and dive into the calm corner of your heart space where you truly belong and feel loved.

 

Who Is Equal
Who Is Equal || Saurabh Kirpal

In 1950, we, the people of India, gave ourselves a constitution that promised justice, liberty and equality to all its citizens. Decades later, as a nation, we still struggle with inequality in various forms—religion, sex, caste, gender. As we forge ahead, it is imperative to ask, ‘who is equal?’, and ‘is the idea of equality elusive to achieve?’

In his new book, Saurabh Kirpal, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, seeks to untangle the philosophical and practical tangents of inequality prevalent in our country. He presents to the readers the explanation and understanding of the existing laws and discusses theories that allow a close inspection of concerns over a spectrum. Well-researched, insightful and drawn from experience, Who is Equal?, positions India at the intersection of equality and inequality, and delivers a perspective that is retrospective and contemporary.

New Children’s Books You Don’t Want to Miss!

Looking for the perfect read for the little ones? This month’s collection of new children’s books is packed with magical adventures, heartwarming tales, and cool projects about birds that will delight young readers. Dive into these fresh releases and discover stories that will spark their imagination and keep them entertained.

Find a new favorite for your child’s bookshelf today!

Amil and the After | A Story of Partition | Companion to the Award-Winning The Night Diary | Ages 9+
Amil and the After || Veera Hiranandani

A hopeful and heartwarming story about finding joy after tragedy, Amil and the After is a companion to the Newbery Award-winning novel The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani.

At the turn of the new year in 1948, Amil and his family have started over in Bombay and are once again trying to rebuild their lives in independent India.

Both Muslim and Hindu, twelve-year-old Amil is not sure what home means anymore. The memory of the long and difficult journey from his family’s hometown in what is now Pakistan lives with him. And despite having an apartment in Bombay to live in and a school to attend, life still feels lonely and uncertain.

At Nisha’s suggestion, Amil begins to tell his story via drawings meant for their mother, who died when he was just a baby. Through Amil, readers witness the unwavering and resilient spirit of a young boy trying to make sense of a chaotic world and to find hope for himself, his family and a newly reborn nation.

 

My Values Collection Box Set 3
My Values Collection Box Set 3 || Sonia Mehta

Nicky and Noni are just like you. They’re funny, they’re crazy—and like you, they love to have fun. But sometimes, just sometimes, they can be very naughty indeed. That’s when they get into trouble. Along the way, they learn something important—that having good values helps them become good people. And that being good isn’t boring . . . it’s lots of fun!

Why You Should Buy This Boxset:

1. Exciting new titles on inculcating values and good behaviour in children
2. A perfect introduction to key life skills that will help shape young minds in an engaging way
3. Fun stories which dispel the belief that being good is boring!
4. Large fonts and eye-catching illustrations to assist emerging readers enter the world of reading
5. An ideal gift for young readers

 

Threads That Bind | Sibling Stories from Indian Mythology | Short, illustrated stories perfect for bedtime | 8+ years
Threads That Bind || Nalini Ramachandran

Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva easily handle small and big problems that occur in the three worlds. But their biggest problem is resolving the constant squabbles between their sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya. When their quarrels go out of hand, Parvati comes up with an ingenious plan—to deal with her sons’ complaints, one story at a time!

As the goddess takes them through the sweet and sour, bitter yet beautiful world of divine siblings like Jyeshtha and Lakshmi, Krishna and Katyayani, Kubera and Ravana, Nara and Narayana, and many others, Ganesha and Karthikeya sit back and listen attentively.

 

10 Indian Scientists Whose Extraordinary Work You May Not Know (The 10s Series)
10 Indian Scientists Whose Extraordinary Work You May Not Know || Vaishali Shroff

This book explores the lives and achievements of ten Indian scientists who made remarkable contributions in various fields of science—from measuring the brightness of stars and discovering a treatment for cholera to inventing fibre optics and increasing food sustainability. Though their names and work may not be widely known, they have transformed the quality of our lives. They are . . .

Ruchi Ram Sahni
Meghnad Saha
Yellapragada Subbarow
Sambhu Nath De
Narinder Singh Kapany
Obaid Siddiqi
Modadugu Vijay Gupta
Chandrima Shaha
Jagannathan Vijaya
V.R. Lalithambika

Vaishali Shroff traces the journey of these scientists, detailing the challenges they faced—financial scarcity, gender bias, inadequate facilities and infrastructure—as she takes us through the evolution of science in India over three centuries.

 

Birds on the Brain
Birds on the Brain || Uma Krishnaswami

Reeni is wild about birds! So when she and her best friend, Yasmin, have to do a survey for a school project, asking their neighbours what they know about birds is an obvious choice. They are shocked to learn that no one—not one single person!—has heard about Bird Count India, when thousands of birdwatchers will be out counting birds as part of a global movement.

Why do people not seem to care about the threats to city birds? And is the mayor really trying to stop their city’s bird count event?

Reeni and Yasmin enlist help from their families and diverse friends—Anil, Book Uncle, the istri lady and even their school bus driver. They must get people interested in the bird count! After all, what’s good for the birds is good for all of us!

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