Discover the Magic of Stories: A Journey Through New Children’s Books
There’s something truly special about the books we grow up with—the ones that transport us to faraway lands, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and fill our hearts with wonder. The latest collection of children’s books does just that, offering young readers a delightful mix of adventure, wisdom, humor, and heart. Whether it’s timeless folktales, stories of real-life heroes, or whimsical tales that spark laughter, these new releases promise to leave a lasting impression.
Folktales That Whisper Through the Ages
The Whispering Mountains: Greatest Himalayan Folktales
In the heart of the Himalayas, where the mountains hold secrets as old as time, stories have been passed down through generations. This enchanting collection brings together some of the most treasured folktales from the region, inviting young readers into a world of talking animals, mischievous spirits, and nature’s deep wisdom. Each tale is a glimpse into a culture rich with tradition and storytelling magic.
The Whispering Mountains || Namita Gokhale, Malashri Lal
A Hero’s Journey: Inspiring Young Minds
Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labour
Not all heroes wear capes. Some, like Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, dedicate their lives to fighting for justice. This powerful story introduces children to his inspiring journey, from standing up against child labor to rescuing thousands of children from bonded labor. It’s a book that ignites courage, compassion, and the belief that even one person can change the world.
Seeker of Truth || Srividhya Venkat
Whimsical Fun and Mischievous Adventures
The Silly Billy series brings laughter and chaos in equal measure. These books celebrate the joys (and troubles!) of childhood with stories that are both hilarious and heartwarming.
Agassi and the Great Cycle Race – Khyrunnisa A.: A madcap race where speed, strategy, and a whole lot of silliness collide!
Jumble Sale – Shabnam Minwalla: What happens when you try to sell your stuff and end up creating the world’s funniest mess?
Ghosts, Thieves and Aha! Adventures – Asha Nehemiah: A collection of delightfully absurd mysteries, perfect for curious young minds.
Agassi and the Great Cycle Race (Silly Billy series) || Khyrunisa A.Jumble Sale || Shabnam Minwalla
Ghosts, Thieves and Aha! Adventures || Asha Nehemiah
Tiny Books, Big Stories
The Hook Book series is all about bite-sized storytelling for young readers, making reading a joyful and effortless experience.
Zooni’s Alarm Clock – Vibha Batra: A charming tale about an inventive little girl who learns that sometimes, the best ideas come from the simplest places.
Wrestling Day – T. Keditsu: A lively, heartwarming story about tradition, resilience, and the unexpected lessons that come with stepping into the ring.
Zooni’s Alarm Clock || Vibha BatraWrestling Day || T. Keditsu
A Treasure Trove for Young Readers
These books are more than just stories—they are invitations to dream, to laugh, to wonder, and to believe in the magic of words. Whether your child loves thrilling adventures, meaningful true stories, or lighthearted fun, this collection has something for every little reader. Because at the end of the day, a great book is not just one that we read—it’s one that stays with us forever.
Which of these books will you pick up first? Let the reading adventures begin!
Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and wisdom of women across the world. What better way to honor this day than by immersing yourself in stories and insights that highlight their journeys, struggles, and triumphs? Whether you’re looking for personal memoirs, feminist perspectives, or cultural narratives, here’s a list of audiobooks that are perfect for this special occasion.
1. Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra
A deeply personal and inspiring memoir, Unfinished takes you through the incredible journey of global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. From her childhood in India to her rise as an international star and philanthropist, this book is a testament to ambition, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.
Unfinished || Priyanka Chopra Jonas
2. Sita by Devdutt Pattanaik
A retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective, this audiobook presents her as a strong and independent figure, rather than just a victim of fate. Devdutt Pattanaik offers a refreshing look at this iconic character, making it a must-listen for those interested in mythology and feminist narratives.
Sita || Devdutt Pattanaik
3. Grandma’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murty
Perfect for listeners of all ages, this collection of heartwarming tales by Sudha Murty brings back the nostalgia of childhood storytelling. Through simple yet powerful stories, she imparts wisdom, values, and a deep appreciation for Indian culture.
Grandma’s Bag of Stories || Sudha Murty
4. Sati Savitri by Devdutt Pattanaik
Devdutt Pattanaik brings to life the stories of legendary women like Sati, Savitri, and others from Indian mythology. These tales explore themes of devotion, courage, and sacrifice, shedding light on the evolving role of women in cultural narratives.
Sati Savitri || Devdutt Pattanaik
5. Equal Yet Different by Anita Bhogle
An insightful audiobook that explores gender dynamics in the professional world, Equal Yet Different provides a practical guide to overcoming challenges and leveraging unique strengths. Anita Bhogle offers valuable perspectives on leadership, ambition, and the evolving role of women in various industries.
Equal, yet Different || Anita Bhogle
6. Seeing Like a Feminist by Nivedita Menon
For those looking for a thought-provoking read on feminism, Seeing Like a Feminist challenges societal norms and structures that define gender roles. Nivedita Menon’s sharp and engaging analysis makes this audiobook a must-listen for anyone interested in gender equality.
Seeing Like A Feminist || Nivedita Menon
7. Dr. Cuterus by Tanaya Narendra
Dr. Tanaya Narendra, popularly known as Dr. Cuterus, brings a refreshing and informative take on women’s health in this audiobook. With humor and scientific accuracy, she debunks myths about reproductive health, sexuality, and overall well-being, making it an essential listen for every woman.
Dr. Cuterus || Dr. Tanya Narendra
8. Treasures of Lakshmi by Namita Gokhale
This audiobook beautifully explores the mythology and symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi, representing abundance, prosperity, and feminine power. Namita Gokhale’s storytelling weaves together history, devotion, and cultural insights, making it a fascinating listen.
Treasures of Lakshmi || Namita Gokhale
Why Audiobooks?
In today’s fast-paced world, audiobooks provide an accessible way to absorb knowledge and inspiration while commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing. These stories and perspectives serve as powerful reminders of the strength, wisdom, and contributions of women across history and modern society.
This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate by listening, learning, and empowering ourselves through these incredible audiobooks.
Here’s an excerpt that captures the essence of Savarkar’s bold critique!
The New Icon || Arun Shourie
The Uber-Mother
The fact is that having regarded the cow to be our mother, Savarkar wrote, over time she came to be accorded a status even higher than that of a mother.4 The milk of both is drinkable. But in the case of the cow, its panchgavya is imbibed . . . At least, first ascertain which are the ailments for which gaumootra aur gaumaya have been verified to be efficacious. . . We have heard that cow urine has medicinal qualities. But, bhai, he asked, what doesn’t? One’s own urine also has some medicinal qualities as gaumootra has . . . As one’s own urine also has medicinal qualities, should we keep imbibing our panchgavya on every religious occasion and for pure sanskaars (inborn traits), faculties? Brandy also is a medicine for kafkshayaadi vikaar. Should we, therefore, imbibe it during shraavandi also? Poison too is a medicine for some ailments. Use it for persons who have those ailments. One does not take it in the form of dharmic sanskaars (religious values). Shoot down such thoonth aur moorkhataapoorand sanskaars—this alone will bring lustre to our dharma and sanskriti . . .
When a person announced that it was because she partook of panchgavya that the mother of Lokmanya Tilak gave birth to a son as great as him, Savarkar mocked him and asked, why were not the other things she ate—flour, rice, vegetables, fruit, etc.—the cause? If cow’s dung and urine are actually useful in curing some ailment, Savarkar pointed out, so is the urine of a horse, the milk of a she-donkey, the vishthtaa of a hen. If they cure certain ailments, then let those suffering from those ailments consume them, just as medicines are taken by individuals afflicted with the specific conditions those medicines treat. But do the droppings of the hen cure snakebite? If not, then would you eat them if bitten by a snake? If cow dung is fertiliser, then spread it in the field. Why put it into your stomach? Dead rats are excellent manure for roses. Does that mean that we should take them up to our noses and smell their odour? In any case, even if the panchgavya is useful as a medicine, how does drinking cow urine become a punya? Savarkar asked. By cleansing our soul? The truth, Savarkar said, is that the innocence which has led to making a goddess of an ordinary animal, the same innocent religiosity has led people to take its defecating outside their door as auspicious, to regard brushing its tail over our eyes as beneficial, to consider praying to it as religion, and, in the end, crossing the limits of madness, to consider its urine and dung as sacred and pavitra (pure), to believe that eating or drinking it cleanses our soul, destroys our sins, and constitutes punya in this as well as the next world—innocence has reached a peak. After all, where does the notion that the cow and everything emanating from it is sacred and purifying come from, where does it lead? The cow which, standing in the cowshed, chews on grass and chaaraa (fodder), the one which, even as she is eating, urinates and defecates, upon getting tired while masticating sits down in the same mix of urine and excreta, the one who with its tail tosses on itself the filth lying on the ground, the one who, the moment the rope breaks, runs and puts its mouth in garbage, Savarkar observes, touching the tail of that animal the Brahmin, decked in clean and spotless clothes and shielding his own purity, mixes that animal’s excreta and urine in a silver vessel and drinks it and believes that his life has become pure. Is it right to believe this? There is the further belief that the purity, which is tarnished by even the shadow of such a learned person as Dr Ambedkar, which is destroyed by sitting in the same line for food with a saint such as Tukaram, becomes even purer by touching the tail drenched in the urine and excreta of that cow which is eating all sorts of things in the cowshed, and its excreta and urine purifies everything . . . Can there be a better example of how the intelligence of a man is killed? In response to the accusation that he was denigrating our revered sanskriti, Savarkar retorted that if anything is defaming our great Hindu sanskriti, it is the naive tradition of eating cow dung and drinking cow urine. If our sanatani brothers do not want our tradition to be a subject of derision, then they should bring about an end to this book-based foolishness or pothinishtha moorkhataa. They should not prohibit our writings through which we have drawn the attention of our people towards that foolishness.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to immerse yourself in stories of love, passion, and second chances. Whether you’re celebrating love, healing from heartbreak, or simply in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, these audiobooks are perfect companions for the season. Here are eight must-listen audiobooks that will make you feel all the feels this Valentine’s Day.
World’s Best Girlfriend – Can Love Survive the Test of Time?
A heartfelt story about love, longing, and the struggles of maintaining relationships, World’s Best Girlfriend is an emotional ride that will leave you rooting for its characters. If you believe in love that defies the odds, this audiobook is for you.
World’s Best Girlfriend || Durjoy Datta
Wish I Could Tell You – A Story of Unspoken Words
Sometimes, the most powerful emotions are the ones left unsaid. Wish I Could Tell You is a poignant audiobook that explores love, loss, and the regrets that come with silence. This listen will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to express their feelings.
When I Am with You – A Love That Feels Like Home
This is a tale of comfort, connection, and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it. If you’re looking for a warm, uplifting romance that will make you believe in soulmates, When I Am with You is a must-listen.
I Don’t Love You Anymore: Moving On and Living Your Best Life – A Guide to Healing
Not all Valentine’s Day listens have to be about finding love—sometimes, they’re about finding yourself. I Don’t Love You Anymore is an empowering audiobook for anyone going through heartbreak, offering insights on moving on and embracing self-love.
Fool Me Twice – A Tale of Betrayal and Second Chances
What happens when love is tested by betrayal? Fool Me Twice takes listeners on a journey through deception, forgiveness, and redemption, making it a gripping listen for anyone who loves a story filled with twists and emotional depth.
Something I Never Told You – A Secret That Changes Everything
This audiobook delves into the complexities of love, secrets, and the courage it takes to reveal one’s true feelings. If you enjoy stories with deep emotional conflicts and powerful revelations, Something I Never Told You will keep you hooked.
I Too Had A Love Story – A Classic Tale of Love and Loss
A heart-wrenching love story that stays with you long after the last page, I Too Had A Love Story is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced love in its purest form. It’s a reminder that love, even when lost, remains eternal in our hearts.
All That Sizzles – A Passionate Romance to Ignite Your Heart
For those who love steamy, passionate romance, All That Sizzles is the perfect pick. Full of sizzling chemistry and irresistible characters, this audiobook is sure to add some heat to your Valentine’s Day listening list.
As the calendar turns to the start of the year, we’re reminded that life, too, is a story—an unwritten chapter waiting for our pen. Resolutions are the promises we make to ourselves, declarations of the changes we wish to see. But as the days slip by, the ink of intention often fades, leaving our aspirations adrift.
What if this year, you could keep those promises alive?
Audiobooks offer a rare gift: the power of words and stories to accompany us in the quiet spaces of our lives—during a walk, a commute, or a solitary moment of reflection. With each listen, they become companions, guiding us toward our aspirations and sparking the will to turn resolutions into reality.
At the start of this year, discover the perfect audiobook to match your goals. Let these words not just inspire but transform, offering new ways to begin, grow, and thrive.
Resolutions Paired with Perfect Listens
To stop procrastinating – Do It Today
Procrastination is the thief of time, stealing moments we’ll never reclaim. In Do It Today, Darius Foroux unpacks the barriers holding you back and offers practical wisdom to overcome them. Begin the year by doing, not delaying.
Wealth, like a garden, flourishes only when tended with care. Ankur Warikoo’s Make Epic Money is a masterclass in nurturing your finances, helping you sow the seeds of smart decisions and reap the rewards of financial freedom.
To let go and start anew – I Don’t Love You Anymore
Letting go is an act of courage, a quiet declaration of hope for tomorrow. Rithvik Singh’s I Don’t Love You Anymore is a lyrical exploration of healing, renewal, and finding the strength to move forward.
To be informed of constitutional principles – Who Is Equal
Equality is the cornerstone of justice, yet its meaning evolves in every era. Who Is Equal invites you to delve into the foundations of fairness, offering clarity and perspective on the principles that shape us as a society.
To spend quality time bonding with your family – Grandpa’s Bag of Stories
Stories are the threads that bind generations, weaving memories into moments of joy. Sudha Murty’s Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is a treasure trove of warmth and wonder, perfect for family evenings spent together.
To boost well-being with mindfulness – Energize Your Mind
In the rush of life, stillness becomes a luxury. Gaur Gopal Das’s Energize Your Mind offers gentle guidance on embracing mindfulness, cultivating peace, and finding the balance we often seek but rarely achieve.
To embrace second chances in love and life – Fool Me Twice
Life’s second acts are often its most profound. Fool Me Twice is a poignant reminder that love and redemption often appear when least expected. Step into the start of the year with hope in your heart and faith in new beginnings.
Your mindset shapes the world you see. With Attitude, discover how optimism and resilience can transform challenges into opportunities, empowering you to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace.
The start of the year is not just a marker of time—it’s a turning point, a blank page. Each audiobook is a guide, a whisper of encouragement, reminding you that every resolution is a promise worth keeping.
Let these stories inspire action, cultivate change, and illuminate the path ahead. This year, don’t just dream of transformation—listen, act, and make it yours.
Looking for the perfect books to spark your child’s imagination this December? From snowy adventures to magical tales, this month’s new releases bring stories that will delight young readers and warm their hearts. Here’s a curated list for you!
Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards || Anushka Ravishankar
Everyone asks,
What do you want to be?
But Gawa only knows
What he wants to do.
Amma, Take Me to the Hill Forts of Rajasthan || Bhakti Mathur
Join Amma and her boys, Shiv and Veer, on a captivating journey to the hill forts of Rajasthan—Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Amer—that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This series offers a dazzling introduction to the resplendent heritage of Rajasthan, bringing history to life in the most magnificent way.
Rhymes for the Times || Ruskin Bond
This collectible edition has a little bit of everything we all need—fun, humour, positive thoughts and wise words to inspire reflection and joy. From an ode to a mischievous cat to the nonsensical grammar of the ‘Idiot’s Alphabet’, Bond’s eclectic and spirited poems are sure to lighten your days and lift your spirits!
I am the Universe || Srijan Pal Singh
In this journey through space and time, the Universe itself becomes your guide and storyteller. Discover its origin, explore our solar system, learn about scientists from around the world, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the cosmos. Brimming with fascinating facts, this book is perfect for every curious mind!
The Girl Who Played with Numbers: Shakuntala Devi || Lavanya Karthik
Before Shankuntala Devi was world-renowned as the human computer, she was a girl to whom numbers were her friends and playmates.
The Wish Fish || Lesley D. Biswas
Namita’s father has caught her a magical fish. What wish will Namita make?
As December wraps up the year, it’s time to lose yourself in stories that feel like a warm hug or a thrilling escape. End the year on a high note—one page at a time! Check out our picks—you might find your next favourite!
Gods, Guns and Missionaries || Manu S. Pillai
In Gods, Guns and Missionaries, Manu S. Pillai takes us through remarkable dynamics. With an arresting cast of characters—maharajahs, poets, gun-wielding revolutionaries, politicians, polemicists, philosophers and clergymen—this book is ambitious in its scope and provocative in its position. Lucid and exhaustive, it is, at once, a political history, a review of Hindu culture and a study of the social forces that prepared the ground for Hindu nationalism. Turning away from simplistic ideas on religious evolution and European imperialism, the past as it appears here is more complicated—and infinitely richer—than popular narratives allow.
Parde ke Peechhey || Ila Arun
Ila Arun burst into public view with the controversial song from Khal Nayak (1993), Choli Ke Peechhey. But several years before that, she was already well known for her contribution to Rajasthani folk music. A writer herself, with several original plays and many adaptations to her credit, this is her first book, an autobiography. Told in her inimitable style, with sincerity and a touch of humour, this is Ila at her candid best, sharing a glimpse into her life and experience onstage and backstage, parde ke peechhey.
The Notbook of Kabir || Anand
Kabir is the most alive of all dead poets. He is a fabric without stitches. No centres, no edges. Anand threads his way in. Over the years, as a publisher and editor, Anand immerses himself in the works of Babasaheb Ambedkar and other anticaste thinkers. The Notbook of Kabir is the result of this pursuit with no end in sight. This is the story of how Anand loses himself trying to find Kabir.
Caged || Gulzar, Sathya Saran
Intimate, subtle and deeply personal, Caged … Memories Have Names is probably Gulzar Saab’s first autobiography in verse. Gulzar Saab ruminates and writes in rainbow colours. From Rumi to Pablo Neruda and Jibananda Das, among others, have coloured him in myriad of hues. With this he has painted the portraits of Birju Maharaj, Mehdi Hasan, Pancham, Asha Bhosle in words. Their palpable presence, thoughts and words are etched in Gulzar Saab’s existence.
The Land of Lost Gods || Ahmet Ümit
As Yildiz Karasum, a Turkish detective, and her mysterious assistant, Tobias Becker, investigates the suspicious murders, they uncover secrets that could destroy the city that stubbornly clings on to its diversity without forgetting its past. And just as they seem to grasp the core of the missing and imperfect pieces of the puzzle, a new name is revealed… And a truth, that is beyond the reach of any mortal justice. Because when the Gods demand a sacrifice, there is always one to be chosen….
Aghori: An Untold Story || Mayur Kalbag
Subbu embarks on the most unique journey of his life, filled with indelible experiences. Aghori 1: An Untold Story is not just a tale, but an opportunity for readers to undergo an exuberant expedition that incorporates different and diverse activities that are spiritual, intriguing, ethereal and, at times, frightening.
Aghori 2: The Untold Story Continues || Mayur Kalbag
Subbu returns from the Himalayas, having spent many remarkable days with the Aghori sadhus. Three powerful mantras have been successfully embedded in him, and must now be extracted and transferred to Subbu’s revered guru. The sequel to the bestselling Aghori 1: The Untold Story is filled with spiritually invigorating adventures that readers will love.
With its focus on Nehru’s understanding of history and of India’s cultural past, the book opens a window to his deep understanding of communalism and commitment to secularism. Six decades after his demise, do Nehru’s principles which reflected the values of India’s independence movement still hold water? Candid, argumentative and thought-provoking, Nehru’s India is a brilliant work on the man who made sincere efforts to discover, champion and defend the idea of India.
The Slaying Sword || Kalki
Can Princess Kundavai fight her way through the web of political intrigue and deceit in which she is trapped? Will valiant Vandiyatevan continue to surmount the colossal challenges fate throws at him? Kalki paints a study in contrasts in The Slaying Sword, the third in the Ponniyin Selvan series, and Gowri Ramnarayan translates his world of conflicts with empathy and adroitness.
The Jewelled Crown || Kaliki
In the fourth part of the sprawling Ponniyin Selvan series, we learn more about the intricate complexities and histories propelling our characters towards their ultimate destiny. What will happen in Kadambur? The mute Mandakini Devi has been forcibly taken to Tanjavur, and Poonkuzhali rushes there to help her aunt. What will happen when the betrayed Mandakini meets the royal family?
Play to Potential || Deepak Jayaraman
Play to Potential offers a refreshing exploration of human potential, emphasizing discovery through play rather than work. Deepak Jayaraman weaves insights from his eponymous podcast, his coaching work and his lived experience to share a powerful yet simple framework that can act as a guide to navigate the pulls and pressures of life. This book is a guide to living a fulfilled life, integrating family, aspirations, value creation, and deep relationships.
The Start-Up Code || Mukesh Bansal
The Start-Up Code is more than just a guide—it’s your road map to transforming bold ideas into enduring success. Whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur or a corporate leader aiming to ignite innovation within your organization, Bansal’s practical frameworks and proven strategies will empower you to dramatically improve your odds of success.
Why the Heck Not? || K P Singh, Aparna Jain
Through captivating anecdotes and insights, Why The Heck Not delves into Padma Bhushan awardee KP’s interactions with industry leaders, policymakers, farmers and communities. Learn how he navigated challenges, fostered collaborations, and revolutionised the Indian real estate landscape. A must-read for entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration.
The Power of Decision Making || Manoj Tripathi
The Power of Decision-Making is a collection of powerful learnings that will change the way you think about making choices. It will help you make decisions for the better to achieve lasting success in different walks of life. Conceived as a self-help guide, the book includes stories and quotes from some of the most successful people, whose decisions have changed their lives for the better.
The Content Creator Handbook || Varun Mayya, Achina Sirohi Mayya
Every day, millions of videos are uploaded, but only a handful break through to the mainstream. What separates viral content from forgotten content? It’s not luck. It’s not talent—it’s strategy. In this no-nonsense guide, Varun and Achina Mayya—creators of multiple successful YouTube channels and online businesses—reveal the strategies, tactics and insider knowledge that have helped them master the art and science of content creation.
How to Suffer Well || Peter Hollins
Life is tough, so you better get a helmet. You’ll run into pain, anguish, and obstacles. But who says that they need to affect you? How to Suffer Well is a literal guidebook to learn how to defeat the voices in your head that tell you to give up. Instead, they’ll be replaced with voices that tell you it’ll be okay, this will pass, and life can be happy despite the suffering; only if you know how to suffer well.
The Science of Attraction || Patrick King
Like all human interaction, even love is primarily guided by our hormones, and there is a definitive science to attraction. This book is your field manual to understand the instinctual, and evolutionary triggers of attraction. The Science of Attraction is an in-depth look at human attraction and what draws people together. Diagnosing and recommending highly actionable steps to take your dating life to the next level. No tricks, no manipulation; only getting inside the human psyche.
In Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India, Saurabh Mukherjea and Nandita Rajhansa provide a gripping picture of how 1.5 billion Indians are combining to spectacular effect to create a range of social and economic outcomes which have no precedent in any emerging economy.
Read the excerpt to find out more.
Behold The Leviathan || Saurabh Mukherjea, Nandita Rajhansa
Around 11 married women have gone missing from different villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district after receiving the first instalment of the PM Awas Gramin Yojana. One of them has allegedly eloped with her lover.
The government scheme provides financial assistance to poor and middle-class families in building a permanent home. The issue came to light after a man, Sanjay, reported that his wife, Suniya, was missing after she received the first tranche of Rs 40,000 of the scheme.
Preliminary investigation by the Block Development Officer revealed that Suniya had eloped with an unknown person, taking the Rs 40,000 installment recently released by the government…
Subsequently, 10 other similar cases came to light, where husbands reported their wives to be missing.
Suniya’s father-in-law requested the government to transfer the remaining two instalments to his son Sanjay’s account.
“The money was sent to our daughter-in-law’s account, and we later found out she had run away with a boy. We demand the government send the money to my son’s account,” he said…
However, this is not the first such incident. Previously, four women from Barabanki district ran away with their lovers on receiving Rs 50,000 as part of the scheme.”
The rise of an entrepreneur from Jail Road Market, Delhi
Nestled in the crowded bazaar of Jail Road Market in New Delhi is a tiny shop selling colourful kurtas and pants for women, a common business in this neighborhood and in hundreds of similar markets across northern India. However, the owner of this shop and her story are anything but common. The owner is Jasmeen Kaur, creator of the now famous words ‘So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow!’
Kaur shot to fame with this catchy phrase when Bollywood star Deepika Padukone recited it on social media and made
it famous. The rise of Instagram and social media, as well as their accessibility to millions of Indians, ensured that the phrase ‘looking like a wow’ became ‘viral’ and made Kaur a celebrity, potentially creating a pan-India—as opposed to local—market for her wares. She signifies the rise of a new India; an India where polished English and high-profile university degrees and MBAs are no longer a prerequisite for success.
Today India has millions of successful women entrepreneurs like Kaur. In fact, According to Bain and Co, there are approximately 15.7 million women-run enterprises in India, constituting 22 percent of the overall entrepreneurial landscape, a figure that has the potential to rise to 30 million with further support and encouragement. For example, 500 km from Mumbai, in the buzzing industrial town of Dewas in Madhya Pradesh (with a population of approximately 2 mn),84 a mother earns a livelihood by making and selling papads on Meesho, an online marketplace for consumer goods, especially popular in tier-3 and tier-4 cities. The profits she generates from selling this humble Indian snack enables her to not only pay for her daily expenses but also for her son’s tuitions, thus making her financially independent of the men in her family.
Rather than being exceptions, such stories are the norm today in India. Women throughout the country are successfully launching their own businesses. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, women’s share in self-employment has been steadily rising in India, especially in rural areas, whereas men’s share in self-employment has been falling.
While the self-employed category is vast and includes unpaid labour too, if we go one level deeper and see the stratification within the self-employed, the rise of women entrepreneurs (rather than ‘woman unpaid’ labour) is evident. In the exhibit below, for women, the share of “self-employment by own account” (i.e. running an enterprise of one’s own) and “self-employment as an employer” (i.e. running a business in which the owner is an employee and, in addition, employs others) has increased between 2017-18 (when PLFS started) and 2022-23. It is notable, that the same trends are not visible for male workers. Even more remarkably, the share of women performing unpaid labour has gone down during this time period.
So, what is going on here? What are the drivers of the rapid rise in entrepreneurship among Indian women? We believe there are several forces at work here, including rising education levels among women, greater access to financing for women and greater female political participation.
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Get your copy of Behold the Leviathan by Saurabh Mukherjea,Nandita Rajhansa on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
There’s nothing like the joy of immersing ourselves in a good story especially when we can listen to it on-the-go or in the comfort of our homes. This carefully curated selection of audiobooks offers a rich selection of tales that transport us to new worlds, deepen our understanding, and fill our days with inspiration and excitement. Plug in, sit back, and let these stories keep you company as we remember the Tatas and their contribution to the nation.
Tatalog || Harish Bhat
Tatalog presents eight riveting and hitherto untold stories about the strategic and operational challenges that Tata companies have faced over the past two decades and the forward thinking and determination that have raised the brand to new heights. From Tata Indica, the first completely Indian car; to the jewelry brand Tanishq; and Tata Finance, which survived several tribulations, Tatalog, written by a Tata insider, reveals the DNA of every Tata enterprise – a combination of being pioneering, purposive, principled, and “not perfect”.
Beyond the Last Blue Mountain || R M Lala
“His vision made giants out of men and organizations.” A pioneer, an adventurer, a great industrialist and a caring, courageous human being…the story of J.R.D. Tata is fascinating. His biography is the tale of determination, integrity and prodigious intelligence.
The Story of Tata 1868 to 2021 || Peter Casey
One day, the headlines boldly declared that the chairman of the board of Tata Sons, Cyrus Mistry, had been fired. What went wrong? In this exclusive and authorized book, insiders of the Tata businesses open up to Peter Casey for the first time to tell the story. From its humble beginnings as a mercantile company to its growth as a successful yet philanthropic organization to its recent brush with Mistry, this is a book that every business-minded individual must hear.
The Learning Factory || Arun Maira
Founded in 1868 by Jamshetji Tata, the Tata Group symbolizes the great Indian story of hope, growth and phenomenal success.The group played the role of a nation builder in post- independent India. In The Learning Factory, Arun Maira narrates people-centric episodes that bring alive the values of the Tata Group, standards that combine the high-velocity practices as well as the old-fashioned principles that make the Tata Group the giant it is today.
The Tata Group || Shashank Shah
With over 100 companies offering products and services across 150 countries, 700,000 employees contributing a revenue of US $100 billion, the Tata Group is India’s largest and most globalized business conglomerate. A deepdive into the Tata universe, The Tata Group brings forth hitherto lesser-known facts and insights. It also brings you face-to-face with the most intriguing business decisions and their makers. How did Tata Motors turn around Jaguar Land Rover when Ford failed to do so? Why wasn’t TCS listed during the IT boom? Why wasn’t Tata Steel’s Corus acquisition successful?
#Tata Stories || Harish Bhat
The Tatas have a legacy of nation-building over 150 years. Dancing across this long arc of time are thousands of beautiful, astonishing stories, many of which can inspire and provoke us, even move us to meaningful action in our own lives.#TataStories is a collection of little-known tales of individuals, events, and places from the Tata Group that have shaped the India we live in today.
Jamsetji Tata || Harish Bhat, R. Gopalakrishnan
Jamsetji Tata pioneered modern Indian industry. He has been a key catalyst in the economic growth and development of the country. In this carefully researched account, R. Gopalakrishnan and Harish Bhat provide insights into the entrepreneurial principles of Jamsetji that helped created such a successful and enduring enterprise. Interwoven with engaging real-life stories and interesting anecdotes that went into the making of India’s popular brands such as Tata Tea, Tata Motors, Titan and Tanishq, this unique account brings alive the vision of Jamsetji Tata and what we can learn from it.
As sweater weather rolls in, there’s no better time to snuggle up in a warm blanket, piping hot cup of tea, and one of our November new releases – the perfect trio! Which one are you going to pick up first?
HeadStart || Vivek Gambhir, Sunder Ramachandran
HeadStart: Unlock the Secrets to Career Success is here to help. Co-authored by industry pros Vivek Gambhir and Sunder Ramachandran, this is your personal playbook for crushing it in today’s fast-paced world. Packed with insider tips, real-life stories and actionable strategies, it’s designed to give you the edge you need. From mastering new skills to acing job transitions, HeadStart covers it all. It’s not just about surviving the workweek—it’s about thriving and building a rewarding and impactful career. If you’re serious about taking your career to the next level, then HeadStart is your ultimate guide. The future you want starts here.
Air Warriors || Arijit Ghosh
A newly independent country acquires its first heavy bomber from an Aircraft Graveyard and flies it for two decades! A young Flight Lieutenant flies a daring dawn attack on a heavily defended Pakistani Airfield in the 1965 War and returns safely. Only to perish in a crash a week later. Two wartime foes, one of whom shoots down the other in air combat, meet later as friends in life. These and other compelling human-interest stories form the backbone of Air Warriors, an anthology of untold stories from the Indian Air Force.
The Bose Deception || Anuj Dhar, Chandrachur Ghose
What exactly is this controversy about Netaji’s ‘disappearance’?
Does new material offer new evidence on Bose’s reported death in 1945?
In January 2016, the Government of India began declassifying classified PMO, MEA, MHA and Cabinet Secretariat files related to the mysterious ‘disappearance’ of Subhas Chandra Bose at the end of the Second World War. No one could have imagined that even seventy years after Bose’s disappearance, the government had been holding hundreds of files related to him in utmost secrecy. In this fascinating investigative work, Dhar and Ghose have rummaged through more than two thousand files declassified in India, and in the UK, USA and Taiwan to unentangle the complex web of a deception plan, that has kept the whole country on tenterhooks for decades.
The Drowning || Nidhi Upadhyay
Shattered by the loss of her twins, software engineer Viji becomes the prime suspect in a chilling crime—the drowning of her best friend Neha’s baby. ASP Kanika, haunted by her own personal loss, is pulled into an investigation that quickly spirals into a nightmarish descent. When Neha’s mutilated body is discovered, branded with the same grotesque symbol, Kanika realizes she’s up against something much more terrifying than a serial killer. As she unravels a web of evil tantric practices, Kanika confronts a horrifying possibility: Is she hunting a twisted killer, or has she awakened an ancient, malevolent force? And if so, how long before it comes for her?
Alwan-E-Nemat || Salma Husain
Alwan-e-Nemat (Colours of the Table), the sixteenth-century Persian manuscript offers a rare taste and glimpse into Mughal Emperor Jehangir and queen Nur Jehan’s kitchen. Meticulously calligraphed on 155 pages of cream-coloured paper with a painted blue margin, it is possibly the first book in the world to be devoted entirely to recipes and methods of processing and serving food. It is also the only manuscript that highlights the unique contribution of Empress Nur Jehan.
Tipu Sultan || Vikram Sampath
Over two centuries have passed since his death on 4 May 1799, yet Tipu Sultan’s contested legacy continues to perplex India and her contemporary politics. A fascinating and enigmatic figure in India’s military past, he remains a modern historian’s biggest puzzle as he simultaneously means different things to different people, depending on how one chooses to look at his life and its events. Meticulously researched, authoritative and unputdownable, the book opens a window to the life and times of one of the most debated figures from India’s history.
Unloved || Harshita Gupta
There isn’t anyone who hasn’t been shattered by heartbreak. It is the most devastating yet universal experience that leaves us feeling lost and alone. In a world plagued by love gurus and hopeless romantics, Unloved presents a guide to loving oneself through the process of heartbreak. The chaos after the calm, this self-help book offers an antidote to heartache with a uniquely Indian point of view. With practical advice and inspiring insights, it empowers you to transform heartache into strength, paving the way for a new chapter of love in your life.
You Will Be Alright || Sonali Gupta
Grief is overwhelming, unpredictable and deeply personal. Everyone goes through it, yet we are almost never prepared for it when it comes. In You Will Be Alright, Sonali Gupta addresses the silence that surrounds grief, talks about the myths around loss and builds a vocabulary about what we are feeling when we grieve. The book talks about how grief shows up physically and emotionally for us, and also what the first few days of loss look like. It addresses practical concerns such as grieving in a digital age and the challenges around sorting deceased’s possessions, and topics such as closure, grief integration and more.
The Ivy League Playbook || Athena
Elite American admissions systems seem shrouded in mystery. Plummeting acceptance rates suggest that even the most stellar academic record no longer suffices to differentiate a candidate from the rest of the applicant pool. Through in-depth analyses of 25 Common Application Essays that have succeeded at Ivy League and “Ivy+” (Stanford, Caltech, UChicago) universities, you’ll discover the transformative journey of composing an outstanding college essay that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevate Shannah || Kennedy, Colleen Callander
Elevate breaks away from traditional self-help advice, providing a unique blend of personal insight, professional wisdom, and practical strategies. Kennedy and Callander, renowned for their expertise as a life coach and CEO respectively, share their secrets to building a life of incredible health, success, happiness, and fulfillment. Packed with a comprehensive toolkit and actionable strategies, the book equips you with everything you need to design and implement a plan for achieving both personal and professional success.
The Art of Letting Go || Nick Trenton
Your mind should ideally be your safe zone, not the noisiest place in the world. Although that is rarely the case, and if you are always on edge and unable to relax, this book is for you. The Art of Letting Go is about organizing the mess in our minds. For that, it is important not to dwell on the past, or obsess over the future that may never occur; but that is easier said than done. Learn how to trust that things will be okay, how to control your self-talk, and transform your internal worldview.
