Telling stories is more than just a fun activity. It is a way of preserving the culture and beliefs of a tribe or community and passing them down to the next generation. That is the real significance of oral traditions.
However, storytelling does not need to be limited to oral recitation. It can take form through drawings, paintings, dance or even puppet shows. India’s storytelling traditions are as diverse as the culture of the country, as can be seen in Nalini Ramachandran’s book, Lore of the Land.
Here are some of the storytelling traditions of India:
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Tag: Bulletin Board
5 sure-shot mantras to attain happiness; The Dalai Lama shows the way
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan people. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. In Happiness, the Dalai Lama opens a window into the attainment of absolute happiness in day to day life.
Let’s look at these 5 poignant quotes from Happiness, where the Dalai Lama shows us the way to attain happiness.
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A Flair to Carve Ingenious Characters; Who Else but Philip Roth
Philip Roth is the author of 31 books and has won the Pulitzer Prize, the International Man Booker Prize and many other literary awards, making him arguably America’s greatest living writer. The characters carved by this stellar author, have always invited a wide audience and been a subject of interest.
In this blog piece we celebrate this genius’ birthday through 5 of his characters.
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1. Lucy Nelson, When She Was Good
2. Alexander Portnoy, Portnoy’s Complaint
3. Peter Tamopol, My Life as a Man
4. Libby Herz, Letting Go
5. David Kepesh, The Breast
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7 Astounding facts about Gandhi from this critical-edition of An Autobiography
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is among the most enigmatic, charismatic, deeply revered and equally reviled figures of the twentieth century. His Autobiography, one of the most widely read and translated Indian books of all time, is a classic that allows us to glimpse the transformation of a well-meaning lawyer into a Satyagrahi and an ashramite. In this first-ever Critical Edition, written by the eminent scholar, Tridip Suhrud shines new light on Gandhi’s life and thought. The deeply researched notes elucidate the contexts and characters of the Autobiography, while the alternative translations capture the flavour, cadence and quirkiness of the Gujarati.
Let’s have a look at some of the facts from this critical version that you may not have known:
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De-mystifying Auroville in 7 Facts
Auroville has a reputation as a cosmopolitan, spiritual township, but it remains an enigma to outside observers. This anthology of writing from the community, edited by a long-time resident, Akash Kapur, and representing forty-odd authors from around the world, seeks to shed light not only on Auroville’s ideals but also on its lived reality.
Here are seven facts about Auroville that you should know about:
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6 Times Ramnath Goenka Championed the Cause of Journalism
B.G. Verghese (1927-2014) served with the Times of India for many years before becoming the information adviser to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His book, Warrior of the Fourth Estate: Ramnath Goenka of the Express, is a roller-coaster ride through the twists and turns of Ramnath Goenka’s fortunes, including scandals and scoops, fiery public campaigns, dramatic court battles and the making and unmaking of political leaders and governments. Along the way, it tells the story, too, of a newspaper.
Let’s get to know about those 6 times when Ramnath Goenka championed the cause of journalism.
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Puffin’s 10 most Iconic and Popular Reads
To celebrate 30 glorious years of Penguin in India, Puffin presents a selection of 10 of its most iconic and popular books. This will be a beautifully packaged special edition series of the best of children’s literature. It will include the bestselling works of literary doyens spanning both fiction and non-fiction that are a must-have on every shelf.
Let’s have a look at these 10 hand-picked gems.
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- Letters From a Father to his Daughter by Jawaharlal Nehru
- How I Taught My Grandmother How To Read and Other Stories by Sudha Murty
- Malgudi Schooldays by R. K. Narayan
- My India by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- Pashu by Devdutt Pattanaik
- The Adventures of Rusty by Ruskin Bond
- The Incredible History of India’s Geography by Sanjeev Sanyal
8. The Puffin Book of World Myths and Legends by Anita Nair
9. The Puffin History of India: Volume 1 by Roshen Dalal
10. The Village by the Sea by Anita Desai
5 Vignettes that will make you Reminiscent of your Teen Years
Swati Kaushal is the bestselling author of five highly acclaimed novels, including Piece of Cake, Drop Dead, Lethal Spice, and her most recent work, A Few Good Friends. An alumna of Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, and an MBA from IIM Calcutta, Swati has worked with Nestlé India and Nokia, India. Her book, A Girl Like Me, is the story of sixteen-year-old Anisha Rai, packed with the breathless exuberance of teenage life.
Let’s read through 5 poignant instances from the book that will immediately strike a chord!
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7 Things that make Alex Cross the most badass detective in the Patterson Universe
James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 365 million copies worldwide. In one of his most famous detective series (Alex Cross), we have the dark, brooding and handsome Alex Cross as the chief protagonist.
Let’s have a look at what makes Alex Cross such an expert sleuth.
1. A Troubled Past
2. Not the run-of-the-mill hero
3. Know the Enemy’s Mind
4. FBI’s favourite
5. Love=Loss
6. A Man of Sparse Taste
7. Keep your Friends close, Enemies closer
A born hawkshaw with the sharpest grey cells, Alex Cross can and will solve the murkiest crimes!
5 reasons why Undercover Princess by Connie Glynn should be the next read for you.
Connie Glynn has always loved writing and her new book, Undercover Princes (The first in The Rosewood Chronicles) is about two fourteen-year-olds, one who never wanted to be a princess in the first place and the other who is obsessed with them.
Here are 5 reasons why Undercover Princess should be the next read for you.
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- If you enjoy magical fairy tales
- Riveting mysteries
- Heart warming friendships
- Love stories
- Politics and parties
