-
Nash Falls
Walter Nash is a mild-mannered, happy and successful businessman with a loving family. He has never lifted a weight or fired a gun in anger, and he has no special physical or investigatory skills. The dark world is not a place he knows – until the FBI comes calling on the very day of his estranged Vietnam veteran father’s funeral. They tell him that the company he works for is actually a criminal organization. And they need his help in a risky endeavour to bring it all down. In doing so, Nash’s perfect world is destroyed. And in seeking justice and revenge, Nash must become someone else: a man of violence and physicality who must find traction and purpose in the same dark world that invaded and crushed everything near and dear to him. Can Walter Nash reinvent himself into a weapon of righteousness and justice? The odds are not with him
-
The New Icon Savarkar And The Facts
Did Savarkar battle a stormy sea when he attempted his legendary escape at Marseilles? Did Gandhiji and he stay together ‘as friends’ in London as Savarkar claimed during Gandhiji’s assassination trial? Did he turn against Muslims because of the cruelty of jailers in the Andamans? What is one to make of his ‘mercy petitions’ to the British? Did he pledge to be ‘politically useful’ to the British and accept conditions for his release that even the British had not demanded? During the Quit India movement, did Savarkar promise ‘whole-hearted cooperation’ to the British? What did he seek from the British? Was Savarkar the one who showed Subhas Bose the path that Netaji then followed? What did Savarkar think of Hinduism, about our beliefs and ‘holy cows’, about the texts Hindus hold to be sacred? Have our people been suffused with Hindutva as Savarkar maintained? What sort of a State did he envisage? Is Savarkar being resurrected today to erase the one great inconvenience―Gandhiji? In The New Icon, Arun Shourie delves deep into Savarkar’s books, essays, speeches, statements to answer these and other questions. He exhumes archives of the British government. He takes us through contemporary records. And unearths facts that will surprise you.
-
The Revenge of Odessa
The bestselling author of The Day of the Jackal returns with his most explosive book yet. The Nazis may have lost the battle. But the war is just beginning... Summer, 2025. A US senator is burned to death in his Washington townhouse. Masked gunmen massacre supporters during a football match in Berlin. And an old man is murdered while he sleeps in the dementia ward of a German hospital. Three apparently unconnected events, three steps on the countdown to apocalypse. When journalist and podcaster Georg Miller starts joining the dots between them, he finds himself the target of professional killers. His investigation soon reveals that his would-be assassins are from an organisation known as the Odessa, a menacing and powerful Nazi group intent on regaining power. The Odessa has spread its poison from a covert compound in the Bavarian countryside all the way to the halls of the American Capitol. And now, as their campaign to destabilise the Western political system accelerates, Georg must stop the next attack, before it changes the course of history…
-
Never Say Never
Never Say Never, the story of a woman who finds her life turned upside down while living temporarily in the French countryside, is an enthralling testament to new beginnings from billion-copy bestselling author Danielle Steel. Oona Kelly Webster is an editor at a prestigious New York publishing house. Married with two children, her twenty-five-year relationship falls apart when she books a silver wedding anniversary getaway at a luxurious château in France and her husband Charles suddenly drops a bombshell which will shatter her carefully built world. Although devastated, Oona decides to travel to France without Charles, but soon after her arrival in the charming village of Milly-la-Forêt, the world comes to a standstill due to a terrifying pandemic and all travel is forbidden. Isolated and fearful, Oona then receives another shock when she discovers her job has been made redundant. The only thing which helps her to face the tragedy taking place across the world is that she can remain in France, where the beautiful surroundings and slower pace of life will slowly begin to heal her. And when a chance encounter with her new neighbour, a well-known Hollywood actor who is also stranded far from home, blossoms into something deeper than friendship, Oona wrestles with the risks of opening her heart again― especially to a younger, very famous man who has two young children grieving for their mother. With a second chance at happiness before her, Oona must be brave enough to stay open to even greater life changes at a time when the world is experiencing great fear and turmoil . . .
-
You Like It Darker
'You like it darker? Fine, so do I' writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of stories that delve into the darker part of life - both metaphorical and literal. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys and mysteries; each feels iconic. In 'Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream', a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny's most catastrophically. 'Rattlesnakes', a sequel to Cujo, sees a grieving widower travel to Florida for respite and instead receive an unexpected inheritance - with major strings attached. 'The Answer Man' asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful. King writes to feel 'the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind' and his ability to surprise, amaze and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. You like it darker? You got it.
-
The Widow
The new incredible legal thriller from John Grisham. She needs a lawyer. He needs a payday. Simon Latch is a small-town lawyer struggling with debt, gambling issues and an impending divorce. But when Eleanor Barnett, an 85-year-old widow, visits his office to secure a new will, it seems his luck has finally changed: she claims she's sitting on a $20 million fortune and no one else knows about it. She could be the ticket to his fortune. Once he's hooked the richest client of his career, Simon works quietly to keep her wealth under the radar, even from his own assistant. But there are complications: other lawyers are circling his client like vultures. But when she is hospitalised after a car accident, Eleanor's story begins to crack. Simon realises that nothing is as it seems. And as events spiral out of control, he finds himself on trial for a crime he swears he didn't commit: murder. The Widow is classic Grisham courtroom drama combined with a confounding murder mystery that will enthral his legion of fans.
-
The Portrait
The Portrait is a poignant story of two successful people who have built walls around themselves, and the rocky path to true courage and connection, from billion-copy bestselling author Danielle Steel. As a highly sought-after portrait artist, Devon Darcy seems to have the ability to peer into the souls of her subjects and then capture them on canvas. The world doesn’t know about the devastating losses she has endured, first as an orphan, then as a far-too-young widow. Entrepreneur Charles Mackenzie Taylor has given up on love, resigning himself to a loveless marriage to avoid the inconvenience of divorce. But, when Charlie meets Devon at a New York gallery event, he is haunted by her beauty and her talent. He approaches her to paint his portrait and she in turn is intrigued by Charlie, the electricity between them palpable. As they encounter each other over the course of a summer in the Hamptons, their connection deepens as they each release years of pent-up emotions and unfulfilled longing. But the ghosts of their pasts are not easily put to rest. Charlie wrestles with his fear of real intimacy, while Devon struggles with her fear of abandonment. And after an accident endangers Devon’s career, they must decide together what their future will hold . . .
-
Satyavati
From ferrying passengers across the river to commanding the throne of Hastinapur, Satyavati’s extraordinary journey is one of ambition, courage, and unshakable resilience. Born Matsyagandha, a humble fisherwoman, Satyavati never dreamed of a life beyond the riverbanks. But destiny had other plans. When a chance encounter with King Shantanu sets her on a path to the throne, Satyavati must navigate a world of political intrigue, forbidden secrets, and ruthless ambition. Her ascent is anything but simple. To secure her children’s future and safeguard the Kuru dynasty, Satyavati calls upon her firstborn son from her past, Sage Vyasa, to weave her legacy into the royal lineage. But every decision comes with a cost, and as whispers of scandal and betrayal ripple through the kingdom, Satyavati learns the true weight of power. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Mahabharata, Satyavati is a tale of determination and sacrifice, where a woman’s strength reshapes the fate of an empire—one calculated move at a time.
-
The Art of Spending Money
From the bestselling author of The Psychology of Money and Same as Ever, lessons on harnessing the power of money to live a happier life Most of us don’t know how to spend money. We chase things that impress others but leave us cold. Or we save endlessly, afraid to spend on what would actually make life better. We confuse admiration with envy, comfort with excess, and status with utility. The Art of Spending Money is about finding balance. It isn’t about budgets, hacks, or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about understanding how your relationship with money shapes your decisions—and how to reshape it so money works for you. Morgan Housel’s work has helped millions rethink how they earn, save, and invest. Now he turns his attention to the other side of the equation: how to spend. With insight and warmth, he shows why the most valuable return on investment is peace of mind, why expectations matter more than income, and why doing well with money has less to do with spreadsheets and more to do with self-awareness. This book isn’t about getting rich. It’s about getting the most out of what you already have—and learning to want what’s worth wanting.
-
Twice
A stunning and emotional new novel from the author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. When he is eight years old, Alfie Logan discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try - for better or worse. He grows up correcting his mistakes and saving himself from adolescent embarrassments. He even takes foolishly dangerous risks, just to see what it's like to come close to death, before tapping back to safety. Eventually, Alfie turns his gift to his love life, studying his crushes and going back to make himself more appealing. In time, he falls deeply in love with Gianna, the woman he believes is the one. He seems to find contentment. But as the years pass, Alfie's eye begins to wander. Which is when he learns a lone caveat to his power: once he undoes a love, that person can never fall in love with him again. Knowing if he gives into to temptation, he will risk losing what he has with Gianna, Alfie makes a choice that changes his life forever. The book begins many years later, after an ailing Alfie is arrested for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. As a curious detective interrogates him, he slowly uncovers Alfie's incredible story, and its most unlikely conclusion. In Twice, America's favourite storyteller, Mitch Albom, is at the top of his powers. A love story that is enchanting, probing, and clairvoyant in matters of the heart, Twice will make you think, weep, and overflow with love from beginning to end. Praise for Mitch Albom 'Mitch Albom sees the magical in the ordinary' Cecilia Ahern 'Powerful . . . Albom has touched the lives of a lot of people he never even knew' Time 'Compelling and uplifting' Independent 'A writer with soul' Los Angeles Times
-
Gone Before Goodbye
An unforgettable collaboration between an award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon and the and #1 international bestselling writer Harlan Coben. 'A tour de force thriller. Coben and Witherspoon are a dream team!' Lucy Foley 'Full of jaw-dropping twists and turns' Lisa Jewell 'Savvy, smart and suspenseful' Val McDermid --------- Maggie McCabe is on the brink. A highly skilled and renowned army combat surgeon, she has always lived life at the edge. But now, after a devastating series of personal tragedies, Maggie is thrown a lifeline by a former colleague, an elite surgeon whose anonymous clientele demand the best care money can buy - as well as absolute discretion. Halfway across the globe, one of the world s most mysterious men requires unconventional medical assistance. Desperate, and one of the few surgeons in the world skilled enough to take this job, Maggie enters his realm of unspeakable opulence and fulfils her end of the agreement. But when the patient suddenly disappears while still under her care, Maggie must become a fugitive herself or she will be the next one who is . . . Gone Before Goodbye. --------- Praise for Gone Before Goodbye: 'Heart-racing, twist-loaded, and impossible to put down' The Real Book Spy 'Breathlessly accomplished with a plot that surprises and moves in equal measure' Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time 'Gone Before Goodbye is a dynamic, riveting and twisty thriller complete with a heroine that you ll absolutely love' Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me 'I love Harlan Coben. I've read all his books' Bill Nighy 'Witherspoon and Coben are a match made in literary heaven USA Today 'There were twists and turns I didn t expect and I really didn t want this to end' 5-star reader review 'Trust me, you re going to want to read this!' 5-star reader review 'A great read!' 5-star reader review
-
Circle Of Days
'Monumentally epic . . . a superb novel' LEE CHILD 'A tour de force' PETER JAMES From the master of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world's greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge. A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFT Seft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his stone at the Midsummer Rite, and to find Neen, the girl he loves. Her family lives in prosperity and offers Seft an escape from his brutish father and brothers, within their herder community. A PRIESTESS WHO BELIEVES THE IMPOSSIBLE Joia, Neen's sister, is a priestess with a vision and an unmatched ability to lead. As a child, she watches the Midsummer ceremony, enthralled, and dreams of a miraculous new monument, raised from the biggest stones in the world. But trouble is brewing among the hills and woodlands of the Great Plain. A MONUMENT THAT WILL DEFINE A CIVILISATION Joia's vision of a great stone circle, assembled by the divided tribes of the Plain, will inspire Seft and become their life's work. But as drought ravages the earth, mistrust grows between the herders, farmers and woodlanders - and an act of savage violence leads to open warfare . . . Truly ambitious in scope, Circle of Days invites you to join master storyteller Ken Follett in exploring one of the greatest mysteries of our age: Stonehenge.
-
I Am Giorgia My Roots My Principles
“I have heard too many people talk about me and my ideas not to realize how different my life and I actually are from the way we are portrayed. So, I decided to open up, to show who I am, what I believe in, and how I got here.” In this deeply personal and revealing memoir, Giorgia Meloni—Italy’s first female Prime Minister— shares her story in her own words. From her childhood in the working-class neighbourhood of Garbatella to her rise in Italian and European politics, I Am Giorgia is a journey of conviction, resilience and identity. With unflinching honesty, Meloni recounts her early struggles, the profound influence of her mother and sister, and the absence of her father. She reflects on her passion for politics, her leadership of the conservative party Fratelli d’Italia, and the challenges of being a woman in a world dominated by men. Beyond politics, she offers insight into her life as a mother, a partner and a person of deep faith and national pride. Bold, candid and unapologetically personal, I Am Giorgia is the portrait of a woman who defied expectations, challenged the status quo, and has become a defining political figure of our time.
-
The Sensual Self
In this provocative and compelling book, bestselling author Shobhaa Dé asks you to ditch the rulebook and ‘abandon good sense’ when it comes to owning your sensuality. It doesn’t matter if you’re twenty or seventy, sensuality has no expiry date. Whether you’re nursing a heartbreak or rejection, dissatisfied with sex in marriage, or are anxious about your waning libido—Dé has got you covered. From thrilling first dates and the aesthetics of a perfect kiss, to the messy world of casual coupling, group sex, kinks, and sexual red flags, Dé strips away the taboos and lays it all bare with her trademark wit and candour. Whether it’s heartbreak, rejection, jealousy, or fidelity, she dives into the chaotic terrain of human desire and sexual complexities. She asks men to roll up their sleeves and put in more effort, be experimental and non-judgemental, and demands that women stop settling for boring dal-chawal sex when life can offer spicy, finger-licking chicken chilli fry. Part manifesto, part guide, The Sensual Self is a fearless exploration of sensuality, love, and desire across every age and stage of life. Bold and unfiltered, The Sensual Self shows how you can embrace your (im)perfect curves, take charge of your sensuality, reclaim your desires, and live, love, and lust, on your own terms.
-
Bhagvad Gita For Everday Living
The Bhagavad Gita is amongst the most popular scriptures in the world. It is a dialogue between the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna and His devotee-disciple, Arjun. The discussion is revered by scholars as a comprehensive and lucid summary of the Vedas. Its profound and universally appealing message is as relevant today as it was 5,000 years ago. Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living distils this wisdom from the original scripture for quick access in our ever-rushed and busy schedules. This power-packed edition bestows readers with a pithy collection of the Gita’s most profound insights, inspiring takeaways, and calls-to-action. It is a ready-to-use reference guide that enables us to easily imbibe Shree Krishna’s perennial wisdom for a successful life. Timeless Wisdom for a Modern Mind In an age of constant distraction, rising stress and spiritual confusion, where do we turn for clarity and calm? Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living offers a direct, accessible gateway into India’s most revered scripture—curated and explained by bestselling author and spiritual luminary Swami Mukundananda. Designed for seekers, leaders, learners and meditators alike, this edition distils the most impactful verses of the Gita and presents them alongside thought-provoking takeaways that make the profound immediately practical. What Will This Book Give You? • Clarity of Purpose: Discover your true self, your life’s dharma and the joy of living with intention. • Emotional Resilience: Learn how to face life’s challenges with calm, courage and (spiritual) strength. • Decisive Wisdom: Cultivate the power to act without fear or impulse, guided by timeless ethical principles. • Everyday Application: From workplace decisions to personal dilemmas, apply the Gita’s teachings to real-life situations. • Self-Discipline and Focus: Internalise the tools of yog and mindfulness to master your thoughts and actions. • A Daily Reference Guide: Keep it by your bedside or in your bag—it’s the Gita in your pocket for when you need it most. Why This Book Resonates Deeply • Rewires negative patterns of thinking • Aligns you with your higher self • Offers a blueprint for balanced living • Transforms obstacles into opportunities • Bridges ancient spirituality with modern life Why Readers Turn to Swami Mukundananda Educated at IIT-Delhi and IIM-Calcutta, Swami Mukundananda left a promising career to pursue a higher calling. With clarity and compassion, he blends scientific reasoning with spiritual insight. His teachings are loved by millions worldwide for being relatable and transformative. A Companion for Every Seeker Whether you’re new to the Gita or returning for deeper insight, this book helps you: • Understand the nature of the self • Make wiser decisions rooted in dharma • Embrace detachment, acceptance and surrender • Practise true yog in daily life • Live a life of balance and joy Start Your Gita Journey Today Because the greatest truths are not locked in temples or texts. They live in the choices we make— every day. From boardrooms to meditation mats, from sceptics to seekers—this book is for everyone.
-
Red Flags And Rishtas
With an impressive score of 153 dates, Ananya Kapoor is a bit of an expert on online dating. She has seen them all—the nice guys, the fuckbois, and everything in between. In her vigorous quest for her S.O., she has pretty much exhausted the pool of eligible singles in Delhi. That is, until a series of ridiculously hilarious events brings her under the same roof as Aadar Chauhan. At the opposite end of the Indian dating spectrum, Aadar is not who she expects him to be. He is progressive, confident, and annoyingly attractive. Faced with a belief system starkly different from her own, she feels the need to prove herself more desirable than a man like him. And so, one night, she makes a bet with him to see who can find a partner first.
-
End Game
William Warwick and Ross Hogan will return, for one last time, in a gripping and unputdownable finale. Available now! London, 2012. The eyes of the world are on Britain as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games. But the glare of the spotlight makes London a target for some of the most dangerous people on earth. And the moment the bid is won, an international conspiracy is set in motion to unleash a devastating attack that will leave the world in chaos. One man stands between triumph and disaster: Commander William Warwick, heading up Scotland Yard's elite team. But as he pursues the shadowy organisation, he sets off a deadly game of cat and mouse which will take him from the bustling streets of London to the hidden corridors of power. Can Warwick stop the assassin before the greatest show on earth becomes a catastrophe …
-
12 Years My Messed Up Love Story
He's a struggling stand-up comic. She's a rising star in private equity. He's divorced. She's never had a boyfriend. He's Punjabi. She's from a conservative Jain family. They shouldn't be together. But they can't stay apart. Welcome to 12 Years: My Messed-Up Love Story. Saket and Payal couldn't be more different—age, background, beliefs. Yet, they're drawn to each other in ways they can't explain. Is it just chemistry, or something deeper? Is it madness and lust, or is it love? Unputdownable and thoroughly entertaining, 12 Years tries to answer the eternal question: How do you know if someone is the one—especially when everything says they're not? From India's top-selling writer Chetan Bhagat comes a powerful new love story that will make you laugh, cry and rethink everything you know about love.
-
Amar Purana
What if ancient legends held the answers to your modern-day dilemmas? In the chaos of modern life, where ambitions collide with worries, Amar Purana brings ancient wisdom to today’s world—one powerful story at a time. In every myth, a message. In every tale, a truth for today. Reimagined from the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, these short, thought-provoking tales shine a light on the dilemmas of everyday life: ethical choices, emotional resilience, leadership, love, and the search for meaning. Each chapter is more than just a story—it’s a journey into timeless truths drawn from the lives of gods, goddesses, sages, and warriors. Whether it’s Sita's strength, Karna's loyalty, or Sulabha’s fearless independence, the characters speak directly to our inner struggles and aspirations. And to make your reading experience even more engaging, each chapter is paired with a custom-designed crossword—a creative, reflective exercise that reinforces key ideas and makes these stories unforgettable. Perfect for anyone who is a lifelong learner, Amar Purana is your guide to ancient stories, modern meaning, and joyful introspection.
-
Sita And Ravana The Last Battle
Based on Valmiki’s Adbhut Ramayana, this is the story of Sita like you’ve never seen her before… The war in Lanka is over. Ravana is dead, and the victorious Rama returns to Ayodhya to be crowned king of Kosala. But this is not the end of evil—a far greater threat looms over the three worlds. Ravana’s elder brother, the wicked, thousand-headed Sahastra Ravana, rules the fabulously rich island of Pushkar. A tyrant among asuras, he terrorizes the gods and even defeats Vishnu himself in battle. Determined to put an end to his reign, King Rama declares war and sets out for Pushkar with Sita and his brothers. He is joined by Sugriva's vanaras, Jambavan’s bears, and Vibhishana’s asuras, forming an army like no other. The two forces collide in a battle that shakes the very foundation of the cosmos. Arrows and divine astras darken the skies as Rama and Ravana engage in a deadly duel. To the horror of the gods, Rama falls, mortally wounded. And then, as time itself holds its breath, Sita steps forward. She embraces her dying husband, then turns to face Ravana. The cosmos watches as Sita and Ravana meet—for the last battle.
-
Think And Win Like Virat
Discover how to back yourself, maintain focus in tough times, and adapt to reach new heights—just like Virat Kohli. Unlock the mindset that has made Virat Kohli one of the most consistent and focused performers of our time. In Think and Win Like Virat, you will learn actionable strategies to help you build self-confidence, understand process-oriented goals, and harness the power of flow. This book isn’t just about Virat; it’s about you, your challenges, and how to think and act like a champion in all aspects of life. Throughout its five chapters, the book offers tools to navigate setbacks and thrive, whether you’re an athlete or simply aiming for personal excellence. Dive in, revisit its pages often, and apply Virat’s principles to your own journey—because this isn’t just about winning a game, it’s about winning at life.
-
In The Name Of...
December 1992: Teenage Ira Dixit and Omar Siddiqui's blithe world is ripped apart in the Mumbai riots raging over the Ayodhya temple-mosque dispute. December 2017: Dr Ira Godse and her son Sameer are on a flight from London to Mumbai with an urn of ashes. Sameer absconds, swearing revenge and to trace the familial connection to Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse. Ira's frenetic search for her son unearths polarised worlds jostling for survival and wars waged in the name of colour, demi-gods, statues, minarets, cows, and pigs...culminating in a journey to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial in Poland. About the Author: Former Diversity and Inclusion Head at Said Business School, Oxford University and former CEO, Manjiri trains and coaches leaders through her company Elephant Connect. She was selected by LinkedIn to assist Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson judge and mentor entrepreneurs. She won the She Inspires "Agent of Change" UK National award for nurturing a team of disabled leaders who manage the charity she co-founded - Maya CARE. An Msc in Major Programme management from Oxford University and recipient of the British High Commission Chevening scholarship, her books (McGraw Hill, Sage) are used for leadership training. She is married to Abhay Joshi. They have two daughters Tanvi and Mahi. This is her sixth book.
-
Dance Of Freedom: A Short History Of Bharata Natyam
In Dance of Freedom, renowned dancer and choreographer Leela Samson explores one of India’s oldest, most revered classical dance forms, Bharata Natyam. Tracing its origins to the earliest devadasis performing in the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, she follows its flourishing passage through the imperial court of Thanjavur, its marginalization and eventual resurgence under British rule, and its glorious arrival on the public stage in the twentieth century at the Music Academy in Madras, as Chennai was then known. Paying homage to the most significant contributors to its artistic trajectory, from the Tanjore Quartet and the Kalyani sisters to Rukmini Devi Arundale, she describes how each of them have guided the dance form, with its expressive display of emotions and stylized storytelling, along the eventful path to its present stature. She asks: how is it that this ancient art has endured over millennia, and continues to flourish today? The answer, she says, lies in its inclusivity. Bharata Natyam is a reflection of the aesthetic and culture of the nation that is India, absorbing its many musical forms, literary texts, and languages. This concise telling of its history is an impassioned and deeply personal celebration of the dance form by one of its foremost practitioners.
-
Song Of India: A Study Of The National Anthem
The rousing chords and stirring message of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ are familiar to every Indian citizen. The song defines with clarity India’s most cherished values. Composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, it celebrates the unity in our diverse and plural society, praises the beauty of our mountains, rivers, and seas, and honours our civilizational values. In this insightful study, scholar and historian Rudrangshu Mukherjee traces its origins (showing us what its creator had in mind when he composed the song), explains how and why it was chosen over other contenders, examines the occasional controversies that have surrounded it, and reminds us about the truths that underlie it. The national anthem is visionary. It recognizes and salutes everything that is brave, noble, and unique about our country. It also contains within it a promise and a pledge to uphold our lofty ideals and traditions. Citizens, and especially our elected representatives, should understand that every time they stand up in respect when ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is played or sung, it is their responsibility to fulfil the promise and honour the pledge.