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The Scientist Entrepreneur
While people kept questioning her ability to lead an organization, she continued breaking through gender barriers and proving her leadership. Over the last two decades, every step she took was put under the microscope, and yet she not only successfully built an impactful NGO with an unwavering mission and value system but also created a sustainable business, both with the objective of helping people make a better life for themselves through education and empowerment. In The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women, Dr Sankar narrates how she co-founded Hand in Hand India in a small room in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and went on to expand its operations to 18 Indian states and several countries worldwide. This autobiography aims to inspire young people to take up social entrepreneurship and goes beyond her personal story, covering her work with the underserved segments of society. Through anecdotes and reflections, she explains how a clear vision, combined with hard work, can make all the difference.
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Fallen City
In late August 1978, Geeta and Sanjay Chopra stepped out of their home in a quiet neighbourhood in Delhi. Geeta had to record a programme at All India Radio. Her younger brother Sanjay accompanied her. The two teenagers disappeared. Four days later, their disfigured bodies would be found by cowherds in a deserted corner of the Ridge, a thickly forested area on the western outskirts of the city. The brutal killing of the children traumatized the city and transfixed the nation. The prime minister had to answer questions about the crime in parliament and police forces in numerous states were mobilized to hunt down the killers. In this first full-length book about the murder and its aftermath, bestselling author and journalist Sudeep Chakravarti, a longtime resident of New Delhi, remembers the horrific crime using eyewitness accounts, archival research, court records, and original interviews that shed fresh light on the tragedy. The murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra took place during an exceptionally unsettled phase in the history of the Indian capital in modern times. Just a few years earlier, in the mid-1970s, Indira Gandhi’s Emergency had terrorized many sections of the population, and just a few years later, in 1984, the city would be convulsed again by a pogrom against Sikhs following the assassination of Indira. Against this background of blood and vengeance, the author’s exploration of the murder of the Chopra siblings, the hunt for their killers, and the sadness and trauma of those grim days will take the reader on a compelling and unputdownable journey through the darkness that settled on Delhi.
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A Death in Cornwall
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER A brutal murder, a missing masterpiece, a mystery only Gabriel Allon can solve… Acclaimed internationally bestselling author Daniel Silva returns with the year’s most anticipated new thriller. Art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon has slipped quietly into London to attend a reception at the Courtauld Gallery celebrating the return of a stolen self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh. But when an old friend from the Devon and Cornwall Police seeks his help with a baffling murder investigation, he finds himself pursuing a powerful and dangerous new adversary. The victim is Charlotte Blake, a celebrated professor of art history from Oxford who spends her weekends in the same seaside village where Gabriel once lived under an assumed identity. Her murder appears to be the work of a diabolical serial killer who has been terrorizing the Cornish countryside. But there are a number of telltale inconsistencies, including a missing mobile phone. And then there is the mysterious three-letter cypher she left behind on a notepad in her study. Gabriel soon discovers that Professor Blake was searching for a looted Picasso worth more than a $100 million, and he takes up the chase for the painting as only he can – with six Impressionist canvases forged by his own hand and an unlikely team of operatives that includes a world-famous violinist, a beautiful master thief, and a lethal contract killer turned British spy. The result is a stylish and wildly entertaining mystery that moves at lightning speed from the cliffs of Cornwall to the enchanted island of Corsica and, finally, to a breathtaking climax on the very doorstep of 10 Downing Street. Supremely elegant and suspenseful, A Death in Cornwall is Daniel Silva at his best – a dazzling tale of murder, power, and insatiable greed that will hold readers spellbound until they turn the final page.
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The Fiance Dilemma
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception comes something new to fall in love with... Josie Moore has given the opposite sex––and love––plenty of chances. Four exactly, if you count all her failed engagements, and five if you include the absentee father who kept her existence a secret until very recently. So when her father decides to announce his retirement with a splashy magazine piece about the family, Josie realizes her romantic history is a complicated PR issue. Matthew Flanagan is the mud, literally. Not only has he been fired from his job, but also the tires of his car are stuck in the muck after taking a wrong turn as he enters Green Oak, North Carolina. So, he grabs a duffel with his essentials and goes in search of a place to crash until he gets his life back on track. But instead, he finds his best friend’s sister, Josie, greeting him as her fiancé. What starts as a big messy misunderstanding quickly turns into an arrangement with Matthew playing a new role as doting fiancé. A fifth engagement––and a stunt, at that––makes Josie’s stomach turn, but every dilemma requires a choice between equally undesirable alternatives, and Matthew doesn’t seem to mind becoming one more number in a colourful list of grooms-that-never-were. Despite the ring on her finger, Josie knows this is only temporary, even if the rest of the small town believes that the fifth time’s the charm.
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Barmy in Wonderland
Love is a powerful spur, and Cyril Fotheringay-Phipps (known to his friends as Barmy) invests his modest fortune in a stage production, encouraged by his admiration for the delectable Miss Dinty Moore. And so he demonstrates that affairs of the heart and high finance may be happily combined.
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More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
In Tokyo, there is a neighbourhood with the highest number of bookstores in the world. It is called Jinbocho where book lovers can browse to their heart's delight and where hunters of first editions or autographed copies prowl the bookcases. The Morisaki bookshop, a small family-run shop, is so packed with books that barely five people can fit inside. Books crowd the shelves and invade every corner of the floor; when a customer arrives, the owner, Satoru, immediately pops out from behind the counter. Recently, his wife Momoko has joined him, and often, in her free time after work, their niece Takako also helps out. For the first time, the girl does not feel lonely; she has new friends and new rituals to keep her company: the annual Jinbocho festival, the café around the corner, or an unexpected visitor. Because, as she has discovered, a bookstore is populated not by the characters contained in the books, but also by those who frequent it. And those stories create bonds. As a sign of gratitude, Takako gives her aunt and uncle a trip, promising to look after the shop while they are away. Everything seems to be going swimmingly, but then why is Satoru behaving so strangely? And what does that woman with the red umbrella want who has appeared at the end of the street? How many other stories, emotions, and treasures does the Morisaki bookshop hold?
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The Reappearance of Rachel Price
'The queen of YA crime Holly Jackson returns with a blisteringly good standalone thriller' – Observer 'An instantly gripping, corkscrew-twisty thriller’ – The Guardian 'Holly Jackson has smashed it again.’ – The Nerd Daily A stunning new thriller from the bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder! 18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom’s mysterious disappearance. Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness. Rachel is gone, presumed dead. The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agree to a true crime documentary. Bel can’t wait for filming to end, for life to go back to normal. But then Rachel Price reappears, and life will never be normal again … Holly Jackson was 'BookTok Author of the Year' at the 2023 TikTok Book Awards. The Reappearance of Rachel Price was No 1 in the Sunday Times Children’s bestseller listings on Sunday 14/4/2024 and in the New York Times Young Adult Hardcover listings on Wednesday 10/4/2024 Holly Jackson's book 'The Reappearance of Rachel Price' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-04-01.
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THE BELL JAR
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a captivating and introspective novel that falls into the genre of contemporary literature. It is a semi-autobiographical work that explores themes of mental health, identity, and societal pressures. Set in the 1950s, the story follows Esther Greenwood, a talented and ambitious young woman who experiences a downward spiral into mental illness.
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Rebecca
Sarah Waters'Rebecca is a masterpiece' GuardianWorking as a lady's companion, the orphaned heroine of Rebecca learns her place. Life begins to look very bleak until, on a trip to the South of France, she meets Maxim de Winter, a handsome widower whose sudden proposal of marriage takes her by surprise. Whisked from glamorous Monte Carlo to his brooding estate, Manderley, on the Cornish Coast, the new Mrs de Winter finds Max a changed man. And the memory of his dead wife Rebecca is forever kept alive by the forbidding Mrs Danvers . . . Not since Jane Eyre has a heroine faced such difficulty with the Other Woman. An international bestseller that has never gone out of print, Rebecca is the haunting story of a young girl consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity.
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The Bone Hacker
A gripping high-stakes thriller featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, from Number One Bestselling author Kathy Reichs. EVEN ON AN ISLAND PARADISE, DANGER STILL LURKS Called in to examine what is left of a body struck by lightning, Tempe traces an unusual tattoo to its source and is soon embroiled in a much larger case. Young men – tourists – have been disappearing on the islands of Turks and Caicos for years. Seven years ago, the first victim was found with both hands cut off; the other visitors vanished without a trace. But recently, tantalizing leads have emerged and only Tempe can unravel them. Maddeningly, the victims seem to have nothing in common – other than the unusual locations where their bodies are eventually found, and the fact that the young men all seem to be the least likely to be involved in foul play. Do these attacks have something to do with the islands’ seething culture of gang violence? Tempe isn’t so sure. And then she turns up disturbing clues that what’s at stake may actually have global significance. It isn’t long before the sound of a ticking clock grows menacingly loud, and then Tempe herself becomes a target . . . PRAISE FOR KATHY REICHS: ‘A thing of clever beauty – smart, scary, complicated, and engrossing’ Michael Connelly ‘This page-turning series never lets the reader down’ Harlan Coben ‘One of my favorite writers’ Karin Slaughter ‘I await the next Kathy Reichs thriller with the same anticipation I have for the new Lee Child or Patricia Cornwell’ James Patterson
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Blood Lines
A body in Berlin. A conspiracy where all sides are dirty, and the clean up will be murder. From New York Times bestselling authors Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille, Blood Lines features the return of Special Agents Brodie and Taylor who are on the hunt for the cold-blooded murderer of a fellow agent. Army Criminal Investigation Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor are tasked with investigating the murder of CID Special Agent Harry Vance, an accomplished counterterrorism agent whose body was discovered in a city park in the heart of Berlin's Arab refugee community. The authorities suspect this is an act of Islamic terrorism, but Brodie and Taylor soon believe there is more to this case. In looking into Vance's movements, they delve into the many conflicts and contradictions of modern Germany, from the dark legacy of the Cold War to a rising neo-Nazi movement. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges from American intelligence agents who fear the duo might have learned too much about US clandestine operations during their previous mission in Venezuela. Ultimately, Brodie and Taylor realize that the murder of Harry Vance was merely the prelude to a much more sinister future event - unless they can unravel the mystery in time to stop it.
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They Thought I Was Dead
Creator of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s favourite fictional detective. 23 million books sold. 'One of the best British crime writers, and therefore one of the best in the world' - Lee Child Peter James, the number one, multi-million copy bestselling author of the Grace series returns to finally reveal the events of Roy Grace’s tortured past – the truth behind his wife’s disappearance. Thrillingly told from her perspective, this is Sandy’s story. Some will know how it begins . . . My name is Sandy. My husband is Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. But when I disappeared, even he couldn't find me . . . This is my story. There's more to Sandy than meets the eye. A woman with a dubious past, a complicated present and an uncertain future. Then she was gone. Some will think they know how it ends . . . Her disappearance caused a nationwide search. Even the best detective on the force couldn't find her. They thought she was dead. But nobody knows this . . . Where did she go? Why did she run? What would cause a woman to leave her whole life behind and simply vanish? For the first time the truth behind Sandy Grace’s dramatic disappearance is revealed. They Thought I Was Dead will thrill fans and new readers alike with its gripping story of a woman on the run. This is Sandy's story. ************* 'One of the best crime writers in the business' - Karin Slaughter 'This is the one I’ve been waiting for. And it’s a masterpiece of suspense. I quite literally couldn’t put it down - even when I was supposed to be doing other things . . .' - Barbara Erskine, author of The Dream Weavers
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Kamal Haasan A Cinematic Journey
In many ways, Kamal Haasan is unique. One of the greatest actors India has ever produced, he has usually gone further than just enacting a role to completely immersing himself in it. Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey explores some fifty films out of the 245 Haasan has been associated with and analyses his cinematic journey from his beginnings as a child star all the way to his latest blockbusters. It traces how, even at a young age, he took on roles other actors would be wary of, positioning himself as an object of female desire in the 1980s; balancing both comedy and tragedy with aplomb; playing formerly caricatured roles such as that of a dwarf in Apoorva Sagodharargal and a woman in Chachi 420 with dignity; and having a resurgence in 2022 with the blockbuster Vikram. This book is the best introduction possible to Kamal Haasan: his life, his thoughts and his movies.
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The Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games 'Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists' E. Lockhart, author of We Were LiarsAn addictive and twisty thriller, full of dark family secrets and deadly stakes. Perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson. A BILLION-DOLLAR FORTUNE TO DIE FOR . . .She came from nothing. Avery has a plan: keep her head down, work hard for a better future.Then an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving her almost his entire fortune. And no one, least of all Avery, knows why. They had everything. Now she must move into the mansion she's inherited. It's filled with secrets and codes, and the old man's surviving relatives - a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got 'their' money. Now there's only one rule: winner takes all. Soon she is caught in a deadly game that everyone in this strange family is playing. But just how far will they go to keep their fortune? 'Impossible to put down' Buzzfeed DON'T MISS THE HAWTHORNE LEGACY - THE UMISSABLE SEQUEL TO THE INHERITANCE GAMES, AVAILABLE NOW!
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The Hawthorne Legacy
The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, Book 2) 'Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists' E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars Intrigue, riches, and romance abound in this thrilling sequel to the global bestselling The Inheritance Games. Perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson.A DEADLY GAME. A PUZZLE TO SOLVE. A FORTUNE AT STAKE. One step forward. Avery thought that solving the riddle left by billionaire Tobias Hawthorne would reveal why he left her - a complete stranger - his entire fortune. Two steps back. But as the cryptic clues tale an unexpected twist and the handsome and enigmatic Hawthorne grandsons continue to pull her in different directions, Avery can't help but wonder who she can really trust and who is just looking out for themselves. What happens when the truth just hides more secrets? Soon Avery realizes this game is no longer just about money and power. Now she's playing for her life. 'Impossible to put down' Buzzfeed DON'T MISS THE FINAL GAMBIT - THE EXPLOSIVE CONCLUSION TO THE INHERITANCE GAMES SERIES - COMING AUGUST 2022!
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Empire of the Cholas
South India. 11th Century In the middle of an undulating piece of land, a colossal structure emerges. It unites a land, creates harmony among a diverse population and even brings together lovers. This Big Temple breaks through the upper layers of the atmosphere in Thanjavur and transfixes the Chola Empire and its people. An ambitious man who comes adrift on a piece of wood; an Emperor who comes into his own greatness; the strong women of the court and beyond who assert their presence and authority—they all surround the construction of this Temple while facing the threat of a renegade foreign nation, which tries to take them all down. Empire of the Cholas narrates the legend of the construction of the Big Temple in Thanjavur and the Chola Empire. Weaving together the fictional and the factual, it creates a tapestry that promises to captivate and enthrall.
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Mangifera indica:A Biography of the Mango
Mangifera indica: A Biography of the Mango The mango, the king of fruits, is also the fruit of desire and the fruit of love. Every aspect of the tree is profoundly intertwined with Indian civilization. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the mango are depicted in paintings and sculptures, and references to it are found in Indian literature through the ages and in several languages. It has played, and continues to play, an important role in religion, cuisine, and a variety of cultural forms. But do we really know all there is to know about this delectable fruit? In this deeply researched and superbly written book, we go beyond the well-trodden stories of the obsessions of nawabs and kings and breathless annual debates about the best mangoes in the world. From the orchards where they grow to the vibrant markets redolent with their aroma, and ultimately to our tables, Mangifera indica describes every aspect of India’s favorite fruit. Book One begins with the history, origin, and the relevance of the mango in contemporary culture, including its place in religious rituals and festivals, literature, and diplomatic relations. Book Two takes us far back in time, 4,500 million years ago, to chart the coevolution of the ancestors of the mango and humans. In Book Three, we traverse the length and breadth of India, encountering a kaleidoscope of mango varieties—the fragrant Alphonso, sweet Kesar, succulent Dashehri, and dozens of others—as well as never before heard stories of growers, traders, distributors, and consumers. An ambitious synthesis of reportage, history, biology, ecology, economics, and culture, Mangifera indica is the definitive account of India’s treasured fruit.
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The Lion and The Lily
The Lion and The Lily: The Rise and Fall of Awadh Through the turbulent eighteenth century, Awadh grew to become one of the richest and most coveted regions in all of Hindustan. Although it was nominally ruled by the Mughal emperor in Delhi, the Mughal empire itself under Muhammad Shah ‘Rangeeley’, and later under Shah Alam II, was in terminal decline. The British and French East India Companies were vying for control of the subcontinent. As the Seven Years’ War between these European powers came to an end, and the British lost territory in other parts of the world, they became more determined to seize power in India. Meanwhile, France began a ‘war of revenge’ against its old enemy to restore its prestige. The French Revolutionary wars (1792–99) and the Napoleonic wars (1803–1815) would lead to even greater volatility in India. French players continued to intrigue till the last quarter of the eighteenth century in various Indian courts. Awadh’s rise to prominence began when Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk (r.1722–1739) was posted there by the Mughal emperor as a demotion for failing to quell a Jat rebellion. Undeterred, Saadat Khan and his successors worked relentlessly to bring stability and glory to the province. Shuja-ud-Daula (r.1754–1775), the third nawab, was widely considered the most powerful and courageous ruler of the time. But after the disastrous loss of the Mughal army at the Battle of Buxar (1764) Shuja was forced into an unsavoury alliance with the British. Despite this unfortunate development, Shuja worked hard to develop Awadh, and Faizabad in particular. Shuja’s son, Asaf-ud-Daula (r.1775–1797), was a visionary and an exemplary diplomat, and his mother, Bahu Begum, a formidable force of nature. Asaf created a Shia renaissance that was a challenge to both Mughal Sunni power and the increasing parochialism of the EIC. His adopted son, Wazir Ali (r.1797–1798), was deposed by the British who then crowned his uncle Saadat Ali Khan (r.1798–1814) as a puppet ruler. In the treaty of 1801, Saadat Ali Khan ceded half of Awadh to the British East India Company and agreed to disband his troops in favour of an expensive British-run army. These and other developments would reduce Awadh to a shadow of its former glory within a couple of decades. Using Persian, English, and hitherto untranslated French sources as well as recent work by art historians, bestselling author Ira Mukhoty brings to focus the life and times of Awadh in the eighteenth century as well as some of the most important figures of the period—the nawabs, EIC officials such as Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Richard Wellesley, as also the powerful begums, elite eunuchs, soldiers and adventurers, such as René Madec, Jean Baptiste Gentil, Claude Martin, Antoine Polier, artists both Indian and European, and others. The Lion and the Lily is a nuanced, detailed, and richly told account of the rise and fall of Awadh in the eighteenth century against the background of the international struggle between Britain and France.
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Living Spirituality
The subject of spirituality has become an elusive one. And with so many paths, ideologies, beliefs, masters, and gurus, where each is convinced of their superiority, it has become impossible to know what amounts to true spirituality. Living Spirituality has been written to remove this veil of confusion and distortion that shrouds spirituality and put the control back into your hands. The author offers a deeply insightful and rational understanding of the subject that aims to clarify and illuminate the truly spiritual life. Not only that, but the book also addresses various queries and tribulations that one is bound to confront when on a spiritual journey. This includes: • Do we need a master or guru to be on the path of spirituality? • How can we bridge the gap between spirituality in words and spirituality in one’s actions? • What makes spirituality different from philosophy and religion? • What is the difference between spirituality and escapism? . . . and many more The central theme of the book is to make spirituality accessible. Living Spirituality is a thought-provoking book that will confront our preconceived ideas, capture our souls, and direct our lives towards the true essence of spirituality.
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The Mystery of the Portuguese Hearts...
A Re Parkar Destination Thriller In the heart of Portugal's wine country, a sinister game of life and death begins. When Filipa's beloved grandfather, Ricardo Monteiro, is brutally assaulted on their ancestral estate, the heiress finds herself thrust into a deadly race against time. "Follow the trail of the lenços... I love Ana!" His dying words hurl Filipa into a desperate quest for the truth. As a chilling note warns of impending doom, investigative journalist Re Parkar enters the fray. From the shadowy vineyards of Penafiel to the olive slopes of Freixo Espada à Cinta, Re and Filipa chase the mysterious trail of Ana's love handkerchiefs, unearthing sinister secrets, even as they face off against a cunning adversary. As the bodies pile up, Re must navigate a treacherous maze of deception to halt a nightmarish catastrophe. But who is pulling the strings behind this deadly game? And what dark connection does Ana hold to the Monteiro legacy? The Mystery of the Portuguese Hearts is a psychological suspense tale of thrilling intrigue, love and sacrifice.
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100 Desi Stories Series: Great Indian Leaders
Inspiring stories from the lives of Legendary Leaders India is home to many legendary figures who have paved the way for change through their indomitable spirit. 100 Desi Stories: Great Indian Leaders is a testament to the talents, inspiration, and resilience of a hundred trailblazers. These crusaders may be royals, warriors, rebels and reformists, spiritual mentors, artists, activists, or sports persons who have proved their mettle under the most trying circumstances. Emperor Akbar stabilized the Mughal economy; Chandragupta founded the Mauryan dynasty; Mahatma Gandhi led the Indian independence movement; Prime Minister Narendra Modi has garnered attention for his innovative strategies; and Priyanka Chopra has turned into a global icon—the stories of these leaders from the ancient and contemporary times will inspire you to achieve your goals. Each story ends with pertinent questions making the reader introspect. It reminds them to persist through hardships to realize their dreams. Dive into the world of these changemakers and enhance your problem-solving skills!
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100 Desi Stories-Wisdom from Ancient India
Timeless Tales with Invaluable Life Lessons Since time immemorial, our ancestors have always used stories of gods and saints to ward off our fears, instill confidence, and teach us the difference between good and evil, or right and wrong. In a country where many faiths coexist, India has a rich heritage of holy narratives. At the heart of every philosophy lie tales of foresight and wisdom. Such stories impart invaluable life lessons. With an exhaustive collection of rare gems from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism, 100 Desi Stories: Wisdom from Ancient India is a treasure trove of short narratives all set to enrich your curious mind and soul. Each story ends by asking pertinent questions, making the reading experience interactive and introspective. Dive into the world of these desi narratives to enhance your problem-solving skills!