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Stories Of Words & Phrases
Have you ever been in a situation where the cat got your tongue, or you let the green-eyed monster get the better of you? Have you ever tried to keep up with the Joneses or collapsed in stitches when you heard something hilarious? What is the common thread binding the words safari, orange and algebra? And did you know the word Bluetooth was coined long before the smartphone’s invention, or that a British nobleman, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, lent his name to a popular food item? From the Persian roots of ‘khaki’ to the Shakespearean sass behind ‘crocodile tears’, this book is your backstage pass to discovering the at once fascinating, strange and amusing histories of the popular words and phrases we use every day, though mostly without pausing to reflect on their etymology. Linguistic sleuth Sumanto Chattopadhyay peels back the layers of language and takes us on a rollicking ride to demystify the origins and meanings of common words and quirky idiomatic expressions that sometimes frustrate us—and get our goat—or sound Greek to us! Stories of Words and Phrases is the perfect read for word nerds, enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys language trivia rooted in rich cultural history drawn from various parts of the world. It’s elementary, my dear Watson—this book will make you laugh, learn and unlock the wordsmith in you.
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Laughing Through Life
‘Just you wait and see,’ I told him. ‘I’ll make you a cheese omelette you’ll never forget.’ And I did. It was a bit messy, as I was over-generous with the tomatoes, but I thought it tasted rather good. Gautam, however, pushed his plate away, saying, ‘You forgot to put in the egg.’ There are few miseries in life that a good laugh can’t cure. From the demure chuckle to the unflattering snort, laughter of all kinds is good for the soul—even if it sometimes comes at your own expense! Laughing through Life is a collection of Ruskin Bond’s stories that will sometimes have you smiling widely to yourself, and other times have you rolling in the aisles. From animal hijinks and childhood mishaps to strangely funny encounters, Ruskin Bond’s pen deftly brings out the hilarity in the everyday, reminding you that life doesn’t have to be so bleak after all.
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Tara: The Dream Chaser
Tara is a modern-day princess, but her life is no fairy tale. Born into Rajput royalty, she grows up under the weight of a neglectful father and a controlling mother. Love, always a butterfly just out of reach, becomes her deepest yearning. Determined to break free, Tara escapes a gilded prison and a loveless marriage, seeking a fresh start in the City of Dreams—Mumbai. There, she meets Kabir—a Bengali-French photographer who sees through her carefully built armour. With him, she begins to heal, to live, to love. Just as she dares to believe in a future, Vivan Mehta—Bollywood’s golden boy and irresistible enigma—pulls her into a whirlwind of passion and temptation, and a spotlight she never sought. But is it possible to really let go of the past?
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Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan
How could Lord Ram abandon Sita? Why did Sita undergo the demeaning ordeal of agnipariksha? Why is Dev Rishi Narad so respected and adored? Why do Sanatan Gods behave like humans? These are just a few of the profound questions that have long intrigued people in India. Yet, without clear answers, they often lead to nothing more than superficial debates. This book delves into some of the most significant questions surrounding Sanatan Dharm. By exploring ancient texts such as the Mahabharat, Ramayan, Purans and more, it seeks to provide deep insights and offer thoughtful answers to these age-old queries, resolving key debates and issues within the tradition of Sanatan Dharm.
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Madness in Mumbai: When Forty Gets Naughty
Until forty, Monica Singh never put a foot out of the line. And why would she? As a pampered socialite, wife of a rich businessman whose life had never taken her beyond the luxuries of Pali Hill and Mount Mary, she had almost everything she could ask for—except for love. And then her unfaithful husband leaves her for his baby-popping, business-tripling mistress, his company’s VP Sales ‘Luckshmi’, throwing her life and sense of self into disarray overnight. Abandoned by everyone she has ever known, Monica rediscovers her first love, photography, kick-starting a mad chain of events that sends her hurtling in a whirlwind through the streets of Mumbai. Navigating her way through tarot card readings, a gangster—sorry, social worker—romance, a kidnapping, a car chase, a murder plot, a surly policeman, a drug bust and more—will Monica be able to find herself at the end of it all? In all its hilarious, suspenseful, steamy and witty twists and turns, Madness in Mumbai will take you on a wild ride of self-discovery, passion and adventure that is only possible in a city like Mumbai.
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Sky Was Never The Limit : The story of Shubhanshu Shukla
First-ever biography of Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla From Lucknow to Low Earth Orbit: Sky Was Never the Limit follows the incredible journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—from a quiet, studious boy in the lanes of Lucknow to India’s astronaut aboard the International Space Station. No Legacy, Only Determination: Born into a modest family with no aviation background, Shukla carved his path through sheer discipline, academic brilliance, and fearless patriotism. Secret Dreams, Silent Grit: He secretly appeared for the NDA entrance exam and went on to become a decorated fighter pilot, test pilot, and eventually, India’s spacefarer. A Hero’s Inner Journey: This biography captures not just his professional milestones but the inner transformation of a boy who carried galaxies in his mind and chased them with unwavering resolve. A Nation’s Pride, A Billion Hopes: Brimming with drama, heart, and national pride, this is the story of a man who didn’t just touch space—but elevated the spirit of a billion Indians.
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Did I Really Do All This?
In the course of time, Vijay Raman not only earned the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, but also went on to create history in each of his postings all over India. He was a simple and straightforward cop, one who was extraordinarily courageous. His untimely demise in 2023 was preceded by many near-death situations—described in this book—which he was miraculously lucky to survive. This is a real-life hero’s first-hand account of Paan Singh Tomar and his dacoit gang being decimated in a 14-hour dusk-to-dawn encounter; the surrenders of Daku Malkan Singh and Phoolan Devi; leading from the front and putting an end to the notorious terrorist Ghazi Baba; investigating the infamous Vyapam scam; dealing with the horror of the gas tragedy in Bhopal; guarding the life of four Indian prime ministers as one of the handpicked officers of the Special Protection Group; and beating the Guinness World Record for circumnavigating the globe.
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Timeline India Rediscovery Of The Chronology Of A Ten Millennia Civilization
The origin and evolution of various civilizations anchors our understanding of who we are, where we have come from, and where we are headed as a society. This is premised on the right placing of defining events along time, the chronology. Such a timeline is based upon the available body of knowledge, across natural, social and applied sciences, and the constructs developed thereupon. Prevailing chronologies of different civilizations in the world were determined by Europeans in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There has since been much development in the availability of data for exploring, in particular, the prehistoric times, enabling the much-needed use of multidisciplinary research methods. And one of the most extraordinary findings is that the Indian civilization spans an astonishing ten millennia!
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Anger Management
On 7 August 2019, High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was expelled from Islamabad, the first time an Indian head of mission had been asked to leave by Pakistan. His expulsion marked yet another low in the troubled relationship between the two neighbours who had been born within a day of each other in 1947. The latest diplomatic row followed the dismantling of Article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, but the hostility had been ratcheting up for a while, with the Pakistani terror attack in Pulwama, followed by the Indian airstrikes on terrorists in Balakot, and the grandstanding Pakistan engaged in over the return of a captured Indian Air Force pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman. This book looks in eye-opening detail at all these incidents that took place while the author was India’s top diplomat in Pakistan, including blunders by Imran Khan, the then Pakistani prime minister, and parleys engaged in by the powerful head of the Pakistani army, General Qamar Bajwa. He also describes his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and key members of the Indian establishment as they dealt with the multiple crises that took place during that time. After providing readers with a gripping account of the events he was witness to, the author goes deep into the conflict and tension that have characterized the connection between the countries. He looks at this fractious history from a unique perspective, that of Indian diplomats who have served in Pakistan from Independence onwards. These were the people responsible for managing the situation on the ground, even as the actions of prime ministers, presidents, and generals made the news headlines. India’s envoys were expected to deal with all manner of occurrences from routine matters to rather more taxing things such as dealing with dictators, engaging in backchannel talks with their counterparts and other Pakistani officials (accounts of which have only recently been declassified) when ties were strained, dodging spies, and even on occasion having to endure verbal and physical abuse from thugs and the Pakistani intelligence services. Equally, for all the stresses they had to endure, the warmth and friendship they received from ordinary Pakistanis made many of them hope that one day the cantankerousness and bloodshed that blighted Indo-Pak ties would be replaced by normalcy, if not enduring bonds of warmth and amity. The stories about what these diplomats were able to do during their time in Pakistan provide the reader with fresh insights into most of the pivotal moments in the relationship—especially Partition, the 1948 Pakistani offensive that was stopped in its tracks by the prompt action of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and the even bigger wars of 1965 (ably handled by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri), 1971 (in which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi won a resounding victory), and 1999 (where the Pakistani intruders were repulsed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decisive leadership). The book throws fresh light on terrorism in Kashmir, the skirmishes across the Line of Control, the attacks by Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai, and the assault on the Indian parliament. Further, the book covers the few initiatives that sought to resolve the perennial state of strife and suspicion between the neighbours—the Simla Accord of July 1972, Vajpayee’s historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999, the Agra Summit of 2001, and other short-lived attempts to make new beginnings. Besides his in-depth analysis of history and current events, the author offers a reasoned plan of how India and Pakistan might be able to arrive at a lasting peace. Masterfully blending scholarship, telling revelations, memoir, and history, Anger Management is a remarkable study of the diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.
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The Lagoon
In the stillness of the air every tree, every leaf, every bough, every tendril of creeper and every petal of minute blossoms seemed to have been bewitched into an immobility perfect and final. Nothing moved on the river but the eight paddles that rose flashing regularly, dipped together with a single splash… Somewhere deep in the jungles, in a boat anchored on a lagoon, a man listens to the doomed love story of his friend and his dying lover. In an apple orchard, a philosopher tries hard to decipher the codes of love, little realizing that he is ruining his own chances. With stories from writers like O. Henry, Joseph Conrad, Guy de Maupassant, Anton Chekov and others, this collection brings alive the many shades of love, from the heartbreaking to the joyous.
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My Favourite Nature Stories
‘When I came to live in Mussoorie just over fifty years ago, I lived in Maplewood Lodge, a cottage below Wynberg-Allen School. Its windows opened on to a well-forested hillside. So naturally I wrote about the trees, wild flowers and birds and other creatures who lived among them. Then circumstances forced me to move higher up the mountain and for the last thirty-five years I have lived on the top floor of Ivy Cottage, in Landour Cantonment. Here there are windows too and they open on to the sky, clouds, the Doon valley and range upon range of mountains. And from this perch on the hillside I feel that I am part of the greater world, mother India as well as the natural world of planet Earth.’ In this charming collection, Ruskin Bond talks about his various encounters with the natural world. From the chorus of cicadas to the song of the whistling thrush, from his love for sea shells to his favourite place on earth, Bond details why he has such an overwhelming love for nature. This book is for all who cherish the green world, just as Bond does. Features • A brand new book celebrating Ruskin Bond's 82nd birthday • Written by India’s bestselling author, this book makes for a perfect gift for readers of all ages • A wonderful way to introduce the wonders of the natural world to children
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Petals On The Ganga
This collection by Ruskin Bond has stories that are mostly autobiographical, based on the theme of nature. In these heart-warming stories, Bond talks of the various elements of nature as if they are members of his family. He also endows the flora and fauna that he encounters with distinct personalities, and himself recedes into the background as a silent observer. From the mountains to the trees, from the birds that fly to his cottage, bringing a whiff of the faraway forests they come from, to the winding paths that lead to charming gardens, Petals on the Ganga will take you to nooks and corners, opening up scenes of myriad beauty.
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The Rupa Book Of Travellers' Tales
Unforgettable journeys adventures on land or sea!A South African revolution, a plane crash in the desert, a cannibal conclave and an encounter with pirates: these fascinating real-life accounts of travellers caught up in unexpected adventures and tricky situations comprise the ninth Rupa anthology compiled by Ruskin Bond.
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The Very Best Of Dale Carnegie
One of the world’s most popular authors of self-help books, Dale Carnegie’s bestselling works and immensely enlightening courses have helped millions improve themselves over the years. Carnegie rose to fame when he wrote about ways to overcome one of the most common fears of man: Talking in public. His advice, that has included never criticizing, complaining or condemning another person, giving sincere appreciation to others, banishing worry, developing self-confidence and so on, have great relevance for those who wish to improve themselves and their professional lives. The Man Who Transformed Lives is a comprehensive selection of Carnegie’s five celebrated titles, including selections from the classic How to Win Friends and Influence People that has sold a million copies worldwide. This book will help you in all aspects of life, be it improving your speaking skills, developing self-confidence, a positive attitude, overcoming depression, learning how to achieve the perfect work-life balance or getting someone to like you. A tribute to one of the most prolific writers of the genre, this book is also a celebration of one life-changing idea: We can be more positive, more tenacious and more self-confident. All we have to do is try.
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How To Become Rich
Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. Her arrival is considered auspicious, while her departure is bad and inauspicious. In temples, gods are bedecked with jewels; during festivals, our houses are decorated with flowers, lamps and lakshmi’s footprints. Clearly, she is a much-desired goddess. Yet, some friends and relatives, even gurus, tell us not to be money-minded, or that it is wrong to equate Lakshmi with money because Lakshmi is spiritual and money is material. Why this mockery of money? Why are we driving Lakshmi out of India instead of inviting her lovingly into our lives? How to become rich is a simple retelling of the stories of Lakshmi found in the Vedas and Puranas. Devdutt Pattanaik deftly explains what Hinduism says about economics at a personal level as well as at the social level.
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Great Truths That Set Us Free
You are creating your life, This very moment, by your thoughts. Your imagination is like a Canvas. Paint a picture, have faith in the reality of its existence, and your picture will come to life. You are capable of healing yourself and others. You possess infinite intelligence. All these seemingly-impossible statements are hard facts. And these facts, these empowering truths have been hiding in plain sight. Dr. Joseph Murphy, in great truths that set us free, claims that such truths have been alluded to in one of the most widely-read religious texts: The Bible. Addressing topics such as when will the answer to a prayer come to pass, how to make right decisions, and the power of blind belief, practices enumerated in this ground-breaking book, and their practical application, will transform your life.
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The Art Of Shaping Lives
Dive into the profound teachings of James Allen's The Art of Shaping Lives: Mastering Your Own Destiny. Within its pages lies a transformative journey through the interconnected realms of 'Deeds, Character, and Destiny, ' unveiling the dynamics of 'Energy and Power.' Traverse the depths of 'The Inner and Outer World of Thoughts, ' understanding 'Cause and Effect in Human Conduct.' Deliberate on 'Right Principles' while honing the craft of 'Mind-Building and Life-Building, ' cultivating 'Visions and Ideals' and harnessing 'The Power of Purpose.' Embrace the art of 'Training the Will' as you navigate the subtle yet potent allure of 'Temptation.' Allen's wisdom offers a guiding light toward sculpting a destiny of profound significance. Curated and compiled from the works of the author.
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Aavarana The Veil
Because my questions made Amir uncomfortable, he pronounced talaq just like that on the wife who had abandoned everything for him because his religion gives him that privilege. Where do I now stand, sir? Do you have any solutions for me?' Lakshmi, a rebellious, free-spirited and intelligent film-maker, breaks ties with her staunchly Gandhi an father to marry Amir, the man she loves. She even agrees reluctantly to Amir's request that she convert to Islam, as a formality and change her name to Razia. However, she is shocked to discover that her husband is not the open-minded, progressive individual he claimed to be. For after marriage, Amir takes his family's side in trying to force her to follow the more rigorous tenets of their faith. This sets her off on a personal journey into India's history to uncover the many layers of religion, caste and creed. Her quest leads her to the many parallels in the narratives between the past and the present and she gradually finds that though much has changed in Indian society over the centuries, much remains the same. The second historical novel by celebrated Kannada author S.L. Bhyrappa, translated for the first time into English by Sandeep Balakrishna, Aavarana: The Veil raises pertinent and searching questions about religion, liberalism and identity and highlights the importance of unshackling oneself from the bonds of false knowledge. Book Features: Raises questions and uncovers truths about religion and historyGoes deep into history to reveal the extent of tyranny by foreign invaders in IndiaWas a bestseller in Kannada, Gujarati, Tamil and other vernacular languagesThe Kannada version was sold out even before its release in February 2007. It went into 10reprints within 5 months of its release
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When The Wildflowers Bloom
Don’t try to predict life, try to explore it instead. Even the roughest, most crooked trails can sometimes lead to magnificent places. After suffering public humiliation at the hands of her husband on what would have otherwise been a memorable evening, Tara Grewal, a homemaker and mother of two, finds herself thrust onto a crossroads. She cannot readily go back to the life she once knew, nor can she move forward without a career or life skills to sustain her. As she transitions from questioning her choices to surrendering to the flow of life, an unfamiliar journey leads her to her grandmother village in Punjab. Amid the simple joys of rural life, and heart-wrenching struggles of daily survival, Tara unknowingly kindle a Spark of hope. A hope that eventually lights her own fire. As she casts off the reins of the predictable and embraces change, Tara unravels her fears and motivations, reaffirming her belief in what she knew to be true—about people, about life, about relationships, and most importantly, about love. In her challenges, she finds her strength. In her escape, she finds her home. Poignant, insightful, and deeply relatable, when the wildflowers Bloom weaves together the complexities of human emotions and societal norms with beauty, sensitivity, and unfailing optimism.
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Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Let me put it this way,’ said the Colonel. ‘Do you believe in ghosts?’ ‘I’ve never seen any,’ I said. ‘But you have, my boy, you have…’ Does the unknown world of spirits overpower your imagination? Do spooky tales bring out the detective in you? The intrigue and mystery surrounding the supernatural nearly always evoke fascination and curiosity in most minds. With its enchanting characters, atmospheric prose, and fresh perspectives on the supernatural, the stories in Do You Believe in Ghosts? will take you on a mystical and magical journey. This collection brings together Ruskin Bond’s brilliant supernatural creations that are sure to give you a thrill. Go beyond fear and delve into the mysterious! After all, who knows what wonders await you there!
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The Girl on the Train and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Girl on the Train and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Girl on the Train, Wild Fruit, Pret in the House, Goodbye, Miss Mackenzie, King Bharata, and Nala and Damayanti, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Wilson’s Bridge and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. Wilson's Bridge and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as Whispering in the Dark, Wilson's Bridge, The Man Who Was Kipling, and A Face Under the Pillow, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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The Tunnel and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Tunnel and Other Stories compiles some of his most fascinating stories such as The Ugly Prince and the Heartless Princess, A Special Tree, and The Tunnel, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.
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The Woman on Platform No.8 and Other Stories
This enchanting book, adorned with imaginative illustrations, contains a world of wonder for eager minds. This exquisite literary treasure invites young readers to take an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of Ruskin Bond's storytelling mastery. The Woman on Platform No. 8 and Other Stories compiles some of his most heartwarming tales, such as The Woman on Platform No. 8, The Fight, The Funeral, and Love and Cricket, to take its readers on the adventure of a lifetime.