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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.
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The Monkey’s Revenge
Jirnadhana, a businessman down on his luck, returns from a long journey only to find that his trusted friend has ‘misplaced’ his valuable iron scale and claims it was eaten by mice. Shocked by the silly excuse, Jirnadhana must now outwit his friend and recover his prized possession. In another tale of revenge, a king orders the execution of the monkeys in his kingdom so the royal veterinarians can use their fat to treat injured horses. Heartbroken by the loss of his family and friends, a wise monkey receives a boon from a rakshasa and devises a clever plan to seek justice against the cruel king. The two stories in this book are a magical gateway into the world of the Panchatantra, possibly the oldest surviving compilation of Indian fables. Vividly retold by bestselling author Meena Arora Nayak, this collection will captivate young readers with its lucid prose and verse and vibrant illustrations, while teaching them the power of virtue and honesty over deceit and lies.
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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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The Big Book Of Mountain Tales
‘High in the spruce tree the barbet calls, heralding summer. A few puffy clouds drift lazily over the mountains. Is this the great escape?’ As we move along at a fast pace, there are very few things that offer solace from the hustle-bustle. Out of these things, there is nothing quite like the fresh mountain air or a breeze from the forest to revive one’s spirits and rekindle some hope. The Big Book of Mountain Tales gives you a chance to carry some of that mountain joy home with you. This collection of Ruskin Bond’s cherished stories is sure to transport you to the mountains and revive your sense of adventure. Bond’s evocative and engaging prose combined with some lively and vivid imagery are bound to bring a smile on your face.
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India's Greatest Reformers 51 Extraordinary Storie
India’s Greatest Reformers documents the stories of 51 extraordinary men and women who in their times undertook various social reforms, at times facing stiff resistance from society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy saw to it that the evil practice of Sati—the practice of burning a widow on the pyre of her husband—was abolished. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar succeeded in getting a legislative act adopted in 1856 allowing widows to remarry. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar worked tirelessly for the eradication of untouchability. Dayanand Saraswati castigated persons who believed in the caste system. Great women like Mary Clubwala Jadhav and Sindhutai Sapkal worked for girls’ education and orphanages, respectively. From contemporary India, Kailash Satyarthi, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Devendra Raj Mehta and Dr Uma Tuli are featured for their significant work. The 51 portraits in this book will inspire readers to give some thought to the eradication of malpractices that still afflict our society one way or the other. The stories include that of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Baba Amte, Begum Sultan Jahan, Bilkees Idrees Latif, Durgabai Deshmukh, E.V. Ramaswami, Jagan Nath Kaul, Janaki Devi Bajaj, Dr Javaid Rahi, Jyotirao Phule, K. Vishwanathan, Kailash Satyarthi, Martha Farrell, Mary Clubwala Jadhav, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Rabindra Nath Upadhyay, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dr Rajnikant Arole, Runa Banerjee, Shalini Moghe, Subhas Chandra Bose, Subramania Bharati, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda, Tarabai Shinde, Vinoba Bhave, among many other luminaries.
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At The Heart Of Power The Chief Ministers Of Uttar
Uttar Pradesh—the most populous state of the country—has been instrumental in continually shaping Indian electoral politics. In At the Heart of Power, Shyamlal Yadav, one of the prominent investigative journalists of India, delves into the lives and times of the 21 chief ministers of the state, right from Independence to the present day. From the visionary strategies of Govind Ballabh Pant to Yogi Adityanath’s empowerment initiatives, each leader’s narrative is a gripping saga of power and politics. Yadav illuminates how these stalwarts navigated the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the sociopolitical terrains during their terms, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s history. Through meticulous research, this book unveils the dynamic personalities and legacies of these 21 individuals, offering profound insights into their ideologies, policies and leadership styles. This extraordinary odyssey through the momentous events in the lives of UP’s foremost leaders looks at the past and contextualizes the present. Whether you are a history buff, a political aficionado or simply curious about the pulse of the heartland of India, At the Heart of Power promises to be a riveting read.
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Spiritual Secrets from Hinduism
Seekers the world over intuitively perceive India as the land of spirituality. As such, there exists an inherent curiosity to understand its ancient knowledge systems through Hinduism. In its heritage are the rarest of holy treasures revealed to the rishis of yore through mystical practices and divine grace. For sharing their glimpses of the Absolute Truth with humankind, these elevated sages composed many sacred works, called the Vedic scriptures. They include the Puranas, Ramayan, Mahabharat, Brahma Sutras, Nyaya Darshan, Yog Darshan, and many more. All these holy books are elaborations of the Vedas, which occupy the highest place amongst Hindu scriptures. The Vedas refer to the eternal knowledge of God. And hence, the religion they describe is called Sanatan Dharma, or the ‘Eternal Religion’. However, the prevailing the understanding of Hindu thought is vague and clichéd. This book will help you unravel the essence of the Vedic scriptures. It will enrich you with precious jewels of sacred wisdom for propelling your journey towards the Ultimate Happiness and the Supreme Truth.
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The Land Of Many Colours
The bazaar is Indian, charming and quite prosperous: tailors sit cross-legged before their sewing machines, turning out blazers and tight trousers for the well-to-do students who attend the many public schools that still thrive here; halwais—potbellied sweet vendors—spend all day sitting on their haunches in front of giant frying pans; and coolies carry huge loads of timber or cement or grain up the steep hill paths.’ Diversity and variety in every aspect—food, culture, traditions, landscape—is a defining quality of India. Whether we talk about the festivals throughout the year, the delicious food found across the country or the intricate rituals performed in temples, India truly is a land of many textures, flavours and colours. The tales in The Land of Many Colours revolve around this vibrant diversity. This collection offers you the varied tastes and textures of India along with the imaginative brilliance of Ruskin Bond. Take a dive into the world of Bond’s evocative prose and heart-warming storytelling. Read less
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Stories to Live By
Whether by accident or design, We are here. Let’s make the most of it, my friend. Make happiness our pursuit, Spread a little sunshine here and there.’ Whether it is during our school days, in adulthood or even in old age, our life is nothing but a sum of memories we’ve created with people. These memories, whether good or bad, hold the power to make us feel joy, love or grief—all of which makes us human. Stories to Live By brings you some loving and endearing stories which are sure to take you down memory lane. Indulge in the simple and wholesome charm of Ruskin Bond’s prose through this collection of tales that involves recollections of fun times with school friends, one-time meets with intriguing strangers and memories of times spent with one’s family.
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The Great Train Journey
The first time I saw a train, I was standing on a wooded slope outside a tunnel, not far from Kalka. Suddenly, with a shrill whistle and great burst of steam, a green and black engine came snorting out of the blackness.. “A dragon!” I shouted. “There’s a dragon coming out of its cave!”’The charm of travelling by a train as it speeds its way out of a tunnel or a jungle and passes through nondescript villages and towns is unmatched. There also exists a joyful curiosity in unfolding the mysterious lives and destinations of its passengers.Ruskin Bond has been writing tales about the hinterland for decades, but this is the first time his stories revolving around trains and railway stations of small-town India have been brought together in a single collection. Classics such as ‘The Eyes Have It’ and ‘The Night Train at Deoli’ rub shoulders with tales of big cats taking refuge in railway tunnels and strangers who strike up a friendship while waiting at a platform.So, hop on and allow one of India’s greatest storytellers to steer you through the Great Train Journey.
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My Trees In The Himalayas
‘I am fortunate to have a big window that opens out on the forest so that the trees are almost within my reach. If I jumped, I could land quite neatly in the arms of an oak or horse chestnut... These great trees of the mountains, I feel they know me well, as I watch them and listen to their secrets, happy to rest my head beneath their outstretched arms.’It is Christmas time and a poor couple struggle to buy each other gifts. A wealthy lawyer encounters a ragged beggar and tries to set him on the right path. A little boy’s grief on realizing that he will never be able to speak his mother tongue again after his country is invaded by another. A happy story, revolving around a mere folder, set in the lobby of a fashionable hotel. The evergreen story of the nightingale who sacrificed herself for a rose. Selected and compiled by Ruskin Bond, this is a collection of stories from writers like O. Henry, Saki, Oscar Wilde, Anton Chekov, Alphonse Daudet and others.Full of moments that range from joyous to heart-breaking, My Trees in the Himalayas will leave you mesmerized with its tales of the simple joys of life.
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Mysterious Tales From The Hills
‘Intuition must be a family trait, because it came to me quite suddenly—the thought that Uncle Bill might be intending to poison me.’ The unknown is often something that piques the interest of a reader and a traveller. While legends and myths are universally liked, it is the tales of the locals that are rich in mystery and intrigue. These are the stories that add to the charm of the town and attract people from all walks of life. It could be anything—a local unsolved murder, a disappearance, a case of poisoning or unknown swamp creatures—Mysterious Tales from the Hills has something for everyone. If you have a healthy appetite for horror, a little spookiness and a whole lot of wonder, this book is for you!
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Grannys Tales
‘Granny was a genius. You’d like to know why? Because she could climb trees. Spreading or high She’d be up their branches in a trice. And mind you When last she climbed a tree, she was sixty-two.’ You ask anybody who their favourite member of the family is, and their answer will be one of their grandparents. A grandparent’s capacity for love, the abundance of affection that they hold and share with abandon, make them the purest and the best people to be with. What is more, they entertain you with stories of a time past and sometimes, if we are lucky, they partake in crazy activities with us as witnesses. In Granny’s Tales, Ruskin Bond takes us through such stories of affection and tenderness, of grandpas being hilarious—fighting ostriches, building zoos in his backyard and tickling tigers. And the wonder that grandmas are—telling bedtime stories with flourish, witnessing us climbing trees for afternoon hilarity and teaching lessons that will help us in all. This book is the perfect dose of grandparent stories, for children and adults alike!
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History Of The Sikhs
In the History of the Sikhs the author not only provides fascinating details about the Sikhs but also displays his penchant for minute observations on subjects as varied as the saffron and shawls of Cashmeer (Kashmir) to the Dogras and Kunnets of the Himalayas. The book traces the birth and rise of Sikhism and records Punjab's history in the context of the geo-political situation prevailing during the crucial period in the nineteenth century.
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Goa
Pratapsingh Rane is the first chief minister (CM) of the Goa state and its longest-serving CM. As a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), he holds a formidable record of winning 11 consecutive elections and never losing a single election in 50 years as an MLA, a record matched only by very few in post-Independence India. Maker of Modern Goa: The Untold Story of Pratapsingh Rane is a dynamic and engaging biography that reveals how he brought in stability and sane, reasoned governance to Goa’s volatile and unstable politics every time he became CM. In this lucid analysis of Rane’s life, Vijayadevi Rane draws a new portrait of Goa’s most successful CM. She highlights his contributions during his decade in power from 1980 to 1990—often called Goa’s Golden Age. He built all-weather roads, dams, bridges, schools, colleges and hospitals on a war footing. He established the Goa University, started Goa’s first public bus transport service, built the iconic Kala Academy and began the process of planned development in the state. Today’s Goa owes an enormous debt to Rane’s tireless efforts. Returning as the CM in the 1990s and early 2000s, he kept up with his development drive.
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The Hindutva Paradirm
Seven decades ago, a new global order emerged. However, changing global dynamics have put those older ways of being under unprecedented stress. A new world order is taking shape—one defined by new agenda items alongside the traditional ones such as trade, commerce and defence. In a post-pandemic world, these are being edged out by issues like climate change, holistic healthcare, education for innovation and creativity, as well as the management of frontier technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain and big data. Human dignity and human rights have become critical issues in this modern reality. To represent these altered actualities of the twenty-first century, global governance needs fresh ideas and novel institutions. More than five decades ago, Deendayal Upadhyaya articulated a coherent economic philosophy, at the core of which was human-centric development. In The Hindutva Paradigm, author and thinker Ram Madhav provides clarifying insights into the reasoning of a philosopher who has remained an enigma through the decades. At the crossroads where we stand, this refreshing and stimulating philosophy could be the answer to managing the new world order.