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Iru The Remarkable Life Of Irawati Karve
In 1927, when Irawati Karve, aged twenty-two, arrived in Berlin to do her doctoral studies at the Friedrich Wilhelm University, she was faced with a dilemma. As a woman of colour, the subject of her thesis was to prove her supervisor Dr Eugen Fischer’s theory of the superiority of the European race over people of colour, based on the measurement of their skulls. After examining 149 ‘white’ skulls from Germany and ‘non-white’ skulls from German colonies in East Africa, Irawati came to the opposite conclusion: the shape of the human skull did not prove racial superiority. Fischer’s theory was later discredited, but at the time, it took courage to present the paper to him and it nearly cost Irawati her PhD. Courage and a pioneering spirit continued to be her hallmarks on her return to India. At a time when such field trips were difficult if not dangerous, she travelled to the Adivasi areas in Coorg, Western Maharashtra, Assam, Kerala and Bihar. Her research resulted in two seminal works, Kinship Organisation in India and Hindu Society. In 1968, she won the Sahitya Akademi Award for her book of essays on the Mahabharata, Yuganta. Irawati’s belief that the Mahabharata was not just an epic, but a historical record, earned her some criticism from her peers at the time, but Yuganta remains a classic to this day. As the daughter-in-law of the reformist and feminist thinker, Maharshi Dhondo Karve, adored wife of Dinkar Karve, and privileged daughter of two families— her own parents, Ganesh and Bhagirathi Karmarkar, and her adoptive family, R.P. Paranjpye and his wife, Saitai—Irawati’s personal life was as rich and colourful as her professional one. In this biography like none other, writer Urmilla Deshpande, Irawati’s granddaughter, and academic researcher Thiago Pinto Barbosa, have created an intimate, captivating portrait of Irawati Karve, the anthropologist and philosopher, and Irawati, the woman, wife and mother. As author and Joint Director, JLF, Namita Gokhale says, ‘Irawati Karve stood tall with the tallest of her generation. This biography is a beacon for those who want to understand the Indian way—an inspirational story of an iconic figure.’
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The Very Best Of Ruskin Bond's Travel Writing
‘I have discovered their secret. Now I know why they look so cool, so refreshed, while we who walk the streets of Old Delhi do so with parched mouths and drooping limbs. The pigeons are the only ones who still know about the Red Well.’ From retellings of comical mishaps to attempts to put words to moments of profound appreciation for the world, travel always leaves one with stories to share. Even reading or listening to these stories can make one vicariously experience the charm of these moments, but in the hands of master storytellers, they take on a life, a magic of their own. The Very Best of Ruskin Bond’s Travel Writing brings together the finest of the writer on the hill’s contributions to the genre. Let his scintillating prose take you down city alleys, mountain roads, railway tracks and roaring seas, so you can experience the wonder of the world through his eyes.
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Glimpses of Past
‘We took the railcar from Kalka. It glided over the rails without any of the huffing and puffing of the steam engine that dragged the little narrow gauge train up the steep mountain. I would be travelling in that train in the years to come, but on this, my first to Shimla, I was given the luxury of the railcar.’ There is the past, just out of reach; fog-obscured yet perceptible. The stories of school-time spent in a chaotic prep school in Chotta Shimla in the company of ‘The Four Feathers’, or the sumptuous stopover ‘Breakfast at Barog’ on the way. And there is also the time spent in ‘Grandfather’s Garden’, a lavish green expanse where the epic dramas of the animal kingdom are everyday occurrences. Ruskin Bond’s Glimpses of the Past are—at once—hilarious tales of a richly-lived life and poignant peeks into Mussoorie’s storied history and culture. But, above all, it is an invitation to experience a time gone by, delicately remembered and recorded by an author whose entire life is mired in the mountain mists.
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The Resolution Rebellion
Tired of setting goals that feel like punishment? This is your permission slip to quit playing by the January rulebook. Forget forcing structure where you need softness. This manifesto unpacks why traditional resolutions don’t work—and what might actually feel like freedom instead. It’s not anti-growth, it’s pro-you. Especially the you who prefers detours, cosy chaos, and skipping the gym for a long walk nowhere.
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Mission Saudi
A Crime That Shocked the Nation. A Pursuit That Redefined Justice. A heinous crime. A criminal beyond reach. A trail of tragic deaths and suicides. A young IPS officer who will stop at nothing to deliver justice. Mission Saudi is the gripping true story of India’s first-ever extradition of a sexual predator from Saudi Arabia—a landmark case that tested the limits of international law, diplomacy and courage. Based on True Events Pooja, a ninth-grade student and the middle child of a loving family, was eagerly awaiting the Onam celebrations. But what should have been a day of joy turned into a lifelong nightmare—one that ultimately claimed her life. Years later, Merin Joseph, IPS, leads a determined team of Kerala Police officers through a maze of systemic oppression, sexism, and international bureaucracy to bring justice to the wronged child. Drawing from official case files and court judgements, authors Aloke Lal and Maanas Lal craft a powerful narrative of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of a woman officer who refused to give up. Inside This Book, You’ll Find ⚖️A Historic Case: The true story behind India’s first extradition of a rape accused from Saudi Arabia. ♀️A Woman’s Fight for Justice: IPS officer Merin Joseph’s fearless pursuit through international and institutional barriers. 🌍Law, Power, and Persistence: A rare insight into the workings of India’s justice system and its global reach. 💔The Human Cost: The tragic consequences of systemic apathy and a society slow to protect its most vulnerable. 🔥Inspiration in Uniform: A tribute to those who fight quietly but relentlessly for justice and dignity. Why This Book Matters • A milestone in India’s legal and diplomatic history • An unflinching look at crimes against women and the courage to confront them • Written by acclaimed authors and real-life investigators of crime and justice • For readers who value truth, integrity, and the triumph of human spirit Why You Should Read India’s Most Loved Crime-Writing Duo Aloke Lal is a former IPS officer and bestselling author of The Barabanki Narcos. Twice felicitated by the President of India, he brings over three decades of policing experience to his writing. Maanas Lal is an acclaimed author, columnist, artist, and musician. Together, they have co-authored several true-crime bestsellers and founded the Crime Literature Festival of India. A True Story of Courage, Conviction, and Justice Mission Saudi is more than a police chronicle—it’s a testament to the power of integrity, empathy, and determination. From the heart of Kerala to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, this is the story of one woman’s unyielding mission to bring a predator to justice—and restore faith in humanity.
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When The Body Says Stop
You said yes too many times. You pushed past exhaustion. And now your body’s raising its hand, whispering: enough. When the Body Says Stop is a reckoning with the physical cost of ignoring your limits. It’s not just fatigue. It’s language. Headaches, tight shoulders, sudden tears—all trying to speak before you crash. This book gently walks you back to yourself, one boundary at a time. Rest isn’t laziness. Slowness isn’t weakness. They’re medicine. Your body isn’t betraying you. It’s protecting you. Listen. Respond. Begin again—softer, slower, and more in tune than ever.
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Laugh Before Crying
Sometimes the tears come. But before they do—there’s a laugh. Laugh Before Crying is a book for anyone who’s lived through absurd grief, exquisite awkwardness, or the strange beauty of falling apart while still being funny. It’s permission to hold humour and heartbreak in the same hand. To be joyful in your wreckage. To crack jokes mid-meltdown and mean them. This isn’t toxic positivity. It’s emotional range. You’re allowed to feel it all. You’re allowed to laugh even when the ground is shifting. Especially then. The soul is complex. So is your healing. Let it be both.
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Kesariya An Ode To The Karamsot Rathores Of Kheenvsar
The 500-year-old saga of courage, faith and valour of the Karamsot Rathores remains unparalleled. Kesariya: An Ode to the Karamsot Rathores of Kheenvsar brings to life the extraordinary story of one of Marwar’s most distinguished Rajput lineages. Descendants of the mighty Rashtrakuta kings—whose prowess once thundered across central and southern India—the Rathores became the very heart and soul of Marwar, their blood fortifying the towering walls of Mehrangarh. In 1523 CE, Rao Karamsiji, the ninth son of the legendary Rathore king, Rao Jodha, founded the kingdom of Kheenvsar (Khimsar). Guided by a divine calling and a warrior’s resolve, he began the indelible legacy of the Karamsot Rathores. Spanning twenty-one generations, the Karamsots are among the world’s only Rajput dynasties with an unbroken line of descent. Inside this book, you’ll find ⚔ The rise of the Rathores: Discover the roots of Marwar’s royal dynasty. 🏰 A royal legacy: Journey through 21 generations of courage, loyalty and unbroken lineage. 📜 Untold histories: Unearth rare stories from handwritten Rajput archives and oral traditions of Rajasthan. 🌹 Rajput pride and honour: A tribute to valour, sacrifice and the timeless spirit of Rajputana. ✨ A woman’s chronicle: Authored by a 20th-generation descendant, blending authenticity, empathy and cultural depth. Why this story matters • A one-of-a-kind Rajput history chronicling a royal dynasty from within the house of Kheenvsar. • A blend of historical biography, heritage storytelling and cultural preservation. • A must-read for history enthusiasts, heritage lovers and readers of Indian royal chronicles. • Captures the spirit of Rajasthan—its forts, faith and fiercely independent people. A living legacy of valour Fearless, loyal and formidable on the battlefield, and committed, compelling and unyielding at the negotiating table, the Karamsot dynasty of Kheenvsar has not only been a defining force in Marwar’s glorious history but also stands as a living testament to Rajput pride and honour. Drawn from rare, handwritten family archives, Kesariya is the first-ever chronicle to emerge from within the house of Kheenvsar. Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, Urvashi Singh—a descendant of this proud lineage—immortalizes the heroes of Kheenvsar and their enduring legacy that continues to inspire. A chronicle of heritage and heart Kesariya is more than a historical account: it is an ode to identity, lineage and belonging. By bridging centuries of Rajput tradition with the present, it revives the forgotten voices of Marwar and preserves their spirit for generations to come. For lovers of history, heritage and storytelling, this book stands as a reminder that courage, once kindled, never truly fades. It continues to burn bright in every descendant who carries the name, the memory and the pride of Rajputana.
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Shadows Over Ayodhya
As Ayodhya prepares for the Ram Mandir inauguration, a bomb is ticking beneath its holy soil. When SP Naveen Shukla uncovers forged contracts, missing funds, and a string of suspicious deaths, he realizes this is more than corruption—it’s a countdown. Teaming up with Nikhat Sherwani, a fearless journalist following the trail her father died trying to expose, the two trace ghost companies and buried ledgers to a shadowy foreign investor with ties to terror. As the threat grows harder to contain, the city edges closer to disaster. Can they expose the truth before faith becomes the target—and violence engulfs Ayodhya? Inspired by true events, Shadows Over Ayodhya is a razor-sharp political crime thriller about power, fear, and the deadly consequences of uncovering a secret buried beneath holy ground.
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Crisis Management Cutting Edge Strategies And Approaches
In an ever-changing world fraught with chaos and uncertainty, crisis management is a necessity. Every crisis situation or event is unique. Whether it’s an accident, a natural catastrophe, a PR disaster or an unforeseen cyber-attack, every situation presents a unique set of challenges. This is what makes crisis management such a challenging endeavour. Crisis Management is an indispensable guide to help you navigate the stormy waters of any given crisis. Seasoned management expert Alan Clifton draws from a reservoir of theoretical knowledge and his own rich experience to develop a guide for both novice and seasoned crisis management professionals—leaders, managers and team members. Drawing from real-world experiences, expert insights and incisive case studies, the book is sure to help you harness the transformative potential hidden within every crisis and navigate with clarity and precision. Crisis management is both a challenge and an opportunity. Handled well, the techniques and models in this book can be a transformative force that empowers us to navigate crises with confidence; ensuring individuals, organizations and nations to not only survive, but thrive.
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Heartbreak Unfiltered
True stories. Hard truths. And a gentle plan. Everything you need to get over that ex. No platitudes. No sugar-coating. Just the honest truth and understanding you need but were never given about the messy reality of heartbreak – the other side of love. Heartbreak touches us all, regardless of age, gender or geography. With her signature wit, warmth and grounded wisdom, Milan Vohra, India’s bestselling romance author, turns her gaze to what follows after love leaves. Heartbreak Unfiltered: Things nobody told you about love, loss and letting go helps you make sense of what happens when love doesn’t end happily. Through 20 raw, real, deeply moving and inclusive stories from around the world, Milan paints a vivid picture of heartbreak in its many forms – from betrayal and ghosting to gaslighting and the unravelling of once-beautiful relationships. Each story brings not just catharsis but also clarity. Inside this book, you’ll find 💔 Real heartbreak stories: 20 authentic accounts that explore the full spectrum of love and loss. 🧠 The psychology of heartbreak: Understand attachment styles, red flags, love languages and why we’re hardwired to fall in love. 💡 Hard truths, gently told: Learn how to face the pain, laugh through tears and rebuild your sense of self. 🔥 From pain to power: Use heartbreak as a catalyst for growth, strength and emotional freedom. 💬 A practical healing plan: No sugar-coating – just real tools, reflection prompts and insights for moving on, in the form of Ex-ercises. For every heart that’s ever hurt • An honest, relatable and deeply empathetic guide that feels like a best friend who’s been there. • Combines storytelling, psychology and self-help for an empowering, modern take on relationships. • Ideal for readers seeking healing after heartbreak, clarity after chaos and the courage to love again. Because heartbreak isn’t the end, it’s the start of becoming whole Heartbreak Unfiltered will challenge your perspective, shake you out of your apathy, push you to face your feelings, use your pain to do something constructive with it and help you laugh through your tears. Milan Vohra’s now-tender-now-tough love will hold your hand and kick your ass to get you through it.
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Echoes of Eerie Encounters
‘Something rose out of the bottom of the pool. It looked like a giant snail, but its head was part human, its body and limbs part squid or octopus. An enormous succubus. It stood taller than the man in the pool. A creature soft and slimy, a survivor from our primaeval past.’ Take a plunge into Echoes of Eerie Encounters, a collection of Ruskin Bond’s most haunting stories; some bone-chilling and others rib-tickling. Is it ghosts you seek? There are phantom encounters waiting to happen—in abandoned houses, lonesome hill roads, forgotten bars and even the shadows of crowds. Or do you crave the company of murderers and scoundrels? They are here too, holding court with poisons and knives, biding their time. The darkness beckons, with all the strange things and people that find comfort in it. Journey on… Who knows what you might find…
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The Greatest Stories From The Northeast Ever Told
Selected and edited by Jobeth Ann Warjri, The Greatest Stories from the Northeast Ever Told is a magnificent collection of twentyseven short stories from the region. The anthology includes stories by established writers such as Saurav Kumar Chaliha, Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Temsula Ao, Mamoni Raisom Goswami, and Mamang Dai; contemporary writers such as Janice Pariat, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Anjum Hasan, Avinuo Kire, Prajwal Parajuly, and Aruni Kashyap; and distinct new voices such as Gankhu Sumnyan, Mainu Teronpi, Shalim M Hussain, Mayookh Barua, and Lede E Miki Pohshna. In Nini Lungalang’s ‘Child of Fortune’, a mother is forced to make a choice between life and death as political unrest and violence strike a Naga village. Death, devastation, and daily life come together in Sudhiranjan Moirangthem’s ‘News of a Beloved Friend’. In Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih’s ‘His Mother’s Pork and Why He is Not a Christian’, the protagonist Ap Jutang criticizes organized religion and lays bare its hypocrisies with fire and wit. Janice Pariat’s ‘Boats on Land’ is an evocative exploration of a teenager’s inexplicable desire as she encounters a mysterious human being. In ‘Sacred Pool’ by Rishav Kumar Thakur, a recurring dream haunts the protagonist until he discovers his grandmother’s diaries that force him to confront his long-suppressed sexuality. The abrupt appearance and subsequent disappearance of an ominous black umbrella spark confusion, curiosity, and fear among the villagers in ‘Black Moon’ by Aisu Minam Yirang. In ‘The Smell of Bamboo Blossoms’ by Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, the flowering of the bamboos, a rare phenomenon, signals impending doom. At once tender and turbulent, political and personal, magical and real, these stories will leave an indelible imprint on all readers.
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Beyond The Spotlight
Prosenjit Chatterjee’s journey as one of Bengali cinema’s longest-reigning, most-commercially-viable superstars has been a remarkable and eventful one. Across his decades-spanning career, he has had the opportunity to work alongside luminaries of the filmmaking world. From sharing the screen with stalwarts like ‘Mahanayak’ Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee and Sabitri Chatterjee, ruling mainstream Bengali films alongside fellow-superstar and partner-inpranks Tapas Paul, to gradually transitioning into a more artistically-inclined cinema under the deft direction of visionaries like Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadeb Dasgupta and Goutam Ghose, he has—quite literally—done it all. Beyond the Spotlight is a voyage through Prosenjit Chatterjee’s memories. It gives readers a glimpse at the real people behind the shadows of stardom and myth, whose hard work and dedication translate into the magic we witness on-screen. Endearingly narrated by Prosenjit himself—and faithfully compiled by Roshmila Bhattacharya—this book is a must-read for his fans. BACK COVER TEXT They say superstars are born overnight. Not true. It takes decades of toil, years of trial and error, and months of anxious anticipation for that elusive blockbuster. And then, even after delivering dozens of them, every Friday remains Judgement Day. They say it’s a lonely journey to the top. True. But you are never alone. You have mentors aplenty guiding and inspiring you; co-actors, not just partnering, but also influencing you; writers and filmmakers shaping and even transforming your destiny. This book is a salute to some of those fellow travellers without whom I would not be the Prosenjit Chatterjee you have known and loved for 40 years and 400 films. And to all of you as well, without whom I would be nowhere.
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The Decline Of The Hindu Civilization
This is the story of the accomplishments of a civilization and its gradual decline into obscurity. How did a civilization once known for its intellectual brilliance and spiritual depth decline so gravely? While much has been said about the fall of the Hindu civilization, few have examined the deeper reasons behind it. Was the decline due to rigidity, internal fractures or a failure to withstand external forces? Through rigorous research and a comparative approach, this book explores these questions offering insight into how and why the Hindu civilization faltered across culture, politics, society and thought. The book is not an attempt to mourn the past or rewrite it. The past lives on—in memory, in ruins and in the ways it continues to shape us. The only way forward is to face it: its beauty and its failures, with honesty.
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Many Shades Of Saffron
Is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) an upholder of traditional Indian values, or is it a threat to the democratic, pluralist and secular idea of India? A large body of scholarship on the Sangh, its leaders and its activities has emerged in recent decades. However, an overwhelming share of that scholarship reflects a deep ideological division, either being in favour or against the Sangh. T he consequence of this feature of the existing scholarship is twofold. Firstly, most of the literature focuses on specific aspects or periods of the Sangh’s activities, often narrowing down to acts of key leaders interpreted either as heroic or as condemnable. Therefore, many of the Sangh’s activities and parts of its history remain outside the scope of the narrative. The second result flows from the first in a way. It is striking that despite having been around for a century, there is such widespread lack of informed public opinion about the Sangh. The impact of a scarcity of dispassionate narration becomes evident from the prejudiced reaction that the mention of the Sangh evokes. Many Shades of Saffron attempts to bring to readers a fuller story of the RSS and the role it has played in the context of the broader history of the country during the past century. Completing a hundred years by itself can be considered an achievement for any organization, but to have survived and grown in influence by negotiating diverse challenges, particularly official hostility for the most part, makes for a fascinating story. The book traces the leadership styles and visions of the sarsanghchalaks, as well as the attitude of the Sangh to the political developments through different decades and its ideological evolution.
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The Constitution Of India
The Constitution of India embodies the collective will of ‘We the People’. It lays the foundation of the Republic, safeguarding liberty, equality and justice, while guiding the world’s largest democracy. More than a legal framework, it reflects the nation’s enduring values and aspirations, affirming that sovereignty rests with the people and that governance flows from their consent.
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The Defender
He has to play by the rules . . . but for her, he''d break them all. As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the game, Vincent DuBois should be on top of the world. But when his fame brings danger to his doorstep, he finds himself in his worst nightmare scenario - secretly sharing a flat with his coach''s daughter, knowing full well she''s far too big a temptation for him to resist. When his new living arrangements escalate into a bet that throws them even closer together, he realizes he''s in deeper trouble than he thought. He''s always played to win - but for her, he might just risk it all. *** As a sports nutritionist and the daughter of a legendary coach, Brooklyn Armstrong is used to dealing with hotshot athletes. However, no player gets under her skin like Vincent, her best friend''s infuriatingly cocky (and gorgeous) brother. She left California hoping for a fresh start, and he''s the kind of distraction she doesn''t need. Now, he''s sleeping in the room next to hers while her career is up in the air and her defenses are crumbling. But no matter how many sparks fly between them, a relationship between the captain and the coach''s daughter could never work . . . could it?
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Not The Mahabharata You Think You Know
Mahabharata has been a part of our lives through kirtans, kathas, and various retellings. Yet, within this epic of one hundred thousand verses lies a treasury of mysteries that remain elusive and unfamiliar to most readers. The chariots, arrows, and weapons often depicted by painters and television directors differ vastly from the original descriptions in the text. This book brings authentic portrayals of ancient weaponry to life, supported by direct references to the verses. Alongside them, the lesser-known episodes, such as the astonishing and rarely told account of the Kauravas’ birth, a unique cosmological theory of creation, and the thrilling tale of the war between the Gandharvas and the Kauravas are also unraveled. Through these lesser-known truths, the book not only reveals hidden dimensions of the epic verity but also presents the Mahabharata itself in a concise, accessible form for modern readers.