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The Mad and Magical World of Sukumar Ray
by Sukumar RayWelcome to the extraordinary world of Sukumar Ray – King of Humour and Wizard of Wordplay!A gifted poet, writer, playwright and illustrator, Ray wrote stories of various shapes, colours and flavours, transforming words into things of wonder and whimsy for generations of readers. Featuring broken stars and enchanted forests, cures for anger and greed, lazy pigs and sly parrots, wicked sorcerers and talking dolls, many of the tales in this unusual medley have been translated into English for the first time. The collection highlights not only Ray’s crazy imagination but also his ability to breathe life into fables from faraway lands. Brimming with wit and magic, this dazzling display of Sukumar Ray’s storytelling genius is sure to leave you utterly spellbound.
The Spark That Changed Everything: Stories of the Greatest Discoveries, Ideas and Inventions
by Veena PrasadFirst, they made fire. With fire, they made food… and later tools to cultivate more food. With cultivation came homes… which became societies and then civilizations. And humans are still thinking of extraordinary ideas every day!Countless discoveries, ingenious inventions and lucky accidents have gone into shaping the world as we know it today. This book delves into science, history and every subject in between, revealing the stories behind the most significant breakthroughs that humans have made through the ages – from clothing, cartography and chemistry to music, maths and metallurgy. Find out who had the biggest brainwaves, how these set other innovations in motion and why some great ideas are not necessarily good ideas! Peppered with illustrations, photographs and fabulous facts, The Spark That Changed Everything is a lively and fascinating account of the marvels of human imagination and enterprise. So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to our thrilling past and see how we got here.
Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
by Sudha G. TilakWhich holy place in India has the mysteries of the universe hidden away in an icy cave?Where would you find a shrine for a goddess of veggies? At which deity’s temple is the daily offering a tonic, of all things? This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you. Join Sudha G. Tilak as she takes you on an unusual journey to the country’s most sacred places, where the lines between fact and faith are blurred and stories come alive!
The History of India for Children: FROM THE MUGHALS TO THE PRESENT (Vol #2)
by Archana Garodia Gupta Shruti GarodiaRembrandt sketched portraits of Jahangir. Akbar?s pet cheetah had its own personal drum procession. A British official often paraded across Chandni Chowk with his 13 Indian wives on elephants behind him. Mahatma Gandhi took his goat, Nirmala, with him everywhere ? even via ship to London! Discover even more amazing facts about our grand old country in this volume. Travel through time and see how people lived, why things happened and how we came to be what we are. Written by BBC Mastermind `Champion of Champions? Archana Garodia Gupta and history-geek Shruti Garodia, this volume covers the centuries from the Mughals to Modi, and continues the story of India?s movers and shakers, artists and traders, patriots and traitors, and the millions of ordinary folk. With a chatty style, simple explanations and well-rounded coverage, this is the definitive Indian history in two volumes for young readers. Filled with photographs, illustrations, activities and quotable facts, this is one retelling of history you don?t want to miss.
Hachette Childrens Yearbook and Infopedia 2018
by InhouseIt?s a fact-finder, it?s an almanac, it?s a G.K. book, it?s a compendium of must-know topics. Yes, it?s indispensable for every student who wants to know what in the world is going on. The Hachette Children?s Yearbook & Infopedia 2018 is a ready reference book that?s jam-packed with interesting and essential information, making it the perfect tool for homework and projects for every student. All About India, Current Affairs, Inside the Earth, Out There in Space, Climate Change, History Timelines, Countries of the World, Must-watch Movies, Tech Updates, Sports Spotlights, Top Newsmakers, and much, much more.
The History of India for Children: From Prehistory to the Sultanates (Vol #1)
by Archana Garodia Gupta Shruti GarodiaThere were ostriches in India. Gold was dug up in the Himalayas by animals. Coins of Greek rulers in India showed Krishna wearing Greek clothes. Ethiopian military slaves founded kingdoms across India. Jump into an action-packed history of India told like never before. Discover our incredible heritage and uncover delightful nuggets about our grand old country. Travel through time and see how people lived, why things happened and how we came to be what we are. Written by BBC Mastermind `Champion of Champions? Archana Garodia Gupta and history-geek Shruti Garodia, this volume spans the ages from the dawn of humans until the Delhi and Deccan sultanates, and tells the story of India?s rulers and invaders, traders and architects, sculptors and poets, scientists and innovators, farmers and businessmen, and millions and millions of just ordinary, everyday men and women. With a chatty style, simple explanations and well-rounded coverage, this is the definitive Indian history in two volumes for young readers. Filled with photographs, illustrations, activities and quotable facts, this is one retelling of history you don?t want to miss.
THE CHILDRENS BOOK OF TRUTHS
by VariousWhy do people fight? What?s the use of education? Is India rich or poor? Why are stories important? Can anyone be a leader? Is science only about exams? Will planting trees save the earth? Growing up throws up a lot of questions ? about people, events and the world around us. Sometimes the answers are in simple black and white, wrong and right, but mostly they are not. In this book, ten truth-explorers and idea-shapers share with you their thought-provoking views on important topics close to your heart and mind. Drawing on their experiences, they help you see many different sides of a question and arrive at the most important truth ? your own conclusion, your own interpretation, your own answer. Subroto Bagchi on Leadership Shaheen Mistri on Education Vivek Menon on Nature Meeta Kumar on the Economy Manjula Padmanabhan on Gender Bias Omair Ahmad on Conflict Bibek Debroy on God and Religion Roopa Pai on Stories Hartosh Singh Bal on Science and Maths Kapil Dev on Sports
Small Boat
by Vincent DelecroixNovember 2021: an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants from France to the UK capsizes in the Channel, causing the deaths of 27 people on board. How and why did it happen? Despite receiving numerous calls for help, the French authorities wrongly told the migrants they were in British waters and had to call the British authorities for help. By the time rescue vessels arrived on the scene, all but two of the migrants had died. The narrator of Delecroix&’s fictional account of the events is the woman who took the calls. Accused of failing in her duty, she refuses to be held more responsible than others for this disaster. Why should she be more responsible than the sea, than the war, than the crises behind these tragedies? A shocking, moral tale of our times, Small Boat reminds us of the power of fiction to illuminate our darkest crimes.
The Book of Disappearance
by Ibtisam AzemAlaa is haunted by his grandmother&’s memories of being displaced from Jaffa and becoming a refugee in her homeland after the Nakba. Ariel, Alaa&’s neighbour and friend, is a liberal Zionist, critical of the military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza yet faithful to the project of Israel. When he wakes up one morning to find that all Palestinians have suddenly vanished, Ariel begins searching for clues to the secret of their collective disappearance. That search, and Ariel&’s reactions to it, intimately reveal the fissures at the heart of the Palestinian question. Between the stories of Alaa and Ariel are the people of Jaffa and Tel Aviv – café patrons, radio commentators, flower-cutters – against whose ordinary lives these fissures and questions play out. Critically acclaimed in Arabic, spare yet evocative, intensely intelligent in its interplay of perspectives, The Book of Disappearance is an unforgettable glimpse into contemporary Palestine as it grapples with both the memory of loss and the loss of memory.
The Second Book of Prophets
by Benyamin .A NOVEL BY THE WINNER OF THE JCB PRIZE FOR LITERATURE AND THE AUTHOR OF GOAT DAYS The Jews have been suffering under Roman occupation for centuries, hoping for a messiah from the House of David to come and liberate them. Jesus of Nazareth is reluctant, but when John the Baptist is killed by the Romans, it is up to him to take on this mantle. But the rival Tribe of Benjamin desists this intrusion into Jerusalem by a successor of David and conspires with the Romans to betray Jesus. Despite a common enemy in the Romans, the Jews are divided by their laws and hierarchies, and their priests don't want to hear Jesus' message of love and equality. A bold and secular retelling of the life and times of Jesus Christ, The Second Book of Prophets resculpts many Christian beliefs in an iconoclastic manner. Here is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, a revolutionary seething at the injustices of his time and who saw beyond the narrow divisions that mark human nature. Deeply relevant to our fractured times, acclaimed Malayalam writer Benyamin pushes new ground in this deeply humanist retelling of one of the most remarkable beings in our histories.
Money Doesn't Grow on Trees: The Friendliest Guide to Personal Finance
by Lavanya MohanMoney Doesn&’t Grow on Trees is the personal finance book that finally gets you. No jargon, no condescension—just practical personal finance wrapped in stories, pop culture references, and the occasional meme. Money shouldn&’t be a source of stress and personal finance shouldn&’t feel like a second job. Whether it&’s budgets, bank accounts, taxes, investing, or insurance, this book breaks it all down in the context of your life. We&’re tackling everything—from Instagram-fueled spending habits, to negotiating pay checks, to bad money decisions in relationships, to planning for kids, and even plotting a great escape from the 9-to-5. Plus, there are expert insights and real-life anecdotes that make all those 'big, scary' financial concepts feel like things you can understand, and—dare we say—enjoy. By the end of this book, you won&’t just know how money works—you&’ll know how to make it work for you.
My Name Is Jasmine
by Shashi WarrierA woman wakes up confused in Malkangiri District Hospital in Odisha. When a nurse wants to know her name, she blacks out in terror at the realization that she has no idea who she is. The next time she wakes up, the terror returns, but she wills herself to look at her world more rationally. She discovers she&’s suffered a head injury and lost some of her memories in the aftermath. When the police come, she finds out that she knows more about guns and violence than any common citizen should. Floating voices in her head tell her: trust no one, keep to yourself, you&’ve been through worse and survived. When a psychiatrist is brought in to find out whether she&’s faking her amnesia, she's inclined to trust him. Her fingerprints lead the police to believe that she is part of a group that's planning a major operation soon. While the investigating agency fears that her former colleagues might try to have her killed before she can testify. Deciding that she needs legal help, the psychiatrist calls in a former Supreme Court advocate. Given the concern and support from the psychiatrist and the lawyer, Jasmine is torn: should she give up her group that supported her when she had nowhere else to go? Or these two people, who believe in her when no one else would? My Name is Jasmine is a riveting saga of betrayal and revenge, and the deep-rooted conflicts which continue to dismantle the very foundation of India.
The Feared: Conversations with Eleven Political Prisoners
by Neeta Kolhatkar"The first night in jail is reputed to be the hardest. After that, you learn how to survive, though many prisoners carry lifelong scars." The Feared brings together interviews conducted by Neeta Kolhatkar with eleven political prisoners, and in some cases, their loved ones, in which she highlights the interviewees&’ everyday lives within the walls of multiple prisons across India. In doing so, she calls urgent attention to the grave injustices meted out to the thousands of undertrials dissent in the political life of India today. During long discussions, sometimes taking place over multiple meetings, Kolhatkar unearths personal anecdotes from the time her interviewees were incarcerated, bringing into focus the human face of prison inmates, while also detailing the wretched conditions relating to space, hygiene, medical attention, and food that they experienced. Apart from being an urgent call to action for prison reforms, The Feared is thus also an account of hope and strength, narrating unique stories of survival and solidarity, and the unexpected bonds and relationships formed in prison.
Once There Was a City Named Dilli
by Intizar HussainThe history of Delhi has been told and retold many times. Often the intent is to use history as an ideological tool for staking a claim to the present of the city. In Intizar Husain&’s retelling, it is the tale itself that becomes delectable. A popular recital that highlights the forgotten nuances of the story, Once There was a City Named Dilli, is a celebration of the people and culture that made the city unforgettable. Forts, walled cities, bazaars, diwan khanas, durbars, and the Yamuna itself come alive in this ode to a capital serenaded and ravaged by powerful kings and chieftains over time.
As Dark as Blood: A Roshan Rana Mystery
by Mr. Yasser UsmanA MAN VANISHES WITHOUT A TRACE IN DARJEELING Tormented Delhi cop Roshan Rana is dragged into a high-stakes investigation in which he wants no part. Roshan&’s personal life is in ruins. Dementia is eroding his father&’s memory. The thought of being forgotten by his father, as his own son has done with him, cuts deep. As a chilling case unfolds in the serene but secretive hill town, Roshan&’s buried past comes back to haunt him. ONE BY ONE, THE BODIES BEGIN TO PILE UP What starts as a missing-person case soon spirals into a nightmare as Darjeeling becomes a hunting ground for a ruthless and cunning psychopath. With a wave of brutal murders, Roshan realizes the serial killer isn&’t just targetting individuals — he&’s dismantling a community, piece by piece, with a savage, calculated precision. CAN ROSHAN CONFRONT HIS OWN DEMONS AND STOP THE KILLER BEFORE IT&’S TOO LATE? Racing against time, Roshan pieces together a trail of horror that spans years and cities, uncovering a crime far more twisted than imaginable. As he closes in on the psychopath, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur. Gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally charged, As Dark as Blood is much more than a sharp crime thriller. Layered with intrigue and psychological depth it leaves you breathless until the last page.
R.A.W. Hitman 2: The Assassinations
by S. Hussain Zaidi Kashif MashaikhIn the deadly games of espionage, there are men who kill and disappear without a trace. Agent Lima is one of them—highly trained, efficient and ruthless, an elite operative of India&’s most secretive intelligence agency. R.A.W. Hitman 2: The Assassinations unravels the story of how this nameless operative rose to become the most feared weapon in India's covert arsenal. As Lima plunges into the underworld of fake currency, double agents, and high-stakes betrayal, he faces enemies who are willing to die to protect their secrets. Whether infiltrating the dangerous confines of the Almora Jail or navigating the criminal labyrinth of Kathmandu, Lima must play a deadly game, earning the trust of hardened criminals while maintaining his cover. But with each move, the noose tightens. One mistake could cost his life—and India&’s future. In the shadows, orchestrating it all, is Colonel Sobhraj, a man who commands from the background, invisible yet ever-present. Their relationship is built on silent trust: Lima is the executioner, while Sobhraj guides him through dangerous terrain. From luring arms dealers to taking down counterfeit networks flooding India&’s economy, every move brings Lima closer to the hidden kingpins. But even as Lima outsmarts his enemies, the ghosts of his past loom larger. Each mission pushes him further into the void where the lines between loyalty and betrayal blur. Agent Lima must use every trick he&’s learned to hunt down his targets while evading those who seek his death. His legend grows in whispers, in the cold breaths of those who never saw him coming. These are the untold origins of a man who operates in the realm where only the deadliest survive. R.A.W. Hitman 2: The Assassinations is a gripping saga of loyalty, deception and ruthless precision that will leave you breathless until the very last page.
Golwalkar: The Myth Behind the Man, The Man Behind the Machine
by Dhirendra K JhaFROM THE AUTHOR OF GANDHI'S ASSASSIN &‘A compelling portrait of M. S. Golwalkar.&’—Thomas Blom Hansen&‘…[biography of] one of the most secretive public figures of post-independence India.&’—Chistophe Jaffrelot&‘A disturbing book, because of its revelations on the inner working of the RSS.&’—Mridula Mukherjee Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, or Guruji as he is reverentially referred to by his followers, is regarded as the demi-god of Hindutva politics and often accorded a status higher than even the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, K. B. Hedgewar. In 1940, when 34-year-old Golwalkar unexpectedly assumed charge of the RSS on Hedgewar&’s death, the Hindu militia was still in its nascent stage, with pockets of influence mainly in Maharashtra. Under Golwalkar&’s leadership over the next three decades, the RSS and its allied organizations, known as the Sangh Parivar, extended its network across the entire country and penetrated almost every aspect of Indian society. Golwalkar&’s ideological influence was enormous—and it did not end with his death. Golwalkar&’s prescriptions in his incendiary book We or Our Nationhood Defined, published in 1939, now became central to the ideological training and radicalization of youth dedicated to the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. Here, Golwalkar prescribed a solution to India&’s &‘minority problem&’ based on the Nazi treatment of Jews in the Third Reich. As Dhirendra K. Jha conclusively establishes in this book, this would eventually provide the core of the Sangh&’s credo and, as events in the recent past have borne out, have a lasting influence on Indian politics. Drawing from a wealth of original archival material and interviews, the deeply researched and scholarly Golwalkar: The Myth Behind the Man, the Man Behind the Machine pierces through the many legends built around the man in the biographies written by his loyalists during his own lifetime. Jha traces Golwalkar&’s path from a directionless youth to a demagogue who plotted to capture political power by countering the secularist vision of nationalist leaders from Nehru to Gandhi. Ambitious, insecure, tactical and secretive—Jha draws a compelling and sinister portrait of one of the most prominent Hindutva leaders, and of the RSS and its worldview that evolved under him.
Red, Green, and Sometimes Beige: The Ins and Outs of a Healthy Relationship
by Kasturi MahantaOh, that&’s such red-flag behaviour. My love language is physical touch but hers is words of affirmation. But I have an anxious attachment style, I need frequent validation. Sound familiar? If you&’ve been on the internet, chances are you&’ve definitely heard of flags, trauma bonds, and attachment styles. But what do they even mean? Relationship Coach Kasturi Mahanta explains the common troubles plaguing our relationships from a therapist&’s perspective. Through fictionalised accounts of problems she has coached people through, she explains the hows and the whys behind people&’s behaviours, especially in romantic relationships—whether it be coping mechanisms, anger, or the invisible emotional labour a partner performs. Armed with exercises for readers to participate in, these chapters help us not only identify certain patterns and behaviours—in our partners and ourselves—but also delve into why they might occur. It aims to equip readers with a better understanding of the root causes of problems so that we may build and ultimately stay in healthy, long-term relationships
Work Life Imbalance
by Shubham KhuranaBecause the balance doesn't exist. Period. This is a collection of the comics I have posted over the years about work, life and the lack of balance thereof. While the first collection 'Monday to Friday' was centered around what the days have come to mean to us in our corporat lives, this one focuses on what fills those days- thankless tasks, endless mail chains, meaningless jargon, useless meetings. All those thing which make you go, "What's the point?" But, the objective of this book stays the same - to help you find solace in the fact that you're not alone in this pointless
Our Bones in Your Throat
by Megha RaoA wild myth.A lake amidst a forbidden forest.A siren song. When Esai arrives at St. Margaret&’s imposing campus, amidst which lie the mysterious woods, she plunges headfirst into a world of power games, underground recitals, new enemies, and complicated relationships. And then Esai is lured into the arms of something far more dangerous and exciting —a water spirit lurking in the foliage. She stumbles onto an ancient secret that threatens to dismantle the entire college to the bone. Esai knows something the others don&’t. She finds herself at the heart of the unrest brewing on campus, alongside Scheher. Scheher, once her only friend, now a formidable face of dissent. What happens when those you fought for once, turn against you? Within the halls and thickets of St. Margaret&’s, decisions must be made. Friends, foes, and lovers must learn to navigate the quiet truths of life, the fragility of friendships, and the aftermath of passion.
Silken Gazelles: A Novel
by Jokha AlharthiFrom International Booker Prize-winning author of Celestial Bodies and Bitter Orange Tree, a new novel about two Omani women whose unbreakable connection is forged as nursing sisters — a bond considered akin to that of a birth sibling. Raised as sisters, Ghazaala is devastated when her friend Asiya is forced to leave their small mountainside village. It is a separation that haunts her into adulthood, and she never gives up on finding a love that might replace the bond they shared. Years later, Ghazaala&’s family moves to Muscat, where she falls in love with a professional violinist who lives in their building. She surrenders herself completely to his charm and, despite her parents&’ opposition, runs away from home to marry him. While balancing the duties of a new wife — caring for her husband, their home, and, before long, their twin boys — Ghazaala resumes her education and enrolls in university. Ghazaala&’s sharp wit catches the attention of another student, Harir, during their freshman year. In the pages of her diary, Harir recounts the story of her deepening, transformative friendship with Ghazaala over the course of ten years. The elusive, ghostly existence of Asiya exerts a force over both their lives, yet neither Ghazaala nor Harir is aware of the connection. From the brilliant mind of Jokha Alharthi comes a tale of childhood friendship, and how its significance — and loss — can be recalibrated at different stages of life.
Karna: Son of Surya
by Kevin Missal20 years later… United by promise. Divided by hate. Karna, the King of Anga, is distraught after the recent demise of a closed one. And to achieve salvation, he seeks to hurt the ones who are closest to him. Satyasena, the firstborn son to Karna, holds no mantle to his popular father but he strives for it. To become better, he&’s ready to lose everything. Shanaya, the queen of Anga, takes care of the throne during her husband&’s absence, but recent moral duties have begun to confront her past and probably betray the present. Vrishaketu, the second -born to Karna, has been shifting loyalties between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, insidiously plotting the downfall of his father and the throne, but a new distraction ends up blurring the line between right and wrong. Once a loving family, it is now haunted by conspirators, murderers and stabbers. Will they survive? Little do they know, an ancient evil has risen, ready to poison the roots of our nation and threaten the existence of Karna.
The Dangerous Dozen: Hitmen of the Mumbai Underworld
by S. Hussain ZaidiMunna Jhingada, Farid Tanasha, Baba Reddy… hitmen and executioners all. Each with haunting tales to tell. The executioner has no remorse. He is the man who strikes the fear of his boss in everybody&’s heart. While he has no criminal empire of his own, his barbaric bio-sketch could fill several police case diaries. Those who live by the bullet die by the bullet – almost every last one of them. But in their short reign of terror, they leave a trail of devastation in their wake. In this no-holds-barred book, India&’s No. 1 crime writer, S. Hussain Zaidi, backed by years of behind-the-scenes work, provides an insight into the lives of twelve of the most vicious and fearless hitmen of Mumbai, giving readers a first-hand insight into what fuels the men behind some of the bloodiest battles and showdowns in the city.
The Girl with the Seven Lives
by Vikas SwarupTwenty-five-year-old Devi has been kidnapped. She is now being held hostage in a dimly-lit basement by a masked gunman who is threatening to shoot her dead unless she reveals her entire life story and confesses to all the crimes he is accusing her of. To add to her terror, he is putting her life up for an online auction, where the highest bidder will determine her fate. With her very existence hanging in the balance, Devi proceeds to give her captor &‘a confession to beat all confessions&’, while simultaneously engaging in a high-stakes battle of wits and endurance against impossible odds. Thus commences an enthralling odyssey through the heart and soul of modern India, as over the course of a single night, Devi unveils the secrets of her seven extraordinary lives. From the labyrinthine alleys of Delhi to the hallowed grounds of Punjab, from the serene landscapes of Kerala to the sun-drenched shores of Goa, and ultimately to the bustling streets of Mumbai, Devi&’s captivating journey is a rollercoaster ride through a tangled tapestry of hidden truths, deceit, and shocking revelations which will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Devi is the ultimate survivor - a girl from the gutters who dares to rewrite her own destiny. But can she survive the longest night of her life? Vikas Swarup&’s long-awaited new novel is filled with the same evocative prose, immersive narrative and propulsive energy that made Slumdog Millionaire a global bestseller, and will resonate with readers looking for a thoughtful page-turner.
Love in the Time of Hate: In the Mirror of Urdu
by Dr Rakhshanda JalilKabhi hum bhi tum bhi thhe aashna tumhein yaad ho ke na yaad ho Once you and I were friends, whether you remember it now or not--Momin Khan Momin This is a book about love—love for one&’s country and for all that goes to make it one we can be proud to belong to. Poetry, it has been said, flourishes when all else is uncertain. With that in mind, renowned literary historian and translator, Rakhshanda Jalil, uses Urdu poetry to look at how the social fabric of secular India is changing. Rakhshanda delves into the past, to the events that have threatened communal harmony, from the bloodletting of partition, or the politics of successive elections, to communal riots, Mumbai, Gujarat and so on, to the present moment, to recent events around Ayodhya, cow slaughter and &‘love jihad&’. The book is divided into four sections: politics, people, passions, places. Strewn with delightful, thoughtful Urdu couplets that bring depth, lyricism and gravitas to the narratives, the writer cautions us against current popular sentiments based on hating the &‘other&’. Living in an India that now requires us to be resolutely one or the &‘other&’, all of us are losing the wonderful capacity to contain within ourselves many seemingly diverse ideologies and beliefs which is a motif that is reiterated through the verses and words in this book. The section titled &‘People&’ has the most delightful, charming vignettes of popular icons, from Tipu Sultan and Rani Lakshmi Bai to Gandhi and Nehru, from Ghalib and Majaz to Dilip Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, viewed through an Urdu lens that makes each person memorable, unique and an advocate of peace and unity. From essays doused in the language of secular patriotism like Har Dil Tiranga, to pieces redolent with nostalgia like Dopahar ki Dhoop Mein, Rakhshanda invokes the power of love, inclusivity and communal harmony that is the trademark of poetry and literature, and which must continue to permeate the way we live our lives if we want to bequeath a meaningful legacy to the generations to come in our country.