By IANS,
New Delhi : Settle in with a book from the colourful shelf this weekend.
1. “Upwardly Mobile”; Written by Ranjini Manian; Published by Penguin India; Priced at Rs.250
The book focuses on strengthening Indian roots and flying on global wings. It expounds four themes in six segments – “knowing oneself as an Indian, knowing what drives an expatriate, strengthening areas where we need to build confidence and the use of various cultural intelligence tools” – which help us gauge the situation and adapt to it.
With real-life examples from world leaders that inspire emulation, the book is an ideal companion for Indian managers dealing with expatriate colleagues and global workplaces.
2. “The 14th Dalai Lama: Puffin Lives” Written by Aravind Ananthraman; Published by Penguin India; Priced at Rs.150
The road to Lhasa was lined with people gathered to see the new reincarnation. Looking out of his carriage, the Dalai Lama saw people crying with joy. Their Kundun had returned.
Born to a family of farmers in a remote corner of Tibet, Lhamo Dhondup was recognised as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama at the age of two. He took charge of his country in 1950 when the Chinese invaded Tibet.
However, as Chinese violence against Tibetans increased, Kundun was forced to flee his native land. His escape over the Himalayas is stuff of adventure novels. This engaging biography shows how Kundun blends spirituality with politics. To the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama is god incarnate. To the world, he is the face of Tibet.
3. “Pullela Gopichand: The World Beneath His Feat”; Written by Sanjay Sharma and Shachi S. Sharma; Published by Rupa & Co; Priced at $25 (Rs.1,295)
This is the gritty story of badminton star Pullela Gopichand, who brought laurels to India by winning the coveted All England Championships 2001. The champion was awarded the Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Dronacharya Award in quick succession.
A grievous injury at the 1994 National Games in Pune indicated that his career was over even before it had taken off. But Gopichand conquered all his demons and went on to become not only a badminton champion, but an exemplary coach as well.
The book is the first authorised biography of Gopichand, about his rise from humble beginnings to become a star on Indian badminton’s horizon, as well as his endeavours to produce more sports icons like him through his one-of-a-kind badminton academy.
4. “Sunshine”; Written by Minakshi Chaudhry; Published by Rupa & Co; Priced at $10 (Rs.520)
Rather than hiding in the darkness and considering her fate sealed after she found she had breast cancer, the writer decides to face her fears and undergo the extensive therapies needed.
Aided by an extremely supportive husband, Rakesh, and other family members and friends, she eventually overcomes the many obstacles thrown her way and also gains a new approach to life. With a renewed urge to live; tasks and daily health goals become the ‘firsts’ of a new life.
A deeply personal account of her struggle, the author captures the intense experience of her journey to recovery through numerous diary entries and other notes.
5. “Delirious Delhi: Inside India’s Incredible Capital”, Written by Dave Prager; Published by Harper Collins-India; Priced at Rs.399
Delhi exists in a kind of quantum state: in Delhi, all things are true at once. When the Big Apple no longer felt big enough, the writer and his wife moved to the city of 16 million people – and, seemingly, twice that many horns honking at once.
“Delirious Delhi” is an experiential journey through India’s capital – from its office life in the rising tech hubs to the traffic jam philosophy that keeps people sane in the gridlock leading to them.
With only their sense of humour as their guide, the writer sets out to explore a city in which ancient stone monuments compete with glass-clad shopping malls to define the
landscape. What follows is a top-to-bottom snapshot of a city in the thick of loud and accelerating change.