Literature

Education must deepen students’ linkage with society: President

Literature

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said education must deepen students' linkage with society and develop scientific temper. Speaking here at the launch of...

Jamia Millia Islamia to collaborate with Jamia Hamdard; two sign MoU

Literature

Plans also in the offing to offer meta courses by brining AMU also on board By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter, New Delhi: On the sidelines...

Not taking Sahitya Akademi award back: Bengali woman poet

Literature

Kolkata: Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen, who recently returned her Sahitya Akademi award, on Monday said the Akademi has written to her requesting she take...

Now, 53 historians protest against ‘highly vitiated’ atmosphere in India

Literature

New Delhi : After writers and artistes, 53 historians on Thursday protested against the 'rising intolerance' and "highly vitiated atmosphere in the country,...

Over 400 artistes condemn attacks on writers

Literature

New Delhi: Over 400 Indian artistes on Tuesday condemned the attacks on writers in India and expressed concern over the alarming rise in intolerance...

Now, protests in Mumbai, Aligarh against UGC decision to end non-Net scholarships

Literature

By Yogesh Maitreya, Twocircles.net Mumbai: Students from various universities and colleges in Mumbai and Aligarh Muslim University joined their counterparts in Delhi to protest against...

Australia, India sign MoU for joint research, teaching

Literature

Hyderabad: Australia's Deakin University and the Indian School of Business (ISB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint research and teaching. They will...

Seven senior secondary students of Delhi school participate in international conference on Psychology

Literature

By TCN News, New Delhi: Seven senior secondary students of New Horizon School, a minority unaided school, participated in an international conference on Psychology...

President confers Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

Literature

New Delhi: Veteran M.S. Sathyu, Hindustani classical singer Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Kathak dancer Uma Dogra and playwright Asgar Wajahat were among the luminaries conferred...

‘Occupy UGC’ movement in Delhi sees students detained, lathicharged

Literature

By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net New Delhi: The 'Occupy UGC' movement over the scrapping of non-National Eligibility Test (NET) fellowship...

No question of taking back Sahitya Akademi award: Bengali poet

Literature

Kolkata : Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen, who recently gave up her Sahitya Akademi award, on Friday refused to take it back, saying though...

Will return award if Sahitya Akademi fails to protect writers’ rights: Vikram Seth

Literature

By Preetha Nair New Delhi: Famed author Vikram Seth says that he would return his award, if the Sahitya Akademi fails to protect the lives...

Writers as refuseniks – BJP’s blind spot

Literature

By Amulya Ganguli After being flummoxed for a few days by the decision of several Sahitya Akademi award winners to return their medals, the...

Akademi’s silence on writer’s killing condemnable: Sarah Joseph

Literature

New Delhi : Joining the league of writers returning their Sahitya Akademi awards in the last few days, popular Malayalam writer Sarah Joseph...

दादरी

Literature

(Courtesy: indianexpress) By नदीम ज़फ़र, TwoCircles.net “अख़लाक़" मर गया हिंदुस्तान का ! पड़ोसी का हक़? छोड़िये, लेकिन, ज़िंदा रहने का हक़ तो दिया हुआ था, संविधान का I सब को गाये...

A report of the Sir Syed Day in the San Francisco Bay Area

Literature

By Ras H. Siddiqui The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association of Northern California (AMUAA) held its 19th Sir...

Bengal to release Netaji files on Friday

Literature

Kolkata : The West Bengal government will release 64 files related to freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Friday. West Bengal Chief...

Google celebrates MF Husain’s birth centenary with doodle

Literature

New Delhi : Google is celebrating the birth centenary of renowned Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain who died in London on June 9, 2011...

Jaipur lit fest’s US edition begins Saturday

Literature

New Delhi: The Jaipur Literature Festival will open its account in the US with its first overseas edition beginning on on Saturday in Boulder,...

एक रिफ्यूजी बच्चे की फ़रयाद

Literature

डॉक्टर नदीम ज़फर जिलानी, मेनचेस्टर, इंग्लैंड तंग-दिल लोग हैं ज़मीं पे बहुत चल सु-ए-आसमाँ करें हिजरत! कब समुन्दर उबूर कर पाती नाऊ काग़ज़ की हो गई...

Jhumpa Lahiri gets National Humanities Medal from Obama

Literature

By Arun Kumar Washington : President Barack Obama presented the 2014 National Medals of Arts and Humanities to Pulitzer Prize winning Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri...

Obituary to Ambedkarite poet and writer, Ketan Pimpalapure

Literature

By Yogesh Maitreya, TwoCircles.net Mr. Ketan Pimpalapure, a poet, writer and journalist died in the month of July 31st, 2015. He was...

Book on the lethal use of pellet guns released in Kashmir; lethality of the...

Literature

By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCicles.net Srinagar : Kashmir - Scars of Pellet Gun: The Brutal Face of Suppression, the book...

‘उदास नस्लें’ और अब्दुल्ला हुसैन

Literature

जावेद अनीस उर्दू के शीर्ष उपन्यासकार अब्दुल्ला हुसैन का 7 जून 2015 को 84 वर्ष की उम्र में देहांत हो गया, वे लम्बे समय से...

Book on Bhopal’s noted Urdu journalist ‘Arif Aziz – Ek Tajzia’ released

Literature

By Pervez Bari, Twocircles.net, Bhopal: When a journalist is eulogized in a function by speakers after speakers wherein a book critically analysing his works...

Centre trying to subvert spirit of Nehru memorial library: Congress

Literature

New Delhi : The Congress on Wednesday condemned what it said were efforts by the BJP government to "subvert and dilute" the essential...

Muslims extend help to save Gita Press

Literature

Aligarh : Aligarh's Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has expressed grave concern over a dragging strike in Gita Press in Gorakhpur...

Muslim population myth

Literature

By Dr kouser Fathima, The release of data about Indian population based on religion has shattered many preconceived notions. The fear among the majority...

AMU students launch a monthly literary magazine- The AMUSE

Literature

By TCN News Aligarh: Now students of Aligarh Muslim University have a magazine of their own for their creative output. The AMUSE short for...

How a book sparked of a Cold War battle

Literature

By Vikas Datta Title: The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book; Authors: Peter Finn and Petra Couvee;...

President Pranab Mukharjee applauds Jamia’s translation project

Literature

By TCN News, New Delhi: Professor Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) presented 14 publications of Tagore Research and Translation Scheme (TRTS), Department...

Prophet’s descendant Shaikh Al Shareef visits AMU Library

Literature

TCN News Aligarh: Al Shareef Mustafa Fouad Shafaee, who belongs to the family of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa (Peace Be...

Hamida Aapa ki yaaden

Literature

By Shaheer Khan for TwoCircles.net Eminent Urdu writer Hamida Salim passed away on Sunday, August 16th at the age of 93 at her house in...

Book on Muslim Generals of Maratha warrior Shivaji tries to underline his secular image

Literature

By A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net, Solapur, Maharashtra: In an effort to portray Maratha warrior Shivaji as a secular king, a forty-page book has been...

The Bridge on the River Kwai: Fact and fiction

Literature

By Vikas Datta Some of the Second World War's fiercest battles involved bridges and inspired some riveting accounts - capture of key bridges (Cornelius...

Globalization, religion and Hindi Press: A Case Study of Nav Bharat Times, New Delhi

Literature

Read First Part here: Communal agenda and Hindi press in a globalizing India</a Read Second Part here: Religious Diversity and Hinduisation of press</a Dr Arvind Das, Global...

Anshu Gupta, Sanjiv Chaturvedi win Magsaysay awards

Literature

New Delhi: Social worker Anshu Gupta and former AIIMS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi on Wednesday won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay awards for "enterprising leadership" and...

MANUU teachers express solidarity with Prof Ilaiah

Literature

Police have issued notice to Ilaiah for his write up “hurting religious sentiment” By TCN News, Hyderabad: The Maulana Azad National Urdu University Teacher's Association (MANUUTA)...

PUDR report on SIMI’s saga with UAPA tribunals released

Literature

By TCN News, New Delhi: Banned and Damned: SIMI’s Saga with UAPA Tribunals, a report presenting an analysis of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act...

ये भी तो ख़ुदा की मर्ज़ी है, क़ुरआन की ज़ुबां भी अरबी है

Literature

डॉ. नदीम ज़फर जिलानी हर माह-ए-रमज़ान के वक़्त एक बहस सोशल मीडिया पर ज़रूर उभरती है, इसे रमज़ान कहें या रमदान. इंग्लैण्ड में रहने वाले...

Have not left India, will be back when feel safe: Taslima

Literature

Kolkata : Controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who has relocated to the US, on Wednesday said she hasn't left India permanently and would...

Varun Gandhi’s immature offering butchers poetry (Book Review)

Literature

By Shilpa Raina, Title: Stillness; Author: Feroze Varun Gandhi; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 206; Price: Rs.399 In today's day and age, it wouldn't be wrong to...

‘Modi, a man mesmerised by own persona’ (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: How Modi Won It, Notes from 2014 Election; Author: Harish Khare; Publisher: Hachette India; Pages: 242; Price: Rs.599 Man is wise in hindsight. This is certainly true for journalists. Harish Khare, editor and commentator who was also media adviser to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, comes up with his own analysis of what went wrong with the Congress and how Narendra Modi simply crushed the Grand Old Party to lead the BJP to a historic Lok Sabha win.

Flights of imagination: An aeronautical engineer as a famous novelist

Literature

By Vikas Datta, Immersed in aerodynamics, material science, structural analysis and the like, an aeronautical engineer would be the last person expected to be a successful and long-lasting novelist. But there was one who started writing for relaxation and eventually ended up with two dozen intricately-plotted but extremely engrossing works stretching from wartime romances to attempts for redemption to dire apocalyptic scenarios - with views on class, gender and race relations most unprecedented for his era.

Cruising on a fictional world

Literature

Enjoy a dose of light fiction to beat summer heat. From heartaches to thrillers and from graphic travelogue to Vipassana journey - take your pick from this vibrant assortment of books IANS has on offer this weekend. 1. Book: Never Kiss Your Best Friend; Author: Sumrit Shahi; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 206; Price: Rs.195

‘The Brown Sahebs’: An interesting take on India’s colonial legacy

Literature

By Jaideep Sarin, Book: "The Brown Sahebs"; Publisher: Vitasta Publishing; Pages: 320; Price: Rs.295 American movies and literature are iconoclastic. Hollywood loves to make movies in which the US president gets hijacked ("Air Force One"), or the White House is under siege ("White House Down"). Indian movies and books, by and large play safe, probably afraid of fictionalizing situations which the authorities would frown upon. Thus Anupam Srivastava's "The Brown Sahebs" surprises when its protagonist, Pratap, defaces with provocative poetry the dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the majestic residence of India's president.

Looking at the world through the eyes of diplomats and other stories

Literature

The thoughts and ideas of Indian diplomats who have collectively put in more than 1,150 years in the Indian Foreign Service, understanding the ins and out of wealth creation, a story of a Parsi man and an exciting tale about the battle between man and nature: this is what IANS has to offer to its readers this weekend. Take a look. 1. Book: India and the World: Through the Eyes of Indian Diplomats; Edited by Surendra Kumar; Publisher: Wisdom Tree; Pages: 460; Price: Rs.1,095.

Building smart cities and leadership secrets

Literature

Is it possible to build cities that are energy efficient and environment friendly in populous cities like Delhi and Mumbai? What do successful organisations and smart leaders have in common? Insights like this make up for our books bonanza this week. Take a look. 1. Book: Smart and Human: Building Cities of Wisdom; Author: G.R.K.Reddy and Srijan Pal Singh; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 281; Price: Rs.350

Of economic inequality and homelessness

Literature

Many fault lines criss-cross Indian society today because of economic inequality, short-stories of the scattered Kashmiri Pandit community who are tourists in their own homeland and a few light-hearted love stories: take a look at what the IANS bookshelf has to offer this week. 1. Book: Looking Away; Author: Harsh Mander; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 418; Price: Rs.495

Stories of women’s empowerment, a werewolf

Literature

A book analyses the drivers of change and the repercussions of present-day gender revolutions, a man in today's Kolkata meets a man who claims to be a werewolf. Some light and some heavy dosage, the IANS bookshelf this weekend has reality meeting fantasy. Take a look. 1. Book: Half A Billion Rising; Author: Anirudha Dutta; Publisher: Rainlight; Pages: 247; Price: Rs.395

Why this 1949 love story is relevant in today’s times (Book Review)

Literature

By Shilpa Raina, Title: Chander and Sudha; Author: Dharamvir Bharati translated by Poonam Saxena; Publisher:Penguin Viking; Pages: 351; Price: Rs.499 It is almost impossible to imagine...

India-Pakistan rivalry and heavy dosage of history

Literature

It is an undisputedly history-rich bouquet of books that IANS is offering to its readers this weekend, covering the most debated topic of India-Pakistan rivalry to juxtaposing the neighbour's state of affairs in global politics. And then there are some gems from history repolished through the eyes of foreigners. Take a look.

A mother’s dilemma, a virtual world, Nepal

Literature

The nightmare of being the mother of a 27-year-old, looking at a relationship through the lens of virtual reality and a journey through Nepal are some of the hand-picked gems IANS is treating its readers to this weekend. Take a look. 1. Book: Simi's Mum's Diary: The Daughter of All Battles; Author: Rupa Gulab; Publisher: Amaryllis; Pages: 201; Price: Rs. 175

Indians would rather spend on shoes, not books: Publisher Ashok Chopra

Literature

By Shilpa Raina, New Delhi : The Indian publishing industry is keeping the written word alive in different formats but the gradual decline in readership...

Dharamvir Bharti’s masterpiece, Man Booker winner and others

Literature

Those who have read Hindi author Dharamvir Bharti's works must be familiar with one of his masterpieces, "Gunaho Ka Devta". For the first time, this classic novel has been translated into English. This passionate tale of star-crossed lovers, along with a novel by a Man Booker winner and a slew of other stories, is what IANS has for its readers this week. Take a look. 1. Book: Chander and Sudha; Author: Dharamvir Bharti, translated by Poonam Saxena; Publisher: Penguin Viking; Pages: 352; Price: Rs.499

Typical Earth citizen will soon be Indian: Organizers of new book prize

Literature

Hong Kong : By 2030, the average citizen of planet Earth will be an Indian man in his mid-20s. But few people in the...

Spotlight on Chinese PLA (Book Review)

Literature

Title: China's Military Power: A Net Assessment; Author: Maj Gen G.D. Bakshi (Retd); Publisher: Knowledge World, New Delhi; Pages: 380; Price: Rs.900 China is increasingly...

Voices from Sri Lanka, a memoir, ethical musings and a fictional tale

Literature

Crisp and sharp reportage of how Sri Lankans are returning to their normal lives after 30 years of civil war, a message of love and inspiration for readers through a brave memoir, dealing with important ethical issues of our time and a work of fiction - IANS Books This Weekend is a balanced lot. Take a look. Book: Sri Lanka: The New Country; Author: Padma Rao Sundarji; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 322; Price: Rs. 499

Is there a god? The debate continues (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: On Religion; Author: Khushwant Singh (with Humra Quraishi); Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 206; Price: Rs.250 Title: 50 Spiritual Appetizers; Compiled and Edited by: Vinod Dhawan; Publisher: Partridge (A Penguin Random Book Company); Pages: 204; Price: Not given

Did the CIA mastermind Purulia arms drop? (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: The Night it Rained Guns: Unravelling the Purulia Arms Drop Conspiracy; Author: Chandan Nandy; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 272; Price: Rs.295 On December 17, 1995, an ageing Russian AN 26 transport plane took off from Karachi ostensibly for Dhaka. After refuelling at Varanasi, it made a course diversion over Gaya, Bihar. When it was over Purulia in West Bengal, the plane flew dangerously low and dropped, amid darkness, four tonnes of deadly arms and ammunition, for the Ananda Marg, a semi-secret cult. It was, as author Chandan Nandy rightly points out, "one of the most bizarre and, admittedly, a spectacular operation to breach India's security".

India’s World Cup story: A faithful catalogue (Book Review)

Literature

By Sirshendu Panth, Book: Cricket World Cup: The Indian Challenge; Author: Ashis Ray; Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing India Pvt. Ltd; Pages: 202; Price: Rs.499 This is a...

Javed Habib: A Character of Greek Tragedy

Literature

By Urdu Media Monitor, جاوید حبیب : ہجوم سے تنہائی تک Javed Habib: Hujoom se Tanhai Tak Compiled by: Masoom Moradabadi Reviewed by: M Ghazali Khan Published by: Khabardar Publications, Z-103 Taj Enclave, Gita Colony, Delhi 110031, Email [email protected], Mobile: 09810780563 If you were asked to name a personality who studied at AMU, was a selfless activist, fearless and gifted orator as well a writer, launched a newspaper but had to stop it, lived an austere saintly life and could not earn even as much as to be able to buy a basic four wall residence, you would be excused to think of Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar or may be Maulana Hasrat Mohani.

Nehru’s ‘Mann ki Baat’

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy , Title: Letters for a Nation: From Jawaharlal Nehru to His Chief Ministers (1947-1963); Author: Edited by Madhav Khosla; Publisher: Allen...

Urdu enthusiasts urged to observe International Mother Language Day

Literature

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter, Mumbai: Indian Urdu language enthusiasts have been asked to remember 15th anniversary of 'International Mother Language Day' in favour of ‘Urdu’ language by organizing programmes, seminars and debates.

Minoritization and the Indian State: Comparative Perspectives on Muslim and Sikh Identities

Literature

Book: Nation-State and Minority Rights in India: Comparative Perspectives on Muslim and Sikh Identities Author: Tanweer Fazal Routledge, 2014,pp. 256, price not stated. By Shefali Jha,...

Decoding the Mahatma, World Cup trivia, geography

Literature

An original analysis of who was responsible for Mahatma Gandhi's death, a reader-friendly guide spanning 40 years of the cricket World Cup and getting to know the incredible geography of India - the IANS book stack this weekend is a power house of information. Take a look. 1. Book: The Death and Afterlife of Mahatma Gandhi; Author: Makarand R. Paranjape; Publisher: Random House India; Pages: 331; Price: Rs.599

‘The Road to Mecca’ that I took

Literature

A book review that seeks to decipher two pilgrimages on the same path separated by a century By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net, Spirituality is what separates humans from other living beings. I have been a seeker for the last few years. I have read a number of books, visited graves of saints, made ablutions at Haridwar and toured the ghats of Banaras; I have sat in the qawwali mehfils and even seen dervishes dance.

Romancing Indian Railways, some memoirs

Literature

Nostalgic accounts of travellers who rode the earliest trains in India, personal journeys of men who who have written memoirs of their life and struggle in the US and East Africa and former union minister Salman Khurshid's account of Muslims in India. IANS bookshelf this weekend offers these delights. Take a look:

Sonia achieved double win in 2004, says ‘biography’ author

Literature

New Delhi : Congress president Sonia Gandhi achieved a "double win" in 2004 by choosing Manmohan Singh to be prime minister as she silenced...

‘Two Women’ and More: A diva’s remarkable story (Book Review)

Literature

By Vikas Datta, Title: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life ; Author: Sophia Loren; Publisher: Simon and Schuster UK; Pages: 352; Special Indian price: Rs.699

To Fight Another Day: PoWs and their ingenious escapes

Literature

By Vikas Datta, War or military fiction has been an integral part of literature across cultures - be the epics of Homer or Virgil, or closer to home, the great fratricidal war in the Mahabharata, or earlier, the tantalising reference to the Battle of the Ten Kings in the Rig Veda.

Celebrating Kashmiriyat to tales from the battlefield

Literature

An ode to the resilience of Kashmiri women, to inspiring stories from the battlefield, to a journey of healing is what IANS has for its readers this weekend. Take a look. 1. Book: The Land I Dream Of; Author: Manisha Sobhrajani; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 191; Price: Rs.399

Transform your life with 12 holistic principles (Book Review)

Literature

By Kul Bhushan, Title: Feeling at Ease with Yourself; Author: Rajiv Parti; Publisher: Konark Publishers Always running to catch up! Huffing non-stop to climb up! Over stretched at work. Overloaded with information. Overweight with little or no exercise. Living today takes a heavy toll.

Stories by women, for women

Literature

From the story of Urmila, Sita's sister to life in Iran and the cruel fate of Bollywood's item girls - all these stories on the IANS bookshelf this weekend throw light on the many hues of women and, interestingly, are written by women. Take a look.

Enhancing understanding of Muslim communities in South Asia

Literature

Book review: Being Muslim in South Asia By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net, History of Islam in South Asia is almost as old as Islam in Arabia. Population of Arab nations is estimated to be 370 million while more than 500 million Muslims live in South Asian countries. But Arab-centric writings on Islam have done a great disservice.

Secrets of the dominant Hindu Goddess (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: 7 Secrets of the Goddess; Author: Devdutt Pattanaik; Publisher: Westland Ltd; Pages: 259; Price: Rs.395 Title: Shikhandi and Other Tales They Don't Tell You; Author: Devdutt Pattanaik; Publisher: Penguin Books; Pages: 179; Price: Rs.299

A peek into the world of memoirs and success stories

Literature

From establishing a successful career in a small village in Kerala to offering answers to relevant questions in the wake of the aging population...

Fictionalising Indian history: Setting a new trend (Book Review)

Literature

By Frederick Noronha, Panaji : Indian history presents one of the richest tapestries that can inspire any writer of fiction. In this "fascinating mosaic", the Mughal period is like an exquisite miniature, says author Aroon Raman, whose second book is a historical fiction set in this period.

A story of deprivation and torture in custody (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Colours of the Cage: A Prison Memoir; Author: Arun Ferreira; Publisher: Aleph (Rupa Publications); Pages: 164; Price: Rs.295 Human rights activist Arun Ferreira was waiting to meet some fellow activists at the Nagpur railway station when around 15 people pounced on him and whisked him away in a car. It was the afternoon of May 8, 2007, marking the beginning of a long and painful stay in police and judicial custody for four years and eight months. This is a chilling - and moving -- account of what the young man faced and what life in Indian prison is all about.

Of partnerships and mysticism

Literature

Unfolding different perspectives of viewing the strategic partnership between India and the US is what IANS books brings to you this weekend. Also, an interesting way to look at Sufi mysticism is in the offering. Take a look. 1. Book: India-US Partnership: Asian Challenges and Beyond; Editor: P.P. Shukla; Publisher: Wisdom Tree; Pages: 194; Price: Rs. 795

Civility against Caste: Dalit Politics and Citizenship in Western India

Literature

Title: Civility against Caste: Dalit Politics and Citizenship in Western India Author: Prof. Suryakant Waghmore Publisher: Sage India Year: January, 2014 Review by: Yogesh Maitreya for TwoCircles.net, Civility is the least discussed discourse in India. In post-constitutional Indian society, the idea of civility has formed a binary: on one hand, ‘civil society’ that has been propagated by media and resources which are dominated and owned by Brahmin-Bania associations and on the other hand, the civility which has been practice by NGOs and political organisations led by Dalits. The latter had started with the core motive of annihilation of caste and, found its genesis in the struggles of Mahatma Fule and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar in Maharashtra. The idea of civility, practiced by Dalit NGOs and political groups, is contrary to the idea of civility which Brahmin-Bania possess and propagate in India, simply because idea of civility practiced by Dalits aims at annihilation of caste; precisely, Dalit civility is the ‘Civility against Caste’.

Of healing, perseverance and courage

Literature

What prompted Malala Yousafzai to speak up against the Taliban? How does love sear and consume and how can one heal with homeopathy? How can a few things better your life? It is these intriguing stories that IANS has for its readers this weekend. Take a look. 1. Book: Malala; Author: Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 240; Price: Rs. 299

What Mahatma Gandhi means to us today? (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Leadership The Gandhi Way; Author: Virender Kapoor; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 122; Price: Rs.195. Title: The Living Gandhi: Lessons for Our Times; Author: Tara Sethi and Anjana Narayan (Ed); Publisher: Penguin Books; Pages: 334; Price: Rs.399

Magic, heroism and redemption: C.S. Lewis’ Narnia tales

Literature

By Vikas Datta, Fantastic beings and worlds have always been key elements of literature and works containing them have always relished by readers across ages and cultures. But while these motifs are present in a broad gamut of cross-cultural myths, fables, and epics both sacred and profane, fantasy as a literary genre in itself emerged much more recently than we think. Not even a century has elapsed since the appearance of two of its most famous, path-breaking works - which further burnished their credentials by the standards of our spectacle-oriented society by successfully making the transition to the big screen - as well as inspiring a host of other writers like J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan Philip Pullman, Lev Grossman and Neil Gaiman. These are the chronicles of the Middle Earth and of Narnia.

An unbelievable account of Rajiv Gandhi’s killing

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: An Inside Job? Author: Faraz Ahmad; Publisher: Vitasta; Pages: 312; Price: Rs.495 This is as incredulous an...

Literary journey from Delhi to Afghanistan

Literature

Much has been written about Delhi, yet there is much to be written about. A book explores birds, animals and plant species adding a fresh perspective to the Indian capital, whereas another book examines the changing trajectory of Indian policy towards Afghanistan. Take a look. 1. Book: India's Afghan Muddle; Author: Harsh V. Pant; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 194; Price: Rs. 450

The rot that is India’s prison system (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: The Bad Boys of Bokaro Jail; Author: Chetan Mahajan; Publisher: Blue Salt/Penguin Books; Pages: 213; Price: Rs.250 What happens when a 42-year-old, overgrown yuppie, with one MBA degree from India and one from the US, and one who has lived in America for seven years, is sent to jail in notoriously corrupt Jharkhand for no fault of his? If it is Chetan Mahajan, he keeps a diary, meticulously noting down the goings on in the Bokaro Jail, including the sordid corruption. This is a serious book written lucidly, a commentary on all that is wrong with India's prison and judicial system that is so often brazenly biased against the poor.

A journey from cyberspace to social change

Literature

From the gutsy tale of Malala Yousafzai who stood up to the Taliban, to the role played by cyberspace in today's lives -- IANS bookshelf this week has all this and more on offer. Take a look. 1. Book: Picture Abhi Baaki Hai, Author: Rachel Dwyer, Publisher: Hachette India, Pages: 258, Price: Rs.499

Terrorism financing and science discovery

Literature

Let's rewrite the history of our universe, look at terrorism financing, read a modern classic and find your true calling. These varied themes make it to IANS bookshelf this week. Take a look. 1. Book: One Hundred Days: Her Quest, My Cure; Author: Shweta Modgil; Publisher: Tara; Pages: 150; Price: Rs. 199

A born rebel who died a lonely death (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: The First Naxal: An Authorised Biography of Kanu Sanyal; Author: Bappaditya Paul; Publisher: Sage Publications; Pages: 249; Price: Rs.550

Insider’s tales, assassination decoded and some gossip

Literature

Breaking some myths about former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, how a laid-back girl became the czar of India television and a journalist shares some interesting newsroom stories. IANS Books This Weekend has interesting mix. Take your pick. 1. Book: Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: An Inside Job?; Author: Faraz Ahmad; Publisher: Vitasta; Pages: 312; Price: Rs. 495

Divided Sri Lanka haunts a man at the wheels (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Noon Tide Toll; Author: Romesh Gunesekera; Publisher: Penguin Books: Pages: 237; Price: Rs.299 How does Sri Lanka fare after the end of a quarter century of ethnic conflict? Vasantha ferries visitors all around the island in a van bought with savings after retiring early. The road journeys are as much an eye opener to the Sri Lankan driver as much to the men and women he transports - mainly foreigners and Sri Lankans now settled abroad. The still bruised north, the Sinhalese south and the now carefree Colombo come alive as Romesh Gunesekera, a gifted writer, uses Vasantha to take readers from one spot to another, from one saga to another.

Indian American author wins award in US

Literature

New York: Indian American writer Nina McConigley is the recipient of the prestigious PEN Open Book Award for her collection of short stories, "Cowboys...

Hilal Ahmed’s book on ‘Muslim political discourse’ launched

Literature

Besides Introduction and Conclusion, the book has a chapter each on ‘monumentalisation’ in colonial and post-colonial India. The subsequent two chapters are case studies on “Jama Masjid and the Political Memory of a Royal Muslim Past” and “Babri Masjid and the Muslim Politics of Right to Heritage.” By M Reyaz, TwoCircles.net,

Short stories, self-help and seduction

Literature

Overcoming emotional obstacles can be achieved only when one liberates the soul or learns new lessons of life from Mahatma Gandhi's principles. On the other hand, there are women who who will go to any length to fulfill their desires. All this and more is at the IANS book stack this week. Take a look. 1. Book: Leadership: The Gandhi Way; Author: Virender Kapoor; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 122; Price: Rs. 195

Fiction from troubled South Asia (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: False Sanctuaries: Stories from the Troubled Territories of South Asia; Author: Meenakshi Iyer; Publisher: Promilla & Co; Pages: 284; Price: Rs.395

Peace? Sri Lanka is still at war — within (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: This Divided Island: Stories from the Sri Lankan War; Author: Samanth Subramanian; Publisher: Hamish Hamilton (Penguin); Pages: 320; Price: Rs.499.

An anthology on today’s India (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Kaw Caw Silly point: A Wonky look at Contemporary India; Author: M.K. Kaw; Publisher: Konark Publishers: Pages: 270; Price: Rs.250.

Book in Urdu on heroes of ‘First War of Independence’

Literature

Book: Jang-E-Azadi Ke Sarkhail Language- Urdu By Dr. M Waseem Raja, The book by Dr. Mohammad Shahid Siddique entitled “Jang-e-Azadi ke Sarkhail” published by Educational Publishing House is very timely, informative and a documented work which deals with revolt of 1857. In this book Dr. Shahid has tried to bring out the detailed biographical sketches of the prominent freedom fighters who fought the first war of independence during the revolt of 1857. He widely consulted the source material on the theme and brought out the detailed descriptions of the contribution by the Indian native princes, commanders and those brilliant warriors have been portrayed.

Book review: Urdu Literature and Journalism: Critical Perspectives

Literature

By Mohammed Anas for TwoCircles.net, After gifting us insightful glimpses into geniuses of Rabindranath Tagore, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, Raghupati Sahay Firaq Gorakhpuri, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and first Dalit Urdu poet Jayant Parmar, Professor Shafey Kidwai of Aligarh Muslim University has explored journalistic conquests of greats like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Maulvi Mohammed Waqar, etc in his book masterfully written Urdu Literature and Journalism: Critical Perspectives.

Death, spies and thrillers

Literature

An exciting week for books with a variety of thrills, chills and spy stories. Take your pick. 1. Book: The Sad Demise of Manpreet Singh;...

Book release, Kathak recital liven up Darbar Hall

Literature

New Delhi : The high marbled dome of the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan reverberated with music and some scintillating Kathak dance - watched...

Bhagat’s next novel about rural boy, urban girl love story

Literature

Mumbai : Celebrated author Chetan Bagat says his next book is quite challenging, as it is a love story of a rural boy and...

Islamic finance, Bollywood and S.D. Burman

Literature

The roots of Islamic finance lie in the foundations of Islam and Sharia law, fragmented memories of musician and composer S.D.Burman's life and interesting titbits from the lives of Bollywood directors: the IANS bookshelf this week is buzzing with stories from different genres. Take a look. 1. Book: Decoding Bollywood: Stories of 15 Film Directors; Author: Sonia Golani; Publisher: Westland; Pages: 185; Price: Rs. 250

The poetic side of a talented actress (Book Review)

Literature

By Vikas Datta, Book: "Meena Kumari The Poet: A Life Beyond Cinema"; Author/Translator: Noorul Hasan; Publisher: Roli Books ; Pages: 159; Price: Rs 395. Actors have a power that many might envy - the power of essaying varied, even atypical characters and then returning to their normal lives. The problem however begins when the boundary line between reel and real life begins to blur. Meena Kumari, a legendary performer of roles of star-crossed and ultimately-doomed women, was a victim of this trend and that melancholy tinges her life - and poetry.

Confronting life’s unknown insecurities and taming demons (Book Review)

Literature

By Shilpa Raina, Title: Passion Flower: Seven Stories of Derangement; Author: Cyrus Mistry; Publisher: Aleph; Pages: 199; Price: Rs. 495 There is a wicked demon in all of us. Lying dormant somewhere, partially active, at times justifying our actions or lamenting and bemoaning about cruel life and not ready to be easily confronted. Traces of these dark shades are part of the human psyche and unapologetically exposing these crude realities is Cyrus Mistry's collection of short stories.

Many doses of fiction

Literature

Contemporary tales of fiction dipped in different genres is what IANS bookshelf is stacked with this weekend. Take uour pick. 1. Book: Shaping the World, Women Writers on Themselves; Edited By: Manju Kapur; Publisher: Hay House; Pages: 275; Price: Rs.399

Love laced stories and emotional sagas

Literature

A woman hopelessly falls in love with a suave hotelier; her good-looking best friend enters and she realises how fickle the heart can be. Another woman finds unexpected friendship and experiences love in strange situations and a couple go through a turbulent phase of their life. All these stories reflect contemporary tales of love. Take a look at the IANS bookshelf.

Hinduism pundits or Hindu baiters? (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy , Title: Invading the Sacred: An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America: Editors: Krishnan Ramaswamy, Antonio de Nicolas and Aditi Banerjee;...

A book on Kerala’s legend by a veteran journalist

Literature

Thiruvananthapuram : When two legends from two of the four pillars of democracy join hands, the end result cannot but turn out to be...

Talking environment, saving animals

Literature

Loss of flora and fauna poses a massive threat to human existence. To save and protect our environment, IANS has picked up some educational...

Unveiling an amazing India through stamps (Book Review)

Literature

By Shubha Singh, Book: Post Haste: Quintessential India; Author: B.G. Verghese; Publisher: Tranquebar Press; Pages: 384; Price: Rs.1,295. The early forms of communication were smoke...

How to make money and become an entrepreneur

Literature

Not every business idea flourishes and not all business ideas are dated. Following this mantra, IANS picks up interesting reads from the book pile to help you decide. Take a look.

A book on Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer

Literature

By TCN News, Mumbai: A tribute book on Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, “Striving for Peace & Harmony” has been published by Bhashya Prakashan edited by...

A mixed bag of health, sports and entrepreneurial journey

Literature

A peek into the life of the "King of Good Times", a must-have guide for football fanatics, tips for the perfect weight regime to an entrepreneur's successful journey - IANS book stack this week offers a concoction of lifestyle, wellness and sports!

Inside some countries and contradicting capitalism

Literature

An anthology of Sri Lankan literature, getting to know Tibet better, unraveling paradoxes about capitalism and a journalist's account of terrorism - the IANS...

Indian journalists told to leave Pakistan by May 20

Literature

Islamabad: The only two Indian journalists stationed in Pakistan have been told to leave the country by May 20, a media report said Thursday. Snehesh...

SC bans Tamil Nadu bull fights

Literature

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday banned Tamil Nadu's centuries-old Jallikattu bull fights. A bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose also...

A story of Manipur when it started to simmer (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: On A Clear Day You Can See India; Author: C. Balagopal, Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers India; Pages: 203; Prices: Rs.299

Arvind Kejriwal: A politics of articulated angst (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: The Disrupter: Arvind Kejriwal and the Audacious Rise of the Aam Aadmi; Author: Gautam Chikermane with Soma Banerjee; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 225; Price: Rs.295

Book Review: Shah of Shahs by Ryszard Kapuscinski

Literature

By Shaik Zakeer Hussain, TwoCircles.net, There is a customary semblance in all dictators: they are authoritarian, they command total submission, their rule is tyrannical and they have little, or worse, no concern for the miserable conditions of their people. The population is starving, there is rampant unemployment, corruption at all levels of government. There is drudgery, there is pain, there is humiliation, there is everything in society, that makes a man lose his sanity.

Exhibition, book celebrate Urdu’s trailblazing woman writer

Literature

New Delhi: She was among the first generation of educated Muslim women to speak fearlessly about a woman's body and rights, yet Rashid Jahan's...

Lessons in corporate leadership

Literature

(IANS Books This Weekend) Whether you want to launch a new business or product, or are keen to know how to climb up the corporate...

Many hues of myths, mysteries and history

Literature

(IANS Books This Weekend) There is a battle between celestial and dark forces, an extraordinary tale of riddles is to be solved, waking up to a new world loaded with challenges and the story of Guru Gobind Singh. The IANS bookshelf this weekend offers a mix of many hues. Take a look.

Political overdose amid election fervour

Literature

The timing just couldn't have been better. Writers, journalists and experts are using all their political wisdom to analyse and dissect events, politicians and...

Book on rise of AAP, Arvind Kejriwal

Literature

New Delhi: A book for the first time has analysed the rise of the AAP and its leader Arvind Kejriwal and the highs and...

‘Conversations With Waheeda Rehman’ : The endearing story of a remarkable actress (Book Review)

Literature

By Vikas Datta, Book: Conversations With Waheeda Rehman; Author: Nasreen Munni Kabir; Publisher: Penguin-Viking; Pages: 227; Price: Rs 499.

Strictly for children, please!

Literature

Two translations, a graphic novel and a fantasy tale – the IANS bookshelf this week is stacked with gems written in simple language and commanding imagination – allowing children to create a world of their own. Take a look.

Testing times in jail penned in a book

Literature

New Delhi: Life's unpredictable nature hit Chetan Mahajan right in the face when he ended up spending a month in Bokaro's Chas jail instead...

Some poems and stories of seduction

Literature

Conversational and narrative poems of life, nature and exile, investigation of sexual and social anomalies in India and a mythological classic about Lord Shiva's seduction by the enchanting Mohini; the IANS book stack this weekend is invigoratingly appealing. Take a look.

Press freedom is a compromised reality in India

Literature

By Amit Kapoor According to the World Press Freedom Index, which measures the level of freedom of information in 180 countries, ranks India at...

Windows into Pakistan: Four debut novels

Literature

By Vikas Datta It is frequently described as the most dangerous place in the world. With suicide bombings and shootings, terrorists camping on its...

Meditation and mantras unveiled (Book Review)

Literature

By M.R. Narayan Swamy, Title: Meditation and Mantras; Author: Swami Vishnudevananda; Publisher: Penguin-Ananda; Price: Rs.250; Pages: 300 Spiritual well-being books are dime a dozen. This is...

Narendra Modi, social media and elections

Literature

Election fever has gripped the country and it is inevitable to talk about the contribution of the social media in political campaigns, the Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, and the bureaucracy. IANS picks up something from these varied topics. Take a look.

Books in Urdu on Tagore released

Literature

By TCN News, New Delhi: Prof. S.M. Sajid, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia released four books published as part of Tagore Research Translation Scheme (TRTS) in the Book Release Function organized by the Department of Urdu, Jamia Millia Islamia on February 28, 2014.

Indian writer Pankaj Mishra wins $150,000 Yale literary prize

Literature

By Arun Kumar, Washington: Indian writer Pankaj Mishra is one of eight writers from seven countries winning a $150,000 Yale University prize each in...

Celebrating women’s power through extraordinary tales

Literature

(March 8 is International Women's Day) A woman's ability to fight back is her biggest strength. As we will celebrate the many facets of women ahead of International Women's Day that falls March 8, the IANS book stack offers you extraordinary tales of triumph and memories. Take a look.