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Book Review: The Quest of Baojender by Ramu Upadhaya

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Book Review: Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali

Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali is a sequel to his previous novel Dabi Aas (Diary). The story continues with the same set of characters that were left in the previous part. At the outset of this novel, John is seen being a famous painter. His pain of yesteryears that he endured while bein in love with Ishita transformed him drastically. As John's fame grows as painter, his memories of earlier days of college and job haunts him. Though he knows he cannot go back in the time yet the wounds that he got will remain with him. Against the tide of time, John longs for Ishita's love. But things have changed a lot at Ishita's side. She was married when John became her companion during a job. That love was different and John did not dare to disturb her family life. Thus, both could not reciprocate that. However, feelings were strong at both sides. It was John who retreated. What all happened with their love story had already described in the first part – Dabi Aas Diary. Much part of t...

Book Review: Rakht Banddhan by Dipnanda Bhaduri

“Rakht Banddhan” by Dipnanda Bhaduri is an eclectic mix of thriller, horror, and supernatural novel. It is set in beautiful tea estate place Coorg in South India. However, its timeline and the mettle of characters stretcher across boundaries. One of the finest aspects of a horror thriller could be its perfect backdrop that exudes vibes of ghostly activities and eerie ambience. Coorg is that one backdrop and because of that the novel seems rooted in Indianism but also exudes a gothic reverberation. At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Bhargavi – a poor displaced young woman. Her personal story of struggle doesn’t take the main course narrative, yet through sweeps and memories we get to know about the gap between her aspirations and current misery. Through a contact of a doctor, she takes up house maid job in a riche estate in Coorg where she confronts with other auxiliary characters of the novel like Kumar and Mamtha and Swami Ji. She has to report to Ashwini Amma, the senior l...

Book Review: The Monk in the Mansion by Rajiv Agarwal

“The Monk in The Mansion” by Rajiv Agarwal offers a refreshing and subversive take on spiritual growth, daring to bridge the gap between deep spirituality and modern hedonism. Unlike traditional texts that advocate for the renunciation of the material world, Agarwal argues that spiritual enlightenment and worldly success are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they can—and should—coexist through precision and practice. The core premise of the book is that the root of spirituality lies within the mind rather than in the rejection of tangible possessions. Agarwal challenges the long-standing myth that one must retreat to the Himalayas or live in a forest to achieve "saintly" status. By shifting the focus from external environments to internal landscapes, he demonstrates that a "monk-like" state of being is achievable even while enjoying the privileges of a mansion. The book is far from a dry theoretical treatise. It is a vibrant narrative punctuated by the author’s own...

Book Review: Practitioner's Guide to Sustainable Leadership by Prof. Gautam Bandyopadhyay

In the crowded landscape of leadership literature, where "hacks" and "overnight success" stories often dominate the shelves, Prof. Gautam Bandyopadhyay offers a refreshing and grounded departure. Known primarily for his expertise in civil engineering, the Professor has expanded his literary repertoire with a profound new work: Practitioner’s Guide to Sustainable Leadership. This is not merely another book on corporate strategy; it is a masterclass in "human engineering," forged through decades of field experience, site challenges, and the complex dynamics of leading people. Unlike the polished, often abstract advice provided by typical motivational coaches, Bandyopadhyay’s approach is rooted in the humble, messy, and essential reality of the workplace. He moves away from hollow strategies and "show-off" leadership styles, focusing instead on the development of a leader through the lens of actual projects, team interactions, and client relationshi...

Book Review: Peaceful Wellness by Shibu Nair

“Peaceful Wellness” by Shibu Nair is indeed a genuine guide for the laymen. The book doesn’t cover anything larger-than-life lessons, rather it takes a dig at daily chores and habits and other simple hacks that ultimately but slowly change life by infusing mindfulness approach in our daily life. The author is a renowned motivational speaker and educational consultant, he brings a fresh breath of air in his book by bringing simple intangible ways for everyone. The book reads like as a friend is narrating anecdotes from his life…taking a look back from small villages of South India to modern luxury life in Mumbai…and much more. Keeping it away from complex psychological theories and rigid hacks for productivity and emotional wellness, the book is less of a lecture and more of a warm, afternoon conversation. Nair positions himself as a companion on the path to overall wellness rather than an untouchable authority, sharing a gamut of activities based on experiences that focus on finding ...

Book Review: Ehsaas Jazbati by Babita Rani

In her evocative collection of Hindi poetry, Ehsaas Jazbati, Babita Rani invites readers into a sanctuary of raw emotion and quiet resilience. The title, which translates to "Emotional Feelings," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the work—a deep, rhythmic exploration of the human heart’s capacity to endure untimely loss while still yearning for the "chirpiness" that once defined its landscape. Rani’s work operates on a striking dual plane. On one side, the technical craftsmanship of her poetry—the choice of words and the melodic rhyming—acts as a soothing balm. There is a gentleness in her cadence that draws the reader in, making the heavy themes of the book feel accessible and intimate. However, once the reader is nestled within her verses, the second side of the work reveals itself: a stark, melancholic realism. Rani does not shy away from the fragility of existence. She explores the "untimely loss" not as a dramatic event, but as a persistent, atmo...