Tushar Mangl

An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy* by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 'The strongest foundations support the tallest institutions.'  *An Uncommon Love* takes readers on a journey through the early lives of Sudha and Narayana Murthy. Sudha, TELCO's first woman engineer, and Narayana, a serious and idealistic genius, forged a bond that would not only withstand personal challenges but also revolutionize the Indian business landscape. Through their courtship, marriage, parenthood, and the founding years of Infosys, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (a great fiction writer has now penned her first non-fiction) brings to life the Murthys' story with emotional depth and historical richness.  Set against the backdrop of India from the 70s to the 90s, the book captures the essence of an era marked by struggles, sacrifices, and a shared vision for a better India. The narrative delves into their personal and professional lives, highlighting the challenges of entre...

"True leadership is about transforming vision into reality and inspiring others to achieve their fullest potential." The book chronicles the life and business journeys of Ajay Bijli, Abhishek Khaitan, Priya Paul, Vikas Oberoi, T.S. Kalyanaraman, Mithun Chittilappily and Rituraj Sinha. The author has chosen second-generation entrepreneurs as the subject of his books. The ones who took over from their fathers, known, established faces of their respective fields with huge expectations. Though it is a relatively easy entry for them, the picture is not as rosy as it seems.  Ajay Bijli's story, for instance, is a masterclass in resilience and vision as he revolutionized the Indian cinema experience with PVR Cinemas. Abhishek Khaitan's journey illustrates the power of strategic thinking in the highly competitive liquor industry. Priya Paul’s narrative is a beacon of innovation and creativity in the hospitality sector, while Vikas Oberoi’s tale is one of meticulous pl...

Meena Kandasamy's "Tomorrow Someone Will Arrest You" is a powerful and provocative collection of poems that solidifies her position as a fearless and radical voice in contemporary literature. Kandasamy's work is a seamless blend of the personal and the political, tackling issues of sex, desire, family, caste, the refugee crisis, and freedom of expression with unwavering defiance and grace. The poems in this collection are a testament to the practice of resistance and solidarity in the face of a hostile state. Kandasamy's words are a call to action, urging readers to sit up, listen, and engage with the injustices that plague our society. Her poetry is a rallying cry that denounces caste and gender inequalities and the terror of right-wing state oppression. Kandasamy's writing is succinct and clear, free from prevarication, making her message all the more powerful.  Kandasamy's words are a call to action, urging us to stand up against injustices ...

Recently finished reading Deepa Narayan's book on women in India and the way society is sculpting their identity. The book is an intriguing read and does live up to its slogan to hold a mirror to every Indian women. So is this a feminist read meant for those all women book club list readings? Definitely not. Such books are meant to be read by the entire society irrespective of gender or age. The book raises questions on what it means to be a woman in Indian society. Do you pride yourself on being a strong woman? Do you aspire to be one or support one? Do you consider yourself a feminist? This book goes beyond the whole women empowerment and feminism debate to ask some real questions. In this well researched book, based on 600 detailed interviews with women and men across India's metros and even cities abroad,  social scientist Deepa Narayan has covered seven key habits that may influence women's everyday lives, despite their education, success, financial...

"An open mind and an evidence-based approach can lead to more effective and compassionate policies." Just finished reading 'Good Economics for Hard Times' by Nobel laureates Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo ! 🌍📚  Their insightful and well researched analysis of immigration, automation, inequality, and climate change offers fresh perspectives and practical solutions for today's biggest challenges. This book is a testament to the power of evidence-based economics and the importance of humility in policy-making. What economic issues are you most concerned about, and what solutions do you think are most effective? Let's discuss! 🤔💬   "Good Economics for Hard Times" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of some of the most pressing economic issues of our time. Written by Nobel laureates Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo, the book delves into topics such as immigration, job displacement due to automation and trade, inequa...

  Title: How We Vote Authors: Surjit S. Bhalla and Abhinav Motheram "Times may have changed, but the substantive basis on which people vote - their perception of leadership and the improvement in their well-being - remains constant." Economics has been a favourite subject for me in school. Although I had no aptitude for statistics or numbers, the teachers were good. They compelled curiosity in me for the subject. In How We Vote, Surjit S. Bhalla and Abhinav Motheram present an exploration of the evolving dynamics of voting behavior in India. As the nation approaches its eighteenth general election, the authors delve into the intersection of politics, economics, and psephology, offering readers an understanding of what truly influences voter decisions. The book examines historical voting patterns, correlating them with significant changes in income, employment, welfare schemes, and gender equality. It highlights how despite the rapid technological advan...

"Happiness is not a destination but a journey of self-discovery, where every step, no matter how small, is a triumph over despair." Dr. Yusuf Merchant's "Happyness - Life Lessons from a Creative Addict" is a guide that looks into the depths of human resilience and the power of self-belief. Drawing from his life experiences, Dr. Merchant shares forty-two insightful strategies to cultivate a fulfilling and serene existence. The book is a fusion of scientific insights and existential reflections, providing readers with practical tools to combat negativity, manage stress, and pursue their dreams. Dr. Merchant's narrative is personal, enriched with stories of overcoming adversity, addiction, and betrayal. His approach to mindfulness and visualization techniques is grounded in both psychological theory and spiritual wisdom. Each chapter is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of self-belief and integrity. One of the book's features...