Tushar Mangl

Book Review: *Kalpana Chawla: A Life* by Anil Padmanabhan *Kalpana Chawla: A Life* by Anil Padmanabhan is a biography that captures the journey of Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space. Born in a small town in Haryana, Chawla's story is one of determination and belief in herself. The book traces her life from her early years in Karnal, where she defied societal expectations, to her groundbreaking achievements at NASA. Through interviews with her friends, colleagues, and mentors, Padmanabhan paints a vivid portrait of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her upbringing and societal norms. "As a child, I never believed there were limitations to what I could achieve. My dreams were bigger than the world I grew up in, and that made all the difference." The book doesn’t just chronicle Chawla’s life but also the obstacles she faced and the perseverance she displayed. Her story is a testament to the power of dreams and the human spirit's resilience. Pa...

Book Review: *Finding Feathers - A Bird Book* by Ajay Monga “One must have a passion for small things, for it is in the details that the beauty of life truly resides.” In *Finding Feathers*, Ajay Monga invites us into a world where nature’s most delicate creatures take center stage. This stunning photographic compendium offers a glimpse into the beauty and grace of birds, each frame capturing a fleeting moment of life in the wild. Monga’s journey into bird photography began unexpectedly in 2014, during a visit to Jim Corbett National Park. It was here that he fell in love with the vibrant, feathered inhabitants of the park. This newfound passion led him to various locations, including Landour, Rishikesh, and New Delhi, where he documented the diverse bird species that crossed his path.   The book is a testament to Monga’s patience and dedication. Each photograph is a labor of love, showcasing the intricate details and vibrant colors of the birds he encountered. The images are more ...

Book Review: *Failure to Make Round Rotis: Poems on Rebellion, Resilience, and Relationships* by Mehak Goyal "I used to wander the toy store for hours till I found my perfect Barbie. But now a Ken doll has been arranged for me." In her  debut collection, *Failure to Make Round Rotis: Poems on Rebellion, Resilience, and Relationships,* Mehak Goyal brings forth the inner struggles and triumphs of young Indian women in a society that often demands conformity. Through her vivid and raw poetry, Goyal gives voice to the unspoken doubts, fears, and the emotional turbulence that women navigate as they transition into adulthood. Goyal’s poetry delves into the emotions that accompany toxic relationships, where self-worth is questioned and love is pursued out of desperation rather than genuine affection. She lays bare the guilt and insecurities that plague women even when they find love that they deserve, capturing the bittersweet experience of balancing joy with the fear of losing it. ...

Unveiling the Dark Truth: A Deep Dive into "The Gurugram School Murder" by Leena Dhankhar** *"In the shadows of the truth lie the secrets we fear the most."* The Gurugram School Murder, penned by Leena Dhankhar, is a heart-wrenching exploration of one of the most shocking crimes in recent Indian history. On 8th September 2017, the tragic discovery of a class two student’s lifeless body in the bathroom of a prestigious school in Gurugram sent shockwaves throughout the nation.  The horror of the crime was only compounded by the chaotic and disturbing aftermath—a cover-up attempt, destruction of evidence, and the wrongful framing of an innocent bus conductor. Not only that, gross human rights violations against the poor guy.  As the truth began to unravel, the case took an even more sinister turn with the arrest of a sixteen-year-old student, accused of the heinous act. Leena Dhankhar, a seasoned crime journalist, uses her expertise in her first book to reconstruct the...

The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work* by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer "The single most important thing you can do to make your employees happy, engaged, and productive is to help them make progress on meaningful work."  - Teresa Amabile In the bustling world of modern business, where deadlines loom and stress levels soar, "The Progress Principle" offers a refreshing, research-backed approach to leadership. Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, both experts in psychology and management, delve into what truly motivates employees and how leaders can foster a more productive and joyful workplace. Published by Harvard Business Review Press, this book is not just another management manual—it's a dive into the psychology of work. At the heart of *The Progress Principle* is a simple yet powerful idea: managing progress is far more effective than managing people. Through a rigorous analysis of nearly 12,000 diary entr...

“One of the most powerful things you can do is show up authentically, unapologetically, as yourself.” — Masoom Minawala She'll Never Make It: My Journey from Doubt to Dominance by Masoom Minawala with Aditi Shah Bhimjyani "She'll Never Make It" is a narrative that chronicles the journey of Masoom Minawala, one of India’s pioneering influencer-creators. Co-authored with Aditi Shah Bhimjyani, this book is a raw, unfiltered account of Masoom's ascent from doubt to dominance in a world that often undermines ambitious women. The debut book opens with a familiar sentiment to many young women: "She'll never make it." These words, often spoken with derision, serve as a catalyst for Masoom's relentless drive. Facing skepticism, Masoom's story is a testament to determination. From her early struggles to her eventual success, Masoom shares insights into the world of digital entrepreneurship. The narrative is brutally honest, revealing the highs and lows...

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...