Book Stack

Nine Lives in search of the sacred in modern India has stories of individuals who renounced a conventional upbringing and lifestyle to do what they were interested in. The author has spent some time with each of the protagonists,observing their lifestyle and trying to understand the mind of each of the protagonists of his stories. The Nun’s tale is the story of a nun born into a well to do Jain family, who decided to renounce the world and take Diksha against the wishes of her family. Her lifestyle is described in great detail including her travels and diet. Though the nun is supposed to have no attachments, she misses her friend who died some time ago. Other stories include that of dancer, singer, monk, a lady who gives up her family life to live on a cremation ground. Often, it is better to do whatever makes a person happy, instead of bothering what other people say and trying to please them.

Nine Lives in search of the sacred in modern India

by William Dalrymple

Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing Plc , 2009

Pages : 284

Mumbai Fables covers the evolution of Mumbai from a Portuguese colony, to British rule and its evolution as a major metropolis. It throws light on how some of the major historical figures like Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy made their fortune. The development of the textile mills and their decline after the strike in 1982-83 includes relevant statistics. Some of the changes in the nature of the city as its name changed from Bombay to Mumbai are documented, but not in very great detail.
One of the unusual portions of the book is the story of the Doga, a comic book character. However, the book could have included some of the events of the last decade in greater detail.

Mumbai Fables

by Gyan Prakash

Publisher : Harper Collins , 2010

Pages : 396

The book, The Emerald Isle by R.K.Narayan is based on the authors travels to the different parts of Karnataka. He writes a short summary on the history of most of the towns or villages and also describes its current condition. Among the places he discusses is Coorg and the special privileges granted to its residents by the British. Another place he discusses in detail is Srirangapatnam, the one time stronghold of Tipu Sultan and his battle with the British. He also recounts how Bangalore got its name from the baked beans offered to the king travelling in disguise and charts out the gradual evolution of the city.

Book: The Emerald Isle by R.K.Narayan

Pages : 177

Publisher : Penguin India

Temptations of the West – How to be Modern in India, Pakistan and Beyond has the author travelling to different parts of the country to interview to various people and discussing the evolution of society and life in the region over a period of time. Many times, the actions an individual takes are due to the circumstances, factors which are beyond his or her control. The evolution of Allahabad from British times, the place where Pandit Nehru and his father lived to the Allahabad of today is covered in a comprehensive manner. The author also visits Mumbai, to meet film directors, struggling and successful actors, Kashmir and Afganistan and Tibet.

Book: Temptations of the West by Pankaj Mishra

Pages : 439

Publisher : Picador India

Mother Pious Lady – Making sense of Everyday India is a candid look at middle class India, the superficial external changes which hide how some things still remain the same. In the chapter “Global Dreaming” he writes about how the difference in the opinions of the directors , professors of IIMs and the alumni of the IIMs.  The alumni of the IIMs who were very well placed in high paying jobs wanted to build the IIMs as a global brand, but the directors and professors who had access to limited resources were more realistic.  There is a significant difference between the hype and reality, and it is important to distinguish between the two.  Most chapters in the book are less than three pages, making this book an easy read. 

Mother Pious Lady – Making sense of Everyday India

By Santosh Desai

Pages: 380

Published in 2010 by Harper Collins Publishers India

The stories of 20 social entrepreneurs are covered in the book “I have a dream” by Rashmi Bansal. She profiles each entrepreneur, his or her life as well as the ups and downs of their business. Of particular interest is the story of Desicrew a rural BPO in which “work from home” is discussed. It is said that it will not work as people are not disciplined and do not have enough exposure or infrastructure. Desicrew does work outsourced from other clients, so delivery deadlines are important.
If you have your own monetization methods, deadlines can be very flexible.

Other interesting stories are those of Akanksha, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Pipal Tree and Mirakle Couriers
This book offers a glimpse of the various opportunities for social entrepeneurship available in India today.

Book: I have a dream by Rashmi Bansal

Pages : 337

Publisher : Westland