From timeless storytelling to captivating history, these new books promise to inform, entertain, and transport you to fascinating worlds. Whether you’re rediscovering childhood favorites or exploring ancient India, there’s something for everyone.
Greatest Champak Stories Vol 1 & Vol 2 –
A collection of the most memorable Champak stories, packed with adventure, humor, and wisdom for young readers and the young at heart.
The Champak Series
Grandma’s Bag of Stories & Grandparents’ Bag of Stories –
Sudha Murty’s heartwarming tales return in beautiful hardcover editions, perfect for readers of all ages.
Grandpa’s Bag of Stories|| Sudha Murty
History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India –
A deep dive into India’s past, uncovering key events, intriguing facts, and the stories behind them.
History Unpacked || Saisudha Acharya
The Whispering Mountains: Greatest Himalayan Folktales –
A rich anthology of folktales from the Himalayas, bringing to life the myths, spirits, and legends of the region.
The Whispering Mountains || Namita Gokhale || Malashri Lal
Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, spark our curiosity, and shape our understanding of history and society. Whether it’s through engaging storytelling, fascinating historical insights, or beloved classic tales, the right book can leave a lasting impact on young minds.
Here’s a curated selection of books that are perfect for young readers—each offering a unique blend of adventure, history, and inspiration.
Roop and The River Crossing
Life is full of challenges, and Roop and The River Crossing beautifully captures the courage it takes to overcome them. In this heartfelt tale, Roop embarks on a journey that tests his strength and resilience. Through lyrical storytelling, Samina Mishra brings to life a story of self-discovery that encourages young readers to embrace challenges with confidence.
History isn’t just about dates and events—it’s about people and their powerful words that shaped the world. Mamta Nainy’s Hands that Wrote History introduces young readers to influential figures who made history through their writings, showing how language and storytelling have long played a role in shaping civilizations.
History Unpacked: The Why, When and What of Ancient India
For young history enthusiasts, History Unpacked is a treasure trove of fascinating facts and insights. Saisudha Acharya answers the most intriguing questions about ancient India, making history an exciting journey of discovery rather than just a subject to study.
Few things are as delightful as a classic Champak story! These volumes bring together some of the most cherished tales from Champak, filled with humor, wit, and valuable life lessons. Featuring a mix of mischief, adventure, and clever problem-solving, these books offer a perfect blend of entertainment and learning for young readers.
The Constitution is the foundation of India’s democracy, but how much do young readers know about its creators? 10 Indian Makers of the Constitution introduces children to the remarkable visionaries who shaped India’s governance and laws, making the subject engaging and accessible.
10 Makers of the Indian Constitution || Karthik Venkatesh
Whether it’s an adventure that builds resilience, historical insights that spark curiosity, or timeless stories that entertain, these books are handpicked to inspire and educate young readers.
Encourage children to dive into these great reads—because the right book at the right time can make all the difference!
In The Circle of Life, Sudha Murty masterfully weaves a tale of family, tradition, and aspirations. Here’s an excerpt that captures the warmth of relationships and the weight of legacy.
Lakshmi Nivas was a prominent bungalow in the Banjara Hills of Hyderabad. It is a place where the rich and powerful people from Tollywood live. During the Nizam’s time, Rama Rao was an engineer and had helped to construct different prominent buildings in Hyderabad.
It was not very crowded those days, and the Nizam had liked his work and rewarded him with a big plot. Later, after Independence, his son Venkateshwara Rao started a company called S.V. Constructions and became a well-known engineer in Hyderabad. They were great devotees of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi. Venkateshwara Rao handled several government projects. He had three children. The eldest, Umesh, helped him with the constructions, though he did not have any formal qualification in civil engineers ering. Then there was Uttara, and the youngest was Shamala. It was not very warm in the second week of July, but Uttara was still feeling hot. She was sitting on the steps of her house. Though the coolers were on, she was uncomfortable. Opposite her, her grandfather Rama Rao was sitting in an armchair with a newspaper, but his focus was on Uttara who was knitting a sweater.
Uttara’s siblings were playing tennis on the court adjacent to the house. ‘Uttara, why are you knitting a sweater? Is it for you to take to Bangalore?’ asked her grandfather. Uttara smiled. ‘It is not for me. It is for you.’ ‘Ha, what a joke! Having a sweater in Hyderabad is as good as selling refrigerators to Eskimos,’ laughed Rama Rao. The sun was setting, and its rays fell on Uttara’s ear studs. The diamond earrings were a gift from Uttara’s late grandmother. Rama Rao remembered his wife because Uttara resembled her very much. She had long hair, a slightly dark complexion and, more or less, was an introvert; but she was extremely intelligent.
Uttara had completed her engineering degree from Osmania University and had done very well. She was a rare combination of wealth and knowledge. Rama Rao had studied in IISc’s civil engineering department more than sixty years ago, and more than three decades ago, his son Venkateshwara Rao had graduated from the same department. And now Uttara was about to join the Institute.
However, she had applied to study computer science, unlike her father and grandfather. Uttara’s siblings were not as academically inclined. Rama Rao and his son felt that Uttara had to take their company forward, but she was unsure. She always felt running a company required a different skill set which she did not have. Uttara suddenly remembered something, got up and went inside. She returned within five minutes and continued. ‘What happened?’ asked her grandpa. Uttara smiled and said, ‘Grandpa, I went in to check my email.’ ‘Regarding what?’ Rama Rao was anxious. ‘Regarding my admission to IISc.’ ‘What happened?
I hope our tradition remains intact.’ ‘Relax Grandpa, I have got admission.’ ‘Oh! That is great news!’ grandpa clapped and cheered. Uttara did not show much enthusiasm and continued knitting. Hearing the clap, Umesh and Shamala stopped their game and came running. ‘What is the big news, Grandpa? You are clapping!’ said Umesh. ‘Yes, we should celebrate. Uttara got admitted to IISc.’ ‘Oh,’ they said and did not bother much.
‘That means Uttara is going to Bangalore?’ asked Shamala. Umesh reminded, ‘You remember that we have dinner at Raj Bhavan, right?’ ‘Yes, but I am not coming,’ said Uttara. ‘I expected that.’ ‘I want to spend time with Grandpa.’ Her brother and sister went inside to get ready. ‘Where are your parents?’ asked Rama Rao, eager to share the joy that he was unable to contain. Her mother had gone to a fashion show, and her father was busy with some government delegates. Rama Rao was disappointed. He knew his daughter- in-law Kamakshi was into jewellery and fashion.
She still thought that she was very young and would often forget that she had a twenty-three-year-old daughter. Kamakshi performed puja and other festivals—not out of devotion, but simply to show off and compete with other elite families in Banjara Hills. The grandeur of each festival increased year after year, though devoid of faith. Rama Rao was sad for a minute but cheered up when he looked at Uttara. She was unlike her mother.
Instead, she was simple, loving, knowledgeable and very sincere. He looked at her and said, ‘Uttara, I am not sure if I will be around but when you have children, please see that they also join IISc. Our family tradition should go on.’ ‘Grandpa, where will you go? I will return to Hyderabad after my studies and will be here with you. You will see us every day,’ Uttara replied to lighten up Rama Rao’s mood. As she completed the sweater, Uttara got up. No one knew her destiny; she may never return to Hyderabad after some years.
In a world overflowing with books, finding the right one to start with can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling mystery, a deep dive into history, career guidance, or financial wisdom, we’ve got you covered. Start here and read on with these six compelling titles that promise to entertain, inspire, and enlighten.
The Girl on Fire – A Thriller That Keeps You on Edge
Three bodies, burnt to a crisp, and a missing nurse on the run—The Girl on Fire is a gripping crime thriller that follows IPS officer Simone Singh as she unravels a web of secrets, lies, and danger. If you love psychological thrillers, mystery novels, and crime fiction, this book is your next obsession.
The Naga Warriors – A Tale of Myth, War, and Power
Step into the world of ancient warriors, secret brotherhoods, and legendary battles in The Naga Warriors. This historical thriller transports you to an era where duty and destiny collide. If Indian mythology books and intense storytelling intrigue you, this book is a must-read.
Some stories redefine leadership and resilience, and The New Icon does just that. Explore the journey of individuals who rise above challenges to make an impact. If you’re inspired by biographies, success stories, and motivational books, this one belongs on your shelf.
Renowned author Sudha Murty brings another heartfelt collection of inspiring stories that reflect life’s deepest lessons. The Circle of Life is a book that touches the soul, perfect for those who seek self-improvement books and meaningful reflections.
Money, Myths, and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide
Demystify investing and take charge of your financial future with Money, Myths, and Mantras. Written by expert Devina Mehra, this book breaks down common investment myths and provides a roadmap to smart financial decisions. If you want to learn about wealth management, personal finance, and investment strategies, start here.
Career growth is a journey, and Build an Epic Career by Ankur Warikoo is your perfect guide. Packed with career advice, professional development tips, and success strategies, this book helps you navigate the complexities of professional life with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this book is your go-to resource.
No matter your mood or interest, there’s a book on this list for you. Start here, read on, and let these stories shape your perspective, fuel your ambition, and transport you into extraordinary worlds.
As the calendar turns to the start of the year, we’re reminded that life, too, is a story—an unwritten chapter waiting for our pen. Resolutions are the promises we make to ourselves, declarations of the changes we wish to see. But as the days slip by, the ink of intention often fades, leaving our aspirations adrift.
What if this year, you could keep those promises alive?
Audiobooks offer a rare gift: the power of words and stories to accompany us in the quiet spaces of our lives—during a walk, a commute, or a solitary moment of reflection. With each listen, they become companions, guiding us toward our aspirations and sparking the will to turn resolutions into reality.
At the start of this year, discover the perfect audiobook to match your goals. Let these words not just inspire but transform, offering new ways to begin, grow, and thrive.
Resolutions Paired with Perfect Listens
To stop procrastinating – Do It Today
Procrastination is the thief of time, stealing moments we’ll never reclaim. In Do It Today, Darius Foroux unpacks the barriers holding you back and offers practical wisdom to overcome them. Begin the year by doing, not delaying.
Wealth, like a garden, flourishes only when tended with care. Ankur Warikoo’s Make Epic Money is a masterclass in nurturing your finances, helping you sow the seeds of smart decisions and reap the rewards of financial freedom.
To let go and start anew – I Don’t Love You Anymore
Letting go is an act of courage, a quiet declaration of hope for tomorrow. Rithvik Singh’s I Don’t Love You Anymore is a lyrical exploration of healing, renewal, and finding the strength to move forward.
To be informed of constitutional principles – Who Is Equal
Equality is the cornerstone of justice, yet its meaning evolves in every era. Who Is Equal invites you to delve into the foundations of fairness, offering clarity and perspective on the principles that shape us as a society.
To spend quality time bonding with your family – Grandpa’s Bag of Stories
Stories are the threads that bind generations, weaving memories into moments of joy. Sudha Murty’s Grandpa’s Bag of Stories is a treasure trove of warmth and wonder, perfect for family evenings spent together.
To boost well-being with mindfulness – Energize Your Mind
In the rush of life, stillness becomes a luxury. Gaur Gopal Das’s Energize Your Mind offers gentle guidance on embracing mindfulness, cultivating peace, and finding the balance we often seek but rarely achieve.
To embrace second chances in love and life – Fool Me Twice
Life’s second acts are often its most profound. Fool Me Twice is a poignant reminder that love and redemption often appear when least expected. Step into the start of the year with hope in your heart and faith in new beginnings.
Your mindset shapes the world you see. With Attitude, discover how optimism and resilience can transform challenges into opportunities, empowering you to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace.
The start of the year is not just a marker of time—it’s a turning point, a blank page. Each audiobook is a guide, a whisper of encouragement, reminding you that every resolution is a promise worth keeping.
Let these stories inspire action, cultivate change, and illuminate the path ahead. This year, don’t just dream of transformation—listen, act, and make it yours.
Looking for the perfect books to spark your child’s imagination this December? From snowy adventures to magical tales, this month’s new releases bring stories that will delight young readers and warm their hearts. Here’s a curated list for you!
Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards || Anushka Ravishankar
Everyone asks,
What do you want to be?
But Gawa only knows
What he wants to do.
Amma, Take Me to the Hill Forts of Rajasthan || Bhakti Mathur
Join Amma and her boys, Shiv and Veer, on a captivating journey to the hill forts of Rajasthan—Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Amer—that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This series offers a dazzling introduction to the resplendent heritage of Rajasthan, bringing history to life in the most magnificent way.
Rhymes for the Times || Ruskin Bond
This collectible edition has a little bit of everything we all need—fun, humour, positive thoughts and wise words to inspire reflection and joy. From an ode to a mischievous cat to the nonsensical grammar of the ‘Idiot’s Alphabet’, Bond’s eclectic and spirited poems are sure to lighten your days and lift your spirits!
I am the Universe || Srijan Pal Singh
In this journey through space and time, the Universe itself becomes your guide and storyteller. Discover its origin, explore our solar system, learn about scientists from around the world, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the cosmos. Brimming with fascinating facts, this book is perfect for every curious mind!
The Girl Who Played with Numbers: Shakuntala Devi || Lavanya Karthik
Before Shankuntala Devi was world-renowned as the human computer, she was a girl to whom numbers were her friends and playmates.
The Wish Fish || Lesley D. Biswas
Namita’s father has caught her a magical fish. What wish will Namita make?
When the days grow shorter and the air fills with the scent of something magical, there’s nothing like curling up with a book that sparks imagination and wonder. Here’s a collection of books that are perfect for reading under a blanket or by a window on a chilly afternoon. Let’s turn the page and find your next storytime favorite!
Go Wild || Bijal Vachharajani
Meet an army of ants, a chorus of frogs, a plague of pigeons, a ballet of mantis, a grove of trees, a colony of bee-eaters, a herd of elephants, a lone owl and vulture and groups of human beings. Listen to a tale of three lakes, climb up a mountain, dive into the ocean, travel back in time and look at the natural world anew.
Some of India’s most celebrated nature writers and illustrators come together to celebrate the planet we call home.
Nisha Small: The Strand of Silver || C.G. Salamander
Nisha Small and Jamie have a difficult mystery to solve.
When a barn full of bulls is burnt down, Small and Jamie need to figure out who is behind this terrible crime. And there are very few clues . . .
Folk Tales from Meghalaya || Sobhona Bhattacharjee, Utsa Bose
A collection of sixteen magical myths and fables that will transport you to the abode of clouds!
In the beautiful hills of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia in Meghalaya, there are fairies that can create rivers, a plant that can make people invisible and a fern bush which can ward off evil spirits. There are also three-headed giants, queens and villagers, animals and birds, and many other fascinating plants and creatures. Passed down by word of mouth over hundreds of years, these sixteen magical folk tales from Meghalaya, in the north-east of India, are full of adventure, wonder and excitement.
Gana Bajana: Music of Hindu Gods || Devdutt Pattanaik
Shiva’s damaru to Krishna’s flute,
Durga’s ghanti and Ravana’s lute.
Dance to the rhythm and embrace the sound,
As divine melodies swirl around.
Well-known mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik introduces young readers to the fun and fascinating musical instruments of Hindu gods with his unique art and easy-to-read text.
The School for Bad Girls || Madhurima Vidyarthi
Nineteenth-century Calcutta is abuzz with social reforms, especially with regard to womens’ rights and education. And in this time, Kadambini Ganguly dreams of going to university—and in the ultimate audacious hope—wants to become a doctor. The fictionalised story of Kadambini, one of the first women graduates of the British Empire and the first woman to get a degree from an Indian medical college, is rivetingly told by Madhurima Vidyarthi, in a fascinating portrait of nineteenth century life, society and its arbitrary mores.
As sweater weather rolls in, there’s no better time to snuggle up in a warm blanket, piping hot cup of tea, and one of our November new releases – the perfect trio! Which one are you going to pick up first?
HeadStart || Vivek Gambhir, Sunder Ramachandran
HeadStart: Unlock the Secrets to Career Success is here to help. Co-authored by industry pros Vivek Gambhir and Sunder Ramachandran, this is your personal playbook for crushing it in today’s fast-paced world. Packed with insider tips, real-life stories and actionable strategies, it’s designed to give you the edge you need. From mastering new skills to acing job transitions, HeadStart covers it all. It’s not just about surviving the workweek—it’s about thriving and building a rewarding and impactful career. If you’re serious about taking your career to the next level, then HeadStart is your ultimate guide. The future you want starts here.
Air Warriors || Arijit Ghosh
A newly independent country acquires its first heavy bomber from an Aircraft Graveyard and flies it for two decades! A young Flight Lieutenant flies a daring dawn attack on a heavily defended Pakistani Airfield in the 1965 War and returns safely. Only to perish in a crash a week later. Two wartime foes, one of whom shoots down the other in air combat, meet later as friends in life. These and other compelling human-interest stories form the backbone of Air Warriors, an anthology of untold stories from the Indian Air Force.
The Bose Deception || Anuj Dhar, Chandrachur Ghose
What exactly is this controversy about Netaji’s ‘disappearance’?
Does new material offer new evidence on Bose’s reported death in 1945?
In January 2016, the Government of India began declassifying classified PMO, MEA, MHA and Cabinet Secretariat files related to the mysterious ‘disappearance’ of Subhas Chandra Bose at the end of the Second World War. No one could have imagined that even seventy years after Bose’s disappearance, the government had been holding hundreds of files related to him in utmost secrecy. In this fascinating investigative work, Dhar and Ghose have rummaged through more than two thousand files declassified in India, and in the UK, USA and Taiwan to unentangle the complex web of a deception plan, that has kept the whole country on tenterhooks for decades.
The Drowning || Nidhi Upadhyay
Shattered by the loss of her twins, software engineer Viji becomes the prime suspect in a chilling crime—the drowning of her best friend Neha’s baby. ASP Kanika, haunted by her own personal loss, is pulled into an investigation that quickly spirals into a nightmarish descent. When Neha’s mutilated body is discovered, branded with the same grotesque symbol, Kanika realizes she’s up against something much more terrifying than a serial killer. As she unravels a web of evil tantric practices, Kanika confronts a horrifying possibility: Is she hunting a twisted killer, or has she awakened an ancient, malevolent force? And if so, how long before it comes for her?
Alwan-E-Nemat || Salma Husain
Alwan-e-Nemat (Colours of the Table), the sixteenth-century Persian manuscript offers a rare taste and glimpse into Mughal Emperor Jehangir and queen Nur Jehan’s kitchen. Meticulously calligraphed on 155 pages of cream-coloured paper with a painted blue margin, it is possibly the first book in the world to be devoted entirely to recipes and methods of processing and serving food. It is also the only manuscript that highlights the unique contribution of Empress Nur Jehan.
Tipu Sultan || Vikram Sampath
Over two centuries have passed since his death on 4 May 1799, yet Tipu Sultan’s contested legacy continues to perplex India and her contemporary politics. A fascinating and enigmatic figure in India’s military past, he remains a modern historian’s biggest puzzle as he simultaneously means different things to different people, depending on how one chooses to look at his life and its events. Meticulously researched, authoritative and unputdownable, the book opens a window to the life and times of one of the most debated figures from India’s history.
Unloved || Harshita Gupta
There isn’t anyone who hasn’t been shattered by heartbreak. It is the most devastating yet universal experience that leaves us feeling lost and alone. In a world plagued by love gurus and hopeless romantics, Unloved presents a guide to loving oneself through the process of heartbreak. The chaos after the calm, this self-help book offers an antidote to heartache with a uniquely Indian point of view. With practical advice and inspiring insights, it empowers you to transform heartache into strength, paving the way for a new chapter of love in your life.
You Will Be Alright || Sonali Gupta
Grief is overwhelming, unpredictable and deeply personal. Everyone goes through it, yet we are almost never prepared for it when it comes. In You Will Be Alright, Sonali Gupta addresses the silence that surrounds grief, talks about the myths around loss and builds a vocabulary about what we are feeling when we grieve. The book talks about how grief shows up physically and emotionally for us, and also what the first few days of loss look like. It addresses practical concerns such as grieving in a digital age and the challenges around sorting deceased’s possessions, and topics such as closure, grief integration and more.
The Ivy League Playbook || Athena
Elite American admissions systems seem shrouded in mystery. Plummeting acceptance rates suggest that even the most stellar academic record no longer suffices to differentiate a candidate from the rest of the applicant pool. Through in-depth analyses of 25 Common Application Essays that have succeeded at Ivy League and “Ivy+” (Stanford, Caltech, UChicago) universities, you’ll discover the transformative journey of composing an outstanding college essay that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevate Shannah || Kennedy, Colleen Callander
Elevate breaks away from traditional self-help advice, providing a unique blend of personal insight, professional wisdom, and practical strategies. Kennedy and Callander, renowned for their expertise as a life coach and CEO respectively, share their secrets to building a life of incredible health, success, happiness, and fulfillment. Packed with a comprehensive toolkit and actionable strategies, the book equips you with everything you need to design and implement a plan for achieving both personal and professional success.
The Art of Letting Go || Nick Trenton
Your mind should ideally be your safe zone, not the noisiest place in the world. Although that is rarely the case, and if you are always on edge and unable to relax, this book is for you. The Art of Letting Go is about organizing the mess in our minds. For that, it is important not to dwell on the past, or obsess over the future that may never occur; but that is easier said than done. Learn how to trust that things will be okay, how to control your self-talk, and transform your internal worldview.
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Whether you’re preparing for your little one’s arrival or navigating the early days of parenthood, these thoughtfully selected books offer practical advice, emotional support, and inspiration to help you along the way.
iParent || Neha J Hiranandani
Neha J Hiranandani’s iParent comes to the rescue! This book decodes India’s app generation and elevates the discussion beyond ‘these kids and their phones!’ Based on research, candid conversations and personal reflection, this timely book is a witty meditation on parenting in a digital world. Hilarious and informative in equal measure, iParent empowers you to connect with the new generation and guide them to cyber-safety without being a helicopter parent. No judgement, no preaching.
How Not To Be A Superwoman || Nilanjana Bhowmick
In How Not to Be a Superwoman, Nilanjana Bhowmick explores the immense pressure women face to excel in every role—as mothers, career women, partners and friends—and the toll this pursuit takes on their mental health and happiness. Her compelling work unveils the raw, real stories of diverse women who have broken free from the relentless cycle of perfectionism, and offers insightful, practical advice on achieving balance and joy that comes from embracing one’s true self. Through a feminist lens, she confronts and rejects society’s unrealistic expectations while advocating for a life of fulfilment, self-compassion and genuine empowerment. This is a must-read for women seeking to liberate themselves from the exhausting superwoman ideal and embrace a more self-loving, balanced way of living.
Power to the Parent || Ishinna B. Sadana
Through Power to the Parent, Dr Ishinna B. Sadana talks to parents to understand their most vulnerable doubts and fears, provides them with a safe space without judgement or preconceived notions, empowers them to deal with their children in different situations and connects with them in a positive way.
Using Dr Ishinna’s practical ways of dealing with kids, many parents have seen transformational results in their relationship with their children. She writes with clarity and simplicity, using real-life examples and case studies so that parents can start applying the lessons they take from the book immediately and see the changes.
Ultimately, Power to the Parent enables parents everywhere not only to raise happy and resilient children, but also to become happier and more confident parents.
To Every Parent, To Every School || V Raghunathan, Meena Raghunathan
To Every Parent, To Every School addresses the challenges posed by our swiftly changing VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. It goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition or curriculum revisions, which are necessary and continuous processes; nor is it about swapping topics in and out of curricula. While these adjustments are necessary, they aren’t sufficient. What is crucial is empowering our children with the capacity to anticipate and adapt to rapid changes as they occur.
The authors, both veteran educators and thought leaders, offer a variety of insights and action points making this book a valuable addition to the library of every parent and school.
The Wisdom Bridge || Kamlesh D. Patel
Daaji in The Wisdom Bridge offers nine principles to guide you, the reader, to live a life that inspires your children and your loved ones. These principles are important references for parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and caregivers to create fulfilling and happy lives. They will not only help you enrich the lives of your children and raise responsible teenagers, but pave the way for an inspired life and resilient bonds in your family.
Divorce is Normal || Shasvathi Siva
Divorce Is Normal is an invaluable companion for anyone contemplating separation and divorce, and a necessary reminder for everyone else that divorce is normal. Through her story, Siva brings to readers fresh insights on unhappy marriages and divorce in the Indian context, helping expand perspectives so that people can overcome societal stigma and accept a brighter, happier future. Filled with practical tips, comforting stories and endless compassion shaped by a lived experience, this book acts like a warm hug and a stern friend all at once.
The Parents I Met || Mansi Zaveri
The one question that always comes with being a parent is, ‘Am I doing this right?’. Yet, the love we feel for our child is irrevocable. Parenting is probably the only relationship we’ll never walk out of. We are in it forever.
But today, somewhere in the rigmarole of life and material achievements, we forget these precious moments and start chasing that first place on the victory stand for our kids.
Featuring interviews conducted by Mansi Zaveri, the founder of the award-winning parenting platform Kidsstoppress.com, The Parents I Met is an anthology of her authentic conversations with parents of successful individuals who made it big against all odds. What was it that they did right while raising their kids to create the person their child is today? This is what she set out to find.
The challenges faced by each new generation may be unique, but the fundamental principles to overcome them remain the same. We hope that in these stories, you will find answers, advice or simply validation.
Meet Jamsetji Tata, the icon whose big ideas helped build modern India. In Jamsetji Tata, R. Gopalakrishnan and Harish Bhat reveal how Tata’s vision turned into reality with projects like Tata Steel and the Indian Institute of Science. This compelling account explores how Tata’s relentless pursuit of excellence and self-reliance laid the foundation for India’s industrial prowess, reflecting his legacy continues to drive India’s growth even today.
Jamsetji Tata || Harish Bhat, R Gopalakrishnan
***
Tata Steel was one of the first great industrial enterprises conceptualized by Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata group. Jamsetji believed that steel was essential for the development of a nation. Therefore he was of the view that India should not depend entirely on imports of steel, but should have its own integrated steel plant.
By 1912, Tata Steel had begun production at its plant in Sakchi in eastern India (the town was later renamed Jamshedpur, in honour of Jamsetji Tata). The steel was of excellent quality, thus proving the sceptics wrong. During the First World War, the company supplied over 1,500 miles of steel rails to the Allied war effort in Mesopotamia. Over 8,000 tons of steel shells were made in the openhearth furnaces at Jamshedpur. The plant began running to full capacity on a twenty-four-hour schedule and still could not keep up with the demand, despite producing 150,000 tons of steel annually.
At this point, the leadership of the company—including Dorabji Tata and his partner R.D. Tata—analysed the emerging demand situation and concluded that after the war, India itself could absorb many times this amount of steel. By then Tata Steel was already supplying rails to Indian Railways. In addition, Tata Steel was also earning nice profits on the small consignments that it exported. In December 1916, Dorabji Tata was full of confidence as he spoke to his shareholders about the company’s bumper earnings, production at the plant being 30 per cent over the original capacity and its order book being totally full.
Buoyed by this success, the company began considering a plan of expansion to meet the high current and future demand. Charles Page Perin, who was in charge of this planning, initially recommended to the directors of the company a gradual increase in steel capacity, from 150,000 tons to 225,000 tons a year. He considered this to be a safe and prudent plan.
However, Dorabji Tata had a far more dynamic and ambitious plan in mind. He spoke passionately to the directors about his father Jamsetji Tata’s vision of a selfreliant and strong nation, which was at the heart of his dream for Tata Steel. He recommended a vast expansion programme, which would eventually supply India’s entire requirements of steel. To begin with, this would entail an expansion of the steel-making capacity at Jamshedpur by five times. Dorabji also said he would raise all the required capital from Indian investors.
This ambitious expansion plan, called the ‘TISCO greater extensions programme’, began in right earnest by 1917. However, it ran into a number of difficulties. Tata Steel was compelled to purchase materials at high wartime prices. There were labour strikes in England and a shortage of skilled labour in India. In addition, the Indian rupee depreciated during this time. As a result, the capital cost of the expansion programme, which had been budgeted at Rs 6.8 crore, rose more than three times to Rs 19.6 crore. Additional funds had to be raised from the shareholders because the company’s profits could not support such huge sums of expenditure.
And then, suddenly, after the First World War ended, the company’s profits declined precipitously. This happened because of several factors. Belgium began dumping its steel at very low prices in the Indian market, which had no tariff protection at that time. In addition, Japan, which was Tata Steel’s largest customer of pig iron, was hit by a huge earthquake (the Great Kanto earthquake) in 1923. One of the worst natural disasters ever to strike Japan, the earthquake reduced the country’s financial capability to purchase steel.
By the end of 1923, demand for Tata Steel’s products had fallen significantly and the company’s profits had declined to nearly break-even levels. On the other hand, significant funds had been expended in expanding the plant. This led to a severe cash crunch, and some of the company’s directors even suggested that it go to the British government of India with a request to be taken over by it. R.D. Tata, Dorabji’s partner, rose in angry indignation when he heard this suggestion. He pounded his fists on the table and declared that such a day would never come as long as he lived.
While we do not know what thoughts went through R.D. Tata’s mind when he said this, it is quite likely that he recalled Jamsetji Tata’s objective in establishing Tata Steel—a swadeshi Indian steel company, dedicated to the nation. Instead, what Dorabji and he had in mind was an alternative plan to negotiate with the government to consider imposing reasonable tariffs that would protect Tata Steel from unfair competition from tariff-free European steel.
However, such a plan would take time to materialize, particularly because it involved government policy. In the meanwhile, Tata Steel continued to reel under its immediate miseries, with very little cash in hand to keep operations alive. Dorabji and R.D. Tata struggled to raise funds in the adverse post-war environment. Then, one day, in 1924, a telegram arrived from Jamshedpur at Dorabji Tata’s table, bearing bad news. It simply said that there was not enough
money left to pay wages to the employees of Tata Steel. Would the fledgling company survive, or would it be forced to shut down? Would Jamsetji Tata’s dreams and visions of creating India’s first integrated steel plant come tumbling down? In November 1924, it appeared that Tata Steel was on the verge of closing down.
But Dorabji Tata was a man inspired by the ideals and principles of his father. To him, paying the employees their wages took precedence over everything else because it was livelihoods at stake. He knew that he had to save the company so that it could survive these very difficult times. At that point he took a step that has gone down in the history of the company as the act that saved Tata Steel. His wife and he decided to pledge their entire personal wealth, which came to around Rs 1 crore, to raise funds for Tata Steel. This included all the jewellery owned by his wife, including the famed Jubilee Diamond. This fabulous diamond, weighing 245.35 carats, was twice as large as the legendary Kohinoor and had been gifted by Dorabji to his beloved wife Meherbai many years earlier.
Against Dorabji’s pledge of his personal wealth, the Imperial Bank of India provided the Tatas with a loan of Rs 1 crore. This money was used to pay the wages of the workers at Tata Steel and also to fund the company for the short term. Thanks to this, production of steel at Jamshedpur continued without any significant interruption. The company’s greatest crisis had been averted, and Tata Steel survived.
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