The new book takes readers to one of the world’s greatest centres of knowledge and learning.

Penguin Random House India is thrilled to announce the acquisition of renowned and award-winning poet and writer Abhay K.’s new book, titled Nalanda. This highly anticipated book delves into the captivating history of Nalanda, the Ancient Seat of Learning in Bihar, India, and is set to take readers on an enlightening journey through time and history. The book is scheduled to release in October next year in 2024 from the Vintage imprint.

Nalanda offers a vivid and passionate account of the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest centres of knowledge and learning. Abhay K. masterfully weaves together historical facts and a narrative flair to transport readers to the prehistoric city of Rajgir, the birthplace of Brihadratha and Jarasandha, which later evolved into the powerful empire of renowned Magadh.

With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Abhay K. invites readers to discover the incredible journey of the legendary Mahavihara of Nalanda—the world’s first university. From its inception to its unfortunate destruction and its subsequent resurrection in the 21st century as Nalanda University, the book unravels the extraordinary tale of this iconic institution. Furthermore, it also explores the invaluable contributions made by luminaries from Nalanda who revolutionized various fields, such as mathematics, philosophy, poetry, logic, and more.

While the book will resonate with readers from all domains, offering them a fascinating glimpse into the past, it will also delight history enthusiasts interested in ancient civilizations, and individuals eager to delve into the fascinating story of Nalanda and its significance in the world’s educational and intellectual history.

Author, Abhay K., says, ‘I’m truly delighted that Penguin Random House India is going to publish my book on Nalanda, a place very close to my heart, a place where I was born and grew up, and often go back to draw inspiration and recharge myself. Nalanda played a vital role as an ancient centre for learning in spreading knowledge across the world. This book introduces one to an incredible journey of Nalanda from its birth to destruction and rebirth. I’m grateful to Milee Ashwarya for all her support in publishing this book.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Abhay K. has grown up in Nalanda amidst its stories, legends, history, culture, and ethos. He will bring these together in Nalanda to make it a unique and valuable book for readers across the world. I look forward to working with Abhay on the book and publishing it next year.’

About the Author

Abhay K. (b.1980, Nalanda, Bihar) is the author of several poetry books, including Celestial, Stray Poems, Monsoon, The Magic of Madagascar and The Alphabets of Latin America. He is also the editor of half a dozen books including The Book of Bihari Literature. His poems have appeared in over a hundred literary magazines, including the Poetry Salzburg Review and Asia Literary Review. His poem ‘Earth Anthem’ has been translated into over 150 languages. He received the SAARC Literary Award (2013) and was invited to record his poems at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC, in 2018. His translations of Kalidasa’s Meghadutam and Ritusamharam from Sanskrit won him the KLF Poetry Book of the Year Award (2020–21).

Following the success of his debut book, Sidhartha Mallya is set to release his first book for young readers on mental health. Titled Sad/Glad: It’s Okay to Feel Everything, Penguin Random House India is proud to announce its acquisition from A Suitable Agency and is slating this book to be published in 2024 under the Puffin imprint of Penguin’s children’s division.

Sad/Glad: It’s Okay to Feel Everything is a heartwarming story about a young boy who wakes up feeling sad and confused. With the help of his talking dog, the boy learns that feeling different emotions is all a part of life and that it’s okay to feel everything. The book is aimed at young readers but offers important reminders to people of all ages about the importance of understanding and accepting their emotions.

With colourful illustrations and easy-to-read text, Sad/Glad: It’s Okay to Feel Everything will help children understand that everyone experiences different emotions and that it’s normal to feel sad or happy, angry, or scared. It will also help children identify and name their own emotions, accept them, and instil empathy. Mallya’s engaging and sensitive storytelling and his focus on mental health make this book a must-read for children, young readers, parents, and caregivers.

Mallya launched his writing career with the widely acclaimed memoir If I’m Honest: A Memoir Of My Mental Health Journey which was published by Penguin in 2023. This powerful and inspiring memoir offered a unique perspective on mental health issues whilst keeping it very real and raw.

Talking about the publication of his book, Sidhartha Mallya, says, ‘Mental health awareness is very important to me, and after my first book If I’m Honest, a book for children has been something I was very keen to pursue. I believe that the earlier we start to talk to kids about emotions and feelings, the better it will be for them in the long term.’

Simran Kaur, Editor, Penguin Children’s Division, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Growing up is all about navigating feelings, emotions, the not-so-okay days, and even the cheerful moments. Picture books are an incredible medium to introduce young readers to these sensitive themes and feelings that are universal in their nature. Sidhartha Mallya’s Sad/Glad: It’s Okay to Feel Everything holds an important conversation about emotional well-being in a compassionate and accessible way. Accompanied by evocative visuals, this picture book promises to be an assuring companion for kids. We are thrilled that Sidhartha chose to publish his first children’s book with us.

About the author:

Sidhartha Mallya is an actor and author based in Los Angeles. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, graduating with a Master of Arts in acting. He made his feature film debut in the Netflix Original, ‘Brahman Naman’ which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Aside from acting, Sidhartha’s focus has been on the promotion of mental health among the youth. In 2020, he launched an online series called ‘conSIDerThis’ which talks about the mental issues he has struggled with over the years and offers advice to the public on how to deal with such challenges. The following year he released his first book If I’m Honest: A Memoir of My Mental Health Journey which received widespread acclaim for its open and honest look into the mental health conditions that he has dealt with.

We are excited to announce a one-of-a-kind series of literary events by a publishing house, The Penguin Dialogues. This monthly event series is programmed to create refreshing and relevant conversations between authors and readers. Each event is themed to reflect the month it falls in, the first one comes up on 29 April at the Penguin At Kunzum bookstore in GKII in New Delhi. This event is open to the public and needs no prior registration.

Commenting on the series, Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher and Head of Backlist at Penguin Random House said, ‘The Penguin Dialogues is exclusively programmed to create an interface between book lovers and our timeless and brilliant books. This series of events aim to create an opportunity for readers to meet with authors, have meaningful conversations, do book signings, and take it beyond the idea of conventional book events. Inspired by Penguin’s eclectic and diverse list of titles, we’re poised to offer multifaceted events to a wide spectrum of readers.’

Kickstarting The Penguin Dialogues, the first event, titled ‘Books, Language and Ideas: Celebrating World Book Day’, will feature renowned authors Bibek Debroy and Sanjeev Sanyal celebrating books and their power to help us explore, experience and educate by bringing diverse ideas to life, and the paramountcy of fostering a reading culture. Aptly located in the heart of the city, this first event on 29 April will also mark the official inauguration of Penguin’s unique experiential bookstore in association with Delhi-based and much-loved chain of bookstores, Kunzum. This is the first time that a Penguin-branded bookstore is launched in North India.

Nandan Jha, EVP of Sales & Product and Business Development, Penguin Random House India, expands further on the idea of having an exclusive store, ‘Penguin At Kunzum is home to a hand-picked selection of books published and distributed by Penguin. Sections are dedicated to different genres, displaying books from across the world, book lovers are in for a treat with the sheer variety of books under one roof. This exclusive Penguin bookstore is symbolic of our dedication to our readers, both new and old, and Kunzum is the ideal partner who is committed to enhancing reading experiences. Together, we aspire to create a space that will celebrate books, authors and most importantly readers.’

Author, Photographer, Traveller and Founder of Kunzum, Ajay Jain, says, ‘The Penguin Dialogues is thus a natural fit to our vision. To be held at ‘Penguin at Kunzum’ – an exclusive store where book lovers can experience the best that Penguin has to offer from across the world. With its rich heritage in publishing, we felt an exclusive outlet like this was essential for customers to touch, feel, smell – and take home – the most diverse offering in the world of literature. Penguin and Kunzum hope that this initiative further promotes creativity and reminds people that there is no greater joy than reading.’

As Indian publishing reaches new heights with award-winning books and authors, it continues to be challenged by rampant book piracy. This practice has resulted in significant losses of time, money, and effort for all stakeholders in the publishing industry, including authors, printers, distributors, retailers, readers, and publishers. To address this issue, Penguin Random House India is launching a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the harmful impact of book piracy and empowering people to take action against it. This initiative coincides with UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day, which is celebrated every year on April 23 to emphasise the significance of reading, publishing, and copyrights.

By encouraging people to understand the gravity of book piracy and its repercussions, this campaign hopes to create a culture of respect for intellectual property and support for the creative work of authors and publishers. This World Book Day, let us recognise the value of books and the importance of protecting the rights of those who create them. Led by the hashtag #SayNoToBookPiracy, this campaign will be driven on social media with the support of many of our authors, who have joined hands to take the message to readers everywhere. Launched on the eve of World Book Day, Penguin’s social media pages feature a video where some of the leading voices from the Indian literary space, such as Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, Anand Neelakantan, Meghna Pant, and Novoneel Chakraborty, along with well-known professionals turned authors like Saurabh Mukherjea, Anand Ranganathan, and Vasudha Rai, to name a few, have come together to highlight the time and effort that goes into the publication of a book and the harmful effect of piracy that not only leads to a violation of copyright but also causes financial losses for the author and other stakeholders in the value chain, thereby lowering the standards of publishing for the whole country. (Link to the video at the end of the press release)

Penguin Random House India is also proud to introduce a suite of solutions, developed by the anti-piracy service provider Link-Busters, to report instances of digital book piracy. The tool enables individuals to report suspicious links to the publisher’s website, which will be verified and acted upon where necessary. The initiative is a part of Penguin Random House India’s ongoing efforts to fight book piracy and promote respect for intellectual property rights. By leveraging the power of social media and technology, the campaign hopes to raise awareness about the issue and encourage readers to support authors and publishers by purchasing books legally. (Link to report piracy at the end of the press release)

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO, Penguin Random House India & SEA, says, ‘Penguin’s #SayNoToBookPiracy campaign will encourage readers to take a stand to preserve the sanctity of the effort that goes into the publishing of a written work. Pirated copies may be cheaper and perhaps even easier to obtain, but it is important to acknowledge that their overall impact on the industry will ultimately devalue a publisher’s ability to invest in authors and new books, the author’s rights to protect their intellectual property, and all other stakeholders who invest heavily in ensuring the discoverability and reach of the books. We hope to earn people’s support to stand up to book piracy because the fight must start with us all taking one step at a time.’

Watch the video:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrVxS4avk2m/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

YouTube: https://youtu.be/bOclldGA6vE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/penguin-random-house-india_penguin-india-anti-piracy-appeal-campaign-activity-7055535605081944065-Mfpm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Twitter: https://twitter.com/penguinindia/status/1649768743546003457?s=46&t=YIqcqCratMWhQ8MncGM9YA

Link to report digital piracy:  https://penguin.co.in/report-piracy/

I’m a Climate Optimist is set to release on the upcoming World Environment Day

On World Earth Day, Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the acquisition and publication of a thought-provoking non-fiction book on the environment and climate by Climate Change Activist and Social Entrepreneur, Aakash Ranison. Inspired by the philosophy author follows and this popular social media moniker, ‘Climate Optimist’, the book is aptly titled I’m a Climate Optimist and covers various industries like Food & Beverages, Textiles & Clothing, Transportation, Tourism / Hospitality, Digital / Technology, Home & Households, Beauty & Cosmetics, and Plastic & Packaging where author share his 9 years journey of experiments and experiences of living a sustainable life along with, case studies, data, solutions, & resources specific to the Indian context. Releasing on World Environment Day, June 5, under the Ebury Press imprint, it is currently available for pre-ordering on all major e-commerce websites.

I’m a Climate Optimist is Ranison’s humble answer to all the “What can I do about Climate Change?” The book is designed keeping day to day Indian life and sustainable alternatives as solutions to help bridge the gap between the ongoing narrative and the actual solution. The book features more than 100 Indian businesses working in the sustainable alternative space along with 45 experts from various industries including, Piyush Pandey (Ogilvy), Dia Mirza (UNEP), Nithin Kamath (Zerodha), Rahul Mishra (Fashion Designer), Santosh Iyer (Mercedes-Benz), Ashish Singhal (CoinSwitch), Samarth Bedi (Forest Essentials), Shriti Malhotra (The Body Shop), Shradha Sharma (YourStory), Ritesh Malik and many more.

Ranison’s message of sustainability and kindness is well-known, and he has been honoured with several awards for his contributions and continued efforts for the environment. With I’m a Climate Optimist, Ranison is making a strong statement. The book is printed using vegetable ink & the author’s 100% royalties from the book will be donated to the Climate Charity, Greener Earth Foundation to offset carbon footprints of the project, making it India’s first Carbon Neutral book.

Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher & Head of Backlist, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘I’m a Climate Optimist by Aakash Ranison is an amazingly accessible book to understand how we can—in these challenging times of climate change and global warming—consciously live in a responsible manner. Offering a clear roadmap for this in each chapter, this book is a ready reckoner for those who wish to live a sustainable life. The work is a testament to Aakash’s commitment to making our planet a more liveable place for the days to come.  We’re proud to publish the book from Penguin.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘I’m a Climate Optimist by Aakash Ranison is a very important book for our times. As the world around us is changing fast, and we navigate through everyday issues of pollution, extremes and unpredictability of climate conditions, and global warming, there is an urgent need to understand and participate in discussions around sustainability.  I welcome Aakash to Penguin Random House India, and hope the book finds readers across the globe.’

Author bio:

Listed under Forbes’ India’s Top 100 Digital Star 2022, Awarded Climate Warrior Of The Year 2022 and 2023 (Editor Choice) by Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Sustainable Changemaker Of The Year 2022 (Popular Choice) by Exhibit Magazine.

Aakash has delivered 5 TEDx Talks and authored his first book on Climate Change in 2020, and has created three Climate Art Installations, covered by over 230 national and international media publications. Aakash is also a contributing author for Forbes India, Times of India, & YourStory.

On the road for eight years, Aakash lives a vegan, nomadic & minimalist life and spends his time travelling the length and breadth of India by walking, cycling, hitchhiking or public transport with his trusty backpack and camera, spreading his message of love, kindness, and sustainability.

Plessis is currently the captain of the Indian Premier League’s Royal Challengers Bangalore team

Penguin Random House India is proud to announce the acquisition and publication of the eagerly awaited autobiography of one of the finest cricketers of this generation and former Captain of the South African National Cricket team, Francois ‘Faf’ du Plessis. Titled, Faf Through Fire, this is a searingly honest account of the cricketer’s journey, revealing his struggles and triumphs, as well as his leadership skills and love for the game. Published under the Ebury Press imprint, this book is scheduled to hit the shelves in May end and is currently available for pre-order on major e-commerce websites selling books.

In this deeply introspective book, Faf takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, tracing his growth from a young man with a questionable moral compass outside of cricket to a respected and admired leader known for his integrity, values, and empathy for his teammates. He opens up about his experiences with influential leaders, such as Gary Kirsten, Stephen Fleming, Doc Moosajee, Graeme Smith, A.B. de Villiers, Owen Eastwood, Russell Domingo, Ottis Gibson and M.S. Dhoni, and the challenges he faced during his final years of international cricket, and his vision for the future of the sport.

Francois Faf Du Plessis, the cricketer and now author, says, ‘I am very excited about my book, Faf Through Fire, being launched in India. I have always felt at home here and I have been extremely blessed to receive immense support while playing in India over the years. I hope that the readers enjoy reading it as much as I loved sharing it.’

Faf Through Fire is far more than just a book about cricket. It is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that success is not just about winning on the field but also about growing as a person. It is a must-read for sports enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Faf Through Fire was first published in South Africa last year in October by Flyleaf Publishing and Distribution.

Radhika Marwah, Executive Editor-Business, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Faf Du Plessis is a veritable cricketing legend. His exploits on the field are well-documented but this book provides into the human behind the giant. We are so proud to publish Faf Through Fire and share this inspiring and gritty life with people.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Most of you would have seen Faf Du Plessis play and lead his team on the cricket field but do you know the person behind the cricketer and what drives him? Faf Through Fire will answer all these questions and some more. I am proud to publish the book and welcome Faf Du Plessis to the Penguin Random House India family.’

About the author:

Francois ‘Faf’ du Plessis is a professional cricketer and former captain of the South African national cricket team. He is considered to be one of the best fielders in the game and among the best all-format batsmen of his era. He is also regarded as one of the most tactically astute and successful captains in all formats of modern cricket. Faf was named as the South African Cricketer of the Year in 2019. His Indian Premier League (IPL) career kicked off in 2012, when he played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He went on to play for CSK for four years, followed by two years with Rising Pune Supergiant, after which he returned to CSK for another four years. Faf became captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL in 2022 and was captain of Joburg Super Kings in the first edition of the SA20 league in 2023.

Penguin Random House India proudly announces the publication of former editor of The Hindu, Mukund Padmanabhan’s debut book, titled The Great Flap, a narrative history on an important but scarcely known series of events. The book, which will tentatively be published towards the end of the year under the Vintage imprint of Penguin, was acquired at a pre-empt from Jayapriya Vasudevan of Jacaranda Literary Agency.

The Great Flap tells the story of a period between December 1941 and mid-1942 when India was in a frightful panic, believing that Japan would launch a full-scale invasion.  It led to a huge and largely unmapped exodus (of both Indians and Europeans) from both sides of the coastline to ‘safer’ inland regions. The book situates the Japanese threat in a larger political context, discussing how it changed the face of both nationalist politics and British attitudes towards India.

Padmanabhan’s book covers the attack on Malaya, the conquest of Singapore, the bombing and eventual occupation of Burma, and Japan’s entry into the Indian Ocean, all of which are narrated in a manner to reveal the impact they ultimately had on India.

Heavily researched and deeply insightful, this book offers a neglected story and is a reminder that history is made in the most unexpected places. The book promises to provide readers with a fascinating glimpse into India’s past and its journey towards Independence.

Author, Mukund Padmanabhan, says, ‘The initial spark for this book was lit by the stories I heard from my mother. She and her family fled Madras in early 1942 when the city was terrified about an impending Japanese invasion. Researching the period led me to a story with a larger narrative arc – one that moves from Malaya, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia to India. I am delighted that Penguin Random House will be publishing the book and equally pleased to be represented by Jacaranda Literary Agency.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘The Great Flap by Mukund Padmanabhan fills a gap in India’s history and shares the story of an important event that had far-reaching consequences. Well researched and engagingly told, I recommend it to all readers of nonfiction.’

About the author

Mukund Padmanabhan is the former editor of The Hindu, one of India’s largest and most-respected newspapers. He was appointed to the post in 2016 after having been Editor of the business daily, The Hindu BusinessLine, a sister publication from the same group. As a journalist, he has reported widely from several countries, writing on legal and political affairs as well as literature and the arts.

He is currently a Visiting Professor of Practice at the newly-established Krea University, where he teaches philosophy and related disciplines. Mukund is an M-Phil in Philosophy and started his career as a Lecturer in a college at Delhi University, before switching to journalism. Between 2007 and 2013, he was an adjunct faculty in the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, where he taught law and advanced writing to post-graduate students.

He is the Chairman of the World Editors Forum (South Asia chapter) of the World Association of Newspapers. And he is on the Board of Trustees of organisations, including the CPB Foundation (which runs the international photo biennale in the city), the Alliance Francaise Trust (Madras) and his old school (the Blue Mountain School, Ooty).

Written by Lekhnath Chhetri and translated by Anurag Basnet

Penguin Random House India is proud to publish the English translation of Phoolange, a highly praised novel originally written in Nepali by Darjeeling-based writer, poet, journalist, and social activist Lekhnath Chhetri. The English edition is titled Fruits of the Barren Tree and was translated by the eminent editor and translator Anurag Basnet. The book is scheduled to come out on 17^th April, 2023 under the Vintage imprint and is currently available across all major e-commerce websites for pre-order.

Shortlisted in 2021 for the Madan Puraskar, Nepal’s most prestigious literary award, this powerful novel revolves around the failed Gorkha movement for a separate state and captures the ease with which violence can infect a community. Set in the late 1980s in Darjeeling, the book explores the conflict between rival political parties, as well as the state’s security forces.

Revolving around the lives of characters in a small village near Darjeeling, including a village shaman and his wife, their son who is an incorrigible thief, and a former army man turned militia commander who rules the village with an iron hand, the author paints intense visual scenes with a strong sense of place. Chhetri’s evocative writing helps present a compelling portrait of Darjeeling beyond the postcards and brochures of a tourist location.

Fruits of the Barren Tree takes a deep dive into the impact of violent movements on ordinary people’s lives and the ripple effects that can continue to reverberate through a community for years to come. This novel is a must-read for those not only those interested in the history of Darjeeling but also in the struggle for statehood and for a sense of shared brotherhood.

Talking about the publication of his book in English, the author, Lekhnath Chhetri, says, ‘The story of the Indian Gorkhas, particularly concentrated in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, has been left almost unread (or unwritten by us), apart from a few notable works. It gives me pleasure that we are embarking a journey where we, a marginalized community, are telling our story to the rest of India. I hope this will be an attempt to establish a dialogue with the rest of the world and many other masterpieces will follow. I thank Anurag Basnet, the translator of this book and Penguin Random House India for this kickstart to the journey.’

Anurag Basnet, the translator, says, ‘The publication of Fruits of the Barren Tree is an acknowledgement of multifaceted literary narratives. The acceptance of literary translations like these is a momentous step in validating multiple narrative realities that bring along lives, topographies, moments, and emotions that remain unknown. The story of the hills will inspire and enrich Indian literature and kindle hope that many other voices will join in times to come.’

Elizabeth Kuruvilla, Associate Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Fruits of the Barren Tree is one of the most evocative works of fiction to be written in recent times. As a political novel, it captures the vulnerabilities of ordinary people who inadvertently become foot soldiers of a violent political movement. Lekhnath Chhetri’s prose, exquisitely rendered into English by Anurag Basnet, has the effect of transporting readers to a place and culture of devastating beauty, and gives voice to a people rising above a regime of repression and fear.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘Fruits of the Barren Tree by Lekhnath Chhetri and translated into English by Anurag Basnet combines history, memory, politics, and powerful storytelling. With memorable characters and interplay of emotions, the novel gives us a peek into the history of the Gorkhas. I congratulate Leknath Chhetri and Anurag Basnet and look forward to publishing the book.’

About the author

Lekhnath Chhetri is a journalist from Darjeeling, as well as a poet and social activist. His interests lie in fiction, history and the archiving and documenting of violence, both by and against the state. Phoolange was shortlisted for the Madan Puraskar, Nepal’s topmost literary award. He is also a translator, and his last published work was the Nepali translation of The Free Voice by Ravish Kumar.

About the translator

Anurag Basnet is an editor and translator based in Gangtok, Sikkim. He has been associated with the publishing industry for fifteen years with stints at Penguin Books India (now Penguin Random House India), Rupa Publications and Speaking Tiger. His published works include translations of a travelogue by Anil Yadav, Is That Even a Country, Sir!, and a book of essays by Ravish Kumar, The Free Voice: On Democracy, Culture and the Nation.

पेंगुइन रैंडम हाउस के भारतीय भाषा प्रकाशन के तहत सम्मानित लेखक और स्प्रिचुअल गाइड, दाजी के नाम से मशहूर, कमलेश डी पटेल की बेस्टसेलिंग किताब द विज़्डम ब्रिज के हिन्दी अनुवाद को प्रकाशित किया गया है।

यह किताब माता-पिता और अभिभावकों के लिए है। महामारी के शुरुआती महीनों के दौरान लेखक के मन में बार-बार सवाल आता था कि इस “न्यू नॉर्मल”(किसी संकट के बाद जीवनशैली में आने वाले बदलाव) के दौरान, वो माता-पिता और अभिभावकों की मदद कैसे कर सकते हैं?” कोविड-19 महामारी तो समाप्त हो जाएगी लेकिन परिवारों, विशेषकर बच्चों, पर इसके दुष्प्रभावों से लेखक चिन्तित थे। वो अनेक वर्षों से परिवारों की सुख-शान्ति, बच्चों के पालन-पोषण और बुजुर्गों की देखभाल करने की ज़रूरत के बारे में बात करते रहे हैं। इस महामारी की पृष्ठभूमि में, एक अत्यावश्यक ज़रूरत की भावना के साथ, दाजी ने इस किताब को लिखना शुरू किया था। यह किताब मार्च 2023 की शुरुआत में बाज़ार में आ गई है। यह ई-कॉमर्स वेबसाइटों पर भी उपलब्ध है।

अपनी पुस्तक के हिन्दी अनुवाद के प्रकाशन के लिए पेंगुइन को धन्यवाद देते हुए दाजी ने कहा, ‘पेंगुइन ने बेस्टसेलिंग द विज़्डम ब्रिज के हिन्दी अनुवाद को प्रकाशित कर पाठकों को एक अच्छी सौगात दी है।’ दाजी ने आगे कहा, ‘बात चाहे कई बार कही गई है, पर आज भी उपयोगी है कि “खोजे जा चुके को फिर से मत खोजो।” इसका अर्थ एक उदाहरण से बताता हूँ। जैसे कि हमारे पुरखों से यह ज्ञान पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी चला आ रहा है कि हमें स्वस्थ रहने के लिए किस ऋतु में क्या खाना चाहिए। व्यस्त जीवन व शहरीकरण के कारण हमने सब तरह के बदलाव तो किए, पर पाया कि खान-पान का तरीका जो चला आ रहा था वही अच्छा था। आज खाने के विशेषज्ञ हों या हेल्थ कोच, सभी यही कह रहे हैं कि स्वस्थ रहने के लिए अपने माता-पिता की तरह ही भोजन कीजिए। इसी तरह बहुत सारा ज्ञान हमें अपने बुजुर्गों से मिला है जिसे हम खो बैठेंगे, अगर इसे पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी सहेजने की कोशिश न की गई तो। हर बार हर जगह नया करने की जरूरत नहीं होती।’

द विज़्डम ब्रिज पर बात करते हुए पेंगुइन रैंडम हाउस इंडिया की इंडियन लैंग्वेजेज़ पब्लिशिंग विभाग की पब्लिशर वैशाली माथुर कहती हैं, ‘दाजी की यह किताब उनके गहन विवेक का परिणाम है। इसकी सीखों को जीवन में उतारकर लाभ मिलना सुनिश्चित है। हमें बेहद ख़ुशी है कि दाजी को अध्यात्म और पर्यावरण के क्षेत्र में उनके योगदान के लिए हाल ही में “पद्मभूषण सम्मान” दिया गया है।’

लेखक के बारे में :

दाजी, जिन्हें कमलेश डी पटेल के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, वैश्विक हार्टफुलनेस आन्दोलन के चौथे और वर्तमान स्प्रिचुअल गाइड और प्रेसिडेन्ट–हार्टफुलनेस हैं। उन्होंने बीते चार दशकों में दुनिया भर के लोगों को हार्टफुलनेस मेडीटेशन का प्रशिक्षण दिया है।

दाजी बेस्टसेलर्स डिजाइनिंग डेस्टिनी और (जोशुआ पोलॉक के साथ) द हार्टफुलनेस वे के लेखक हैं। उनके कामों की झलक टाइम्स ऑफ इंडिया, इकोनॉमिक टाइम्स, हिन्दुस्तान टाइम्स और प्रमुख टेलीविजन नेटवर्क्स पर दिखाई जा चुकी है। दाजी विश्वस्तरीय सम्मेलनों में मुख्य भाषण देते हैं और कार्यशालाएँ आयोजित करते हैं। उनका जुझारूपन उनके ज़मीनी स्तर के प्रयासों में नज़र आता है, विशेषकर मेडीटेशन(ध्यान) को फिर से भारत के गाँवों तक ले जाने में। हार्टफुलनेस संस्था के वैश्विक मार्गदर्शक प्रमुख कमलेश डी पटेल (दाजी) को भारत सरकार द्वारा आध्यात्म के क्षेत्र में योगदान के लिए 2023 में देश के सर्वोच्च नागरिक सम्मान “पद्मभूषण” से सम्मानित किया गया है।

मीडिया संपर्क

पल्लवी नारायण

pnarayan@penguinrandomhouse.in

+91 97118 64445

Second book in a row from Penguin Random House India to be longlisted

Celebrated author Perumal Murugan’s critically acclaimed novel Pyre, translated from the Tamil by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, has been nominated for this year’s International Booker Prize. The news of the longlist broke earlier today. This is the second year in a row that a book from Penguin India has been nominated for the prestigious International Booker Prize. Last year, Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand, which was translated from the Hindi by Daisy Rockwell, won the prize, making history by becoming the first South Asian novel to win it. Pyre was first published under the Hamish Hamilton imprint from Penguin Random House India in 2016. It was published in the UK in 2022.

One of Perumal Murugan’s finest works, Pyre has received much critical acclaim. A powerful and devastating tale of innocent young inter-caste love colliding with intolerant savagery, Murugan takes readers through th trials and tribulations of this couple who face horrifying repercussions. Murugan’s spare, yet evocative prose brings to life the terrifying consequences of intolerance and the fragility of love in the face of hatred.

Talking about the nomination, author Perumal Murugan says, ‘This is truly a very happy moment for me. I consider this recognition not just for me but also for the Tamil language. My deepest gratitude to my translator, Aniruddhan Vasudevan, as well as to my editors and publishers all over the world, especially to my Tamil publisher, Kannan Sundaram at Kalachuvadu.’

Aniruddhan Vasudevan, the translator of this fine novel, has also translated One Part Woman, Trial By Silence, A Lonely Harvest, Songs of a Coward and Resolve by Perumal Murugan. Later this year, Hamish Hamilton will also publish Perumal Murugan’s Fire Bird in a translation from Janani Kannan.

Manasi Subramaniam, Editor in Chief – Penguin Press, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘This haunting tale of forbidden inter-caste love is a masterpiece of subtlety and nuance, and in my opinion, Murugan’s most savage novel to date. The fact that this work has been recognized is all the more meaningful after the horrors suffered by Murugan for his art. We at Penguin Press are incredibly proud—and, indeed, vindicated—to be associated with such an extraordinary piece of literature.’

Milee Ashwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India, says, ‘’Perumal Murugan is one of the finest writers of our generation, and I hope with this global recognition many more readers from across the world will be drawn to his work. Pyre, published in 2016 in India, was translated into English by Anirudhdhan Vasudevan. It exemplifies the magic and power of storytelling; of love and revenge; and how language and literature can connect people across continents. My heartiest congratulations to Perumal and Anirudhdhan.’

The International Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in translated literature, giving both the author and translator a platform to showcase their exemplary work in translations.

The longlist for the 2023 International Booker Prize also includes 13 titles and their information can be found here. The jury is chaired by prize-winning French-Moroccan novelist, Leïla Slimani. The panel also includes Uilleam Blacker, one of Britain’s leading literary translators from Ukrainian; Tan Twan Eng, the Booker-shortlisted Malaysian novelist; Parul Sehgal, staff writer and critic at the New Yorker; and Frederick Studemann, Literary Editor of the Financial Times.

The shortlist of six titles will be announced on 18 April 2023.

About the author

Perumal Murugan is the award-winning star of contemporary Tamil literature. He has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success for his vast array of work. His novels have been translated into English to immense acclaim, including Resolve, Rising Heat, Current Show, Pyre, Seasons of the Palm, which was shortlisted for the Kiriyama Prize, One Part Woman, which was shortlisted for the Crossword Award, longlisted for the National Book Award for Translation and won the prestigious ILF Samanvay Bhasha Samman, and A Lonely Harvest and Trial by Silence, which were shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Fiction. A Lonely Harvest was also longlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature.

About the translator

Aniruddhan Vasudevan writes and translates between Tamil and English. He is currently a Cotsen Postdoctoral Fellow (2020–2023) at the Princeton Society of Fellows and a lecturer in the Council of the Humanities and Anthropology at Princeton University.