Fresh stories, bold ideas, and powerful lessons—Penguin’s latest books are here to inspire and entertain. Whether you’re looking for motivation, humor, self-discovery, or an emotional journey, there’s something for everyone.
Mastering Disruption by K. Ganesh
Change is inevitable—how you respond to it defines your success. This book helps you navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and turn challenges into opportunities with strategic insights and real-world examples.
The Little Book of Big Girl Things by Akshara Ashok
For the grown-up girlies who still feel lost—this witty, heartfelt collection of comics and reflections on adulting, anxiety, self-discovery, and everyday struggles reminds you that you’re not alone.
Happiness, confidence, and resilience start from within. Leena Gupta’s practical guide blends ancient wisdom and modern psychology to help you build inner strength and find peace in a chaotic world.
A deeply moving collection of poetry on love, loss, and healing—written for those who feel everything too deeply. If you’ve ever loved, lost, or struggled to let go, this book will stay with you long after the last page.
From a college dorm to multi-million-dollar ventures—Manish Vij shares his entrepreneurial journey with raw honesty. Packed with lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and success, this book is a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Getting the basics right: The four thumb rules for your financial health.
Let us start at the very beginning . . . a very good place to start – as the song goes. Let us start with a broad, top-down look at your investments.
What do you think of when you think of the term ‘investments’?
Most people think of investments in the stock market, mutual funds, etc. But what about the Public Provident Fund (PPF) you bought for tax-saving? The bank fixed deposits? The plot of land you bought or inherited? The apartment you are waiting to get possession of? Each of these is an investment. All of them have to be considered to get an overall picture of your finances before you decide on what you want your financial future to look like.
Plus, as is known, during the course of your investing journey, you have no option but to live through bull markets and bear markets, at times ferocious ones. How do you ensure that your financial investments get a clean bill of health and not end up in the ICU?
What are the basic tenets to keep in mind while investing?
To my mind, they are four in number, and these make up the framework with which you need to view your investments. Of course, there are overlaps between the four.
Each of these concepts will be dealt with in more detail later in the book. The following descriptions of these only provide
you a starting framework.
Lesson 1: Asset allocation sahi hai
Asset allocation is not just the best thing, it’s the only thing.
If you are just going to be a single-asset (say, equity only) player, then you are not going to last very long in this game.
Sometime back, I got a question on social media asking me, ‘I am a young person in a good job – so should I have 100 per
cent investment in equities?’ And my answer was no, because there are all kinds of demands that may come on your finances: you may lose your job, you may have a family emergency, you may want to buy a house, you may want to study further after a few years, and so on.
Basically, you may have unexpected financial demands in the future, which you may not be factoring in just now.
Equity returns have low predictability, not just on a one- or two-year basis, but sometimes even over a longer time frame. For example, during the entire decade from 2010 to 2020, Indian equity markets compounded at just about 8.5 per cent when fixed deposit rates were also around 8 per cent. So you saw a lot of volatility, with practically no additional return for taking equity risk at all, for a whole decade.
Asset allocation basically means your investment pie chart is strategically diversified across various available asset classes.
Why does asset allocation work? Because different assets give disparate returns at various points in time.
To give a recent example: In 2019, government treasury instruments in India were up 9.5 per cent. Gold prices rose 24.6 per cent. In contrast, the Nifty500 delivered a mere 7.7 per cent return.
But did you ever hear any fund manager or your financial adviser tell you that you were better off investing, or at least diversifying, into government paper and gold, instead of focusing on equities, if you wanted the best returns? I suspect not.
The reason for this is simple: nobody in the business of fund management or financial advice makes much or any money by recommending investments in government securities or gold. The maximum fees are for recommending equity.
All behaviour, good or bad, is always driven by incentives, and sellers of equities incentivize their salespeople far more than sellers of any other asset class, even if they do not deliver returns.
That is part of the reason for this ‘100 per cent in equity if you are young’ recommendations you often see.
Don’t ever forget this!
Lesson 2: Take a portfolio approach to investing
Most investors believe that taking individual stock advice, or ‘tips’ from friends, brokers, talking heads on TV, – that is, almost anyone – and then implementing them on their own is the way to making big money.
Wrong. This is a one-way ticket to financial ruin. The correct way to do it is to take a portfolio approach to determine your asset and equity selection.
One part of this is, of course, asset allocation, which is discussed in more detail later in the book.
But even within your equity portfolio, be mindful of the weightage of each of your stocks and each sector. For every stock you buy, be absolutely clear how about the allocation for that stock and how much it changes the weightage of its industry in your portfolio, and how it alters the risk profile of your equity pie.
***
Get your copy of Money, Myths and Mantras by Devina Mehra on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
This is one of the questions that I am asked most often, if not the most asked question! The question is also most likely to come from aspirants whose first or past attempts did not go well and who are thus looking to mount a serious retake attempt. You might also have these questions in your mind:
Is it wise to quit my job to prepare for the CAT?
Will quitting my job have a negative impact on my profile?
How can I prepare if I am working twelve hours a day, six days a week?
These are the questions that many aspirants ask themselves since there is a huge premium on acquiring a degree from a prestigious college and an MBA is for most the last big shot that they can take to get a big brand name on their resume. Some might have faced this situation before as well when they had set their eyes for the first time on getting two Is—the IITs.
There are other reasons as well, ranging from a mind-numbingly monotonous IT job to a horrible boss, to the existential dread: What will become of me and my life if I am stuck in my current situation forever?
For most of my colleagues, the answer to this question is a simple NO. Quitting your job is akin to committing professional hara-kiri. But I think, under certain circumstances, quitting your job might be the best option in front of you with the proviso that:
You quit at the right time, and
You do more than just prep for the CAT
How will quitting affect your profile in terms of getting into an IIM?
First, let us look at the quantitative effect of quitting your job on your chances of getting a shortlist.
There are colleges, such as IIM-B and others, that give a weightage to work experience in the shortlisting process. In such cases, you will lose out on valuable points and will hence have to score higher on the test to get the shortlist than if you had stuck on in your job. So yes, there is a clear quantitative effect.
If you have two or more years of work experience, as of July of the year you will take the CAT, and the rest of your profile—Class X, Class XII, grad marks—is good, you can, on average, score 0.5–0.75 percentile points lower than someone with no or low work experience. So, those with two years of work experience can get an IIM-B call at a 98.5 percentile whereas freshers have to score in excess of 99.4. But remember that this is only in the case of institutes that give a weightage to work experience.
Just like they have for academics, even for work experience points are awarded based on slabs— less than twelve months, twelve to twenty-four months, etc. IIM-B gives maximum points for work experience of thirty-six months and above. So, if you have more than thirty-six months you are not going to get any more marks than you will if you have exactly thirty-six months.
In effect, if you have thirty-six months’ work experience, quitting your job will not have any mathematical impact on your profile rating.
Will quitting affect your prospects during summer and final placements?
IIMs and other top schools slot candidates into two categories for placements—regular and lateral.
Lateral placements are for people with a certain amount of work experience for roles that are above entry-level management roles. What is that certain amount of work experience?
It differs from college to college. Some base it on the absolute number of months such as twenty- two—IIM-B, while others decide the exact number based on the average work experience in the batch—IIM-A. Either way, it usually falls into the twenty to twenty-four-month range. Also, it is important to note that for some domains and for some firms, work experience is a must-have and hence, recruiters look purely at lateral candidates. What are the domains where relevant work experience is a prerequisite?
Operations roles, for example, most definitely go to people who have experience in shop-floor, product design, logistics, supply chain management, etc. So, engineers working in operations will do well to finish working for two years before entertaining thoughts of quitting. The rationale is simple: an individual with an idea of any aspect of operations cannot be given a managerial role since the stakes are very high.
IT consulting roles, for example, again typically go to those with two-plus years of experience in software. Again, the rationale is the same—an individual who has not worked on large-scale IT projects cannot take up consulting roles in IT. There might be exceptions to this rule but by and large, the rule holds.
***
Get your copy of Bell the Cat by Tony Xavier on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
As danger looms and secrets unravel, IPS officer Simone Singh is thrust into a chilling investigation. Here’s a gripping excerpt from The Girl on Fire!
The Girl on Fire || Devashish Sardana
Eighteen years ago
Malana Village, Himachal Pradesh
Mama’s hands tremble as she unscrews the cap of the transparent bottle. Her lips quiver. She doesn’t look at me.
Her eyes, distant and hollow, are fixated on something unseen as the amber liquid cascades from the bottle, drenching my head, cold and sharp against my scalp. It smells like fear and memories—kerosene.
I’m tied to an old wooden chair in our backyard, dupatta knots biting into my wrists. I don’t ask why. The shackles seem fitting somehow, as the liquid traces a path down my face, lingering on my eyelashes before soaking the hand-sewn white frock I’m wearing. It’s embroidered with beautiful little pink petunias. Mama sewed it at home, each stitch a promise. Now, stained with kerosene, the promises bleed out.
‘Mama, you ruined the frock,’ I say, my voice shaky, tasting the fumes in my throat.
She hushes me with a stern glance. Her face is a mask, unreadable. Her eyes are glassy. It’s like she’s there, but she is not. She sees me, but she doesn’t. Mama sits down across from me, matchbox in hand, and for a moment, we are just reflections of each other—stilled, silent, waiting.
It’s my birthday today. I turned ten. Double digits!
There was supposed to be a cake and a Barbie doll—my first—dressed in traditional Himachali clothes that Papa said he’d pick up from Kullu. But it’s past ten, and he’s not back yet. He never is, not until the screams start.
Last night’s screams were louder than usual. Mama’s, not a stray dog’s like I hoped. Usually, I cower under the blanket when I hear the screams, but last night I had run out to the backyard to find her curled up in the mud, her knees pressed to her chest, yelping, while Papa thrashed her with a bamboo stick, again and again.
‘No!’ I screamed, without thinking. It just came out.
A mistake, I realized later. Papa saw me. He swivelled around, his eyes red, veins bulging, enraged. ‘Why aren’t you asleep, Aadya?’ he shouted and staggered towards me, drunk, the bamboo stick raised like a sword, ready to strike.
I froze. I should have run away. But I couldn’t. The stick cut through the air and came down on my arm, fire igniting along my skin, searing through muscle and bone. I can still feel it.
‘Not Aadya!’ yelled Mama, and she rushed to my rescue.
Papa shoved Mama away and called her haramzadi—
Mama told me later never to repeat that word. Papa threw away the bamboo stick, stumbled towards the makeshift shed in our backyard, picked up the iron rod used to stoke campfires and charged towards Mama . . . um, let’s stop. I don’t want to think about last night any more.
So now, it’s about the Barbie doll and waiting for Papa.
Waiting to start the birthday that Mama promised would be special. She said we’re going somewhere beautiful—a place full of laughter and toys. No more nights filled with screams. I almost believe her.
Then, she pours more kerosene, a line connecting my feet to hers. Her swollen, bruised eye twitches. Is she crying? She pours the kerosene over herself, soaking her shawl, her dress, her skin.
‘Aadya,’ her voice cracks, ‘I’m taking you to a happy place, beta. A place full of Barbie dolls and pink frocks and laughing clowns.’
I smile. I love clowns. ‘Papa isn’t coming with us to the happy place?’
Mama presses her lips together. ‘Do you . . . do you want Papa to come?’
I think for a while. I want Papa to come. All three of us.
Happy together. But it won’t remain a happy place if Papa comes with us, no? Then the happy place would become
this place—our house—with broken arms and shrieks, swollen eyes and cries. No, I don’t want Papa to come. I
meet Mama’s eyes and shake my head.
‘Good, good,’ she nods. ‘Remember, just a bit of pain, then . . . happiness.’
Pain? I’m confused. The bus to happiness shouldn’t hurt.
Mama picks up the matchbox. She takes a deep breath, her chest heaving.
She strikes a match.
The sound is tiny but monstrous in the still night. The flame flickers, a small harbinger of devastation. She’s done this before—told me never to play with matches near the kerosene stove. But here, now, the rules are rewritten in fire.
‘No, Mama, please.’ My voice is a whimper, lost in the crackle of the match.
She looks at me, really looks at me, and for a second, I see her. Not the broken fragments of a woman shaped by fists and fury, but my Mama.
‘I’m doing it for you, Aadya. I love you.’
‘Mama, stop. Please stop.’ I squirm and twist and squeal. Tears roll down my cheeks.
She drops the match.
The fire hisses, a hungry beast that claims her instantly.
***
Get your copy of The Girl on Fire by Devashish Sardana on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
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
After a long and brutal war, the Pandavas stand victorious. But when Vyas Ji enters their canopy, his words force them to confront a question they never expected—was this truly a victory?
Read this gripping excerpt where triumph meets its toughest reckoning.
The Lineage || Laksh Maheshwari, Ashish Kavi
The sentries led Vyas ji into the Pandavas’ canopy where the five brothers and their wife, Draupadi of Panchal, rose to welcome him. When Vyas ji stood before them, they joined their hands and bowed their heads together.
‘Pranam, Maharishi,’ they said in unison.
The brothers were all injured as multiple parts of their bodies were wrapped in bandages. Yudhishthir’s arm had turned blue after all the spears he had propelled. Bheem’s chest and face were bruised due to all the blows he had sustained from Suyodhan’s mace during their duel. Arjun’s hands were riddled with blisters from all the arrows he had launched in the war. Even Nakul and Sahdev looked weary from the effort of war.
But the joy of victory Vyas ji saw on their faces was far greater than all their pains put together. It was was also visible on Panchali’s face and evident in the blood that drenched her long, flowing hair. This sight of joy and thrill greatly upset Vyas ji. He clenhed his fist to prevent his hand from rising to give the children any blessings.
When the maharishi did not bless them, the brothers lowered their hands and exchanged gazes of discomfort. Such a thing had never happened to them. Never had they been denied anything. And when they were denied their right, they fought for it. But how could one fight for someone’s blessings?
Panchali took the first step towards Vyas ji. ‘You have come on an auspicious day, Vyas ji,’ she said with a smile as she stroked her hair. ‘The war of Bharat has ended today. The Mahabharata has ended today.’
‘Yes,’ Vyas ji answered, deeply remorseful. ‘Much has come to an end today.’
Yudhishthir felt the sorrow in Vyas ji’s words and walked over to him. Panchali joined him, smiling warmly at the sage. ‘We have won, Vyas ji,’ Yudhishthir said emphatically, hailing their victory as a matter of great joy. ‘We have finally won what is rightfully ours.’
‘I have seen your victory, son,’ Vyas ji replied. He glanced back towards the canopy’s entrance, visualizing the carnage that lay outside on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. ‘I congratulate you all,’ he said with a heavy heart.
‘A simple congratulation isn’t enough, Maharishi,’ Arjun insisted. ‘We want your blessings too. Your blessings will help us rule over the entire kingdom of Hastinapur.’
‘Why are you asking for my blessings now, Arjun?’ Vyas ji asked, ‘When you did not ask for my blessings for this war?’
‘Aren’t you happy with our victory, Maharishi?’ Yudhishthir asked anxiously, his hands folded before the sage.
Vyas ji took a long and painful breath. His eyes grew teary and started to sting. ‘What exactly have you won, Yudhishthir?’ he asked, teary-eyed, as he watched the eldest Pandava.
A deep frown creased Yudhishthir’s forehead. ‘We have won a great victory, Maharishi,’ he said. ‘Right has defeated wrong. Good has defeated evil. Dharma has defeated Adharma.’
‘And who decided what was right and what was wrong?’ Maharishi asked. ‘Who decided what was Dharma and what was Adharma?’ He walked past Yudhishthir and Panchali and stopped in front of the other four brothers.
He looked at Bheem first. Even with his hands folded before him, the giant of a man towered over the innocent Vyas ji like a mountain. ‘Was it you, Bheem?’ Vyas ji asked, ‘A man who can control neither his emotions nor his gluttony?’ When a flash of shame showed on Bheem’s face, Vyas ji turned to Arjun. ‘Was it you, Arjun, with your pride and vanity of being the greatest archer in the world?’
Vyas ji then turned to Nakul and Sahdev, his sorrow becoming evident on his face. ‘Maybe it was you Nakul, and your arrogance over your beauty. Or maybe your brother, Sahdev, who considers himself the most learned of us all.’
With the four brothers standing silent and ashamed, Vyas ji walked back to Panchali and Yudhishthir. He glared at Draupadi and her long, bloodied hair. ‘Tell me, Panchali, do you feel proud of your husbands’ definition of Dharma and Adharma, just as you are proud of their valour, their wisdom and their beauty?’
Once Panchali’s eyes dropped to the ground with shame, Vyas ji’s gaze turned towards Yudhishthir. ‘Or was it you, King Yudhishthir, who is so full of hatred for his own kin that you now rejoice in their death?’
When even Yudhishthir could not respond to Vyas ji, he addressed all brothers inside the canopy at once. ‘Tell me, O sons of Pandu,’ he implored, ‘who among you decided this Dharma and Adharma?’
Seeing the disappointment on Vyas ji’s face, the Pandavas dared not utter a word. Instead, they stood with sealed lips and folded hands. Their silence only deepened Vyas ji’s disappointment. ‘What a shame!’ He shook his head disdainfully. ‘When men take pride in killing their brothers instead of mourning over their losses. Today, you may have won, sons of Pandu, but I swear to you, Dharma has only lost today.’ With that, he darted towards the canopy’s exit, leaving behind the brothers and their wife in their ashamed silence.
When Vyas ji stepped outside the canopy, the sentries saw him and bowed before him with folded hands. Vyas ji raised his hand and said, ‘Ayushmaan bhava.’ The two sentries thanked Vyas ji for his blessings and watched him walk away.
***
Get your copy of The Lineage by Laksh Maheshwari and Ashish Kavi on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to immerse yourself in stories of love, passion, and second chances. Whether you’re celebrating love, healing from heartbreak, or simply in the mood for an emotional rollercoaster, these audiobooks are perfect companions for the season. Here are eight must-listen audiobooks that will make you feel all the feels this Valentine’s Day.
World’s Best Girlfriend – Can Love Survive the Test of Time?
A heartfelt story about love, longing, and the struggles of maintaining relationships, World’s Best Girlfriend is an emotional ride that will leave you rooting for its characters. If you believe in love that defies the odds, this audiobook is for you.
World’s Best Girlfriend || Durjoy Datta
Wish I Could Tell You – A Story of Unspoken Words
Sometimes, the most powerful emotions are the ones left unsaid. Wish I Could Tell You is a poignant audiobook that explores love, loss, and the regrets that come with silence. This listen will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to express their feelings.
When I Am with You – A Love That Feels Like Home
This is a tale of comfort, connection, and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it. If you’re looking for a warm, uplifting romance that will make you believe in soulmates, When I Am with You is a must-listen.
I Don’t Love You Anymore: Moving On and Living Your Best Life – A Guide to Healing
Not all Valentine’s Day listens have to be about finding love—sometimes, they’re about finding yourself. I Don’t Love You Anymore is an empowering audiobook for anyone going through heartbreak, offering insights on moving on and embracing self-love.
Fool Me Twice – A Tale of Betrayal and Second Chances
What happens when love is tested by betrayal? Fool Me Twice takes listeners on a journey through deception, forgiveness, and redemption, making it a gripping listen for anyone who loves a story filled with twists and emotional depth.
Something I Never Told You – A Secret That Changes Everything
This audiobook delves into the complexities of love, secrets, and the courage it takes to reveal one’s true feelings. If you enjoy stories with deep emotional conflicts and powerful revelations, Something I Never Told You will keep you hooked.
I Too Had A Love Story – A Classic Tale of Love and Loss
A heart-wrenching love story that stays with you long after the last page, I Too Had A Love Story is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced love in its purest form. It’s a reminder that love, even when lost, remains eternal in our hearts.
All That Sizzles – A Passionate Romance to Ignite Your Heart
For those who love steamy, passionate romance, All That Sizzles is the perfect pick. Full of sizzling chemistry and irresistible characters, this audiobook is sure to add some heat to your Valentine’s Day listening list.
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.
