Books

5 Books on Mythology and Wisdom to Light Up Your Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is more than just a celebration of lamps, sweets, and fireworks; it’s also a time for reflection, learning, and the triumph of wisdom over ignorance. Just as we brighten our homes with diyas, we can illuminate our minds with stories and insights from mythology that hold timeless lessons. This festive season, here are five books that combine storytelling, philosophy, and practical wisdom, making them perfect companions or gifts for Diwali.

1. The Bhagavad Gita: As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

At its heart, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, and the Bhagavad Gita embodies this essence. Presented as a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, the text explores duty, courage, and self-realization. This edition, with detailed commentary, makes the teachings accessible for both seekers and casual readers.

2. Ramayana: The Game of Life (Series) by Shubha Vilas

The Ramayana isn’t just a tale of Rama’s journey it’s also a guide to relationships, leadership, and life’s challenges. Shubha Vilas retells the epic in a way that emphasizes its life lessons, offering practical takeaways for readers. This makes the series especially meaningful during Diwali, when Rama’s return to Ayodhya is celebrated.

3. The Complete Mahabharata (Condensed Retelling) by Ramesh Menon

Grand, complex, and deeply human, the Mahabharata is a treasure trove of wisdom. Menon’s retelling brings the epic alive with rich storytelling while making it approachable for modern readers. It’s a reminder of how choices, dharma, and destiny intertwine a theme worth reflecting upon during the festival of lights.

4. The Seven Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik

In this book, Pattanaik explores Lord Vishnu’s avatars and their symbolic meaning. Each chapter decodes how these stories mirror human evolution, spiritual growth, and the balance between chaos and order. It’s a fascinating read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hindu mythology and its relevance today.

5. The Upanishads (Translated by Eknath Easwaran)

For readers drawn to deeper philosophy, The Upanishads are India’s spiritual classics texts that explore the nature of the self, the universe, and ultimate reality. Easwaran’s accessible translation makes these profound ideas approachable without losing their poetic essence. They’re the perfect read during Diwali, inviting introspection and a sense of connection with timeless wisdom.

September 17, 2025

Journeys of success

Intro: Looking for a new book to read and be inspired by? We have compiled a list of some of the most inspiring and motivational stories of some of the most well-known entrepreneurs and businesspeople. What are you waiting for, add them to your reading list now! 1. Dream With Your Eyes Open by Ronnie Screwvala The founder of UTV, Ronnie Screwvala, describes his fascinating entrepreneurial journey and how he created his entertainment conglomerate. For aspiring business owners and business students, this biography is frequently suggested as a must-read. With over 20 years of experience, the author teaches you how to think big, cultivate ambitions, and learn from mistakes. Get motivated by the example of the entertainment mogul who, even in his early years, displayed entrepreneurial spirit by coming up with novel ideas like selling balcony seats that provided a view of movie stars attending premieres at the theatre next to his home. Get a glimpse into the entrepreneur’s life from his reminiscence. Pages: 208Price: Rs 500 2. NR Narayana Murthy – a biography by Ritu Singh The founder of Infosys and inspirational businessman from India, NR Narayana Murthy, is the subject of this book. This is the story of a man’s faith in his ideology and quiet resolve. In addition to his inspirational journey, this book is filled with values that are uncommon in the business world: diligence, justice, fairness, decency, honesty, openness, striving for excellence, and belief in meritocracy. Since Narayana Murthy and Infosys go hand in hand, one can anticipate a grand journey of the unassuming but brilliant man as he established his empire of Infosys and his supporters. Pages: 154 pages Price: Rs 250 3. Dhirubhai Ambani: Against All Odds by A G Krishnamurthy. A life as grand as it is paved with difficulties: Dhirubhai Ambani.

Books

New Book Launches of 2024: A Must-Read List For Every Book Lover.

The world of literature is constantly evolving, with new voices and stories emerging to captivate readers across the globe. This season’s book launches offer a diverse array of titles, spanning various genres and cultural perspectives. Dhanush Kumar explores new book releases, including works by both Indian and International authors. Let’s dive into these literary offerings that are making waves in the global reading community. New Book Launches of 2024 The Fabulous Mums of Champion Valley by Zarreen Khan Zareen Khan’s The Fabulous Mums of Champion Valley is a heartwarming celebration of motherhood set against the backdrop of a small Indian town. This debut novel explores the lives of a group of mothers whose children attend the local cricket academy. The book’s universal themes of family, friendship, and personal growth have resonated with readers internationally, earning it recognition in literary circles beyond India. A Murder Is Fixed By Madhav Nayak Madhav Nayak’s ‘A Murder is Fixed’ is a gripping murder mystery that blends elements of traditional detective fiction with a distinctly Indian setting. Set in a small town in Karnataka, the novel follows a local police inspector as he unravels a complex case involving political intrigue. The book has been praised for its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end, marking Nayak as a rising star in the crime fiction scene. The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey The Mercy of Gods is the highly anticipated new novel from the acclaimed science fiction duo James S.A. Corey, best known for The Expanse series. This standalone novel explores themes of humanity’s place in the universe and the ethical implications of first contact with alien civilizations. The book’s exploration of complex moral dilemmas set against a vast interstellar backdrop continues to cement Corey’s reputation as a leading voice in

Books

Indian Authors: Essential Reads for Children and Adults

India boasts a rich tapestry of stories that reflect its diverse culture, history, and imagination. Whether you are seeking enchanting tales for children or profound literary works for adults, Indian authors offer many choices. Dhanush Kumar lists four outstanding kids’ books and four remarkable literary novels by Indian authors that will captivate readers of all ages. Top Indian Authors Books 1. Malgudi Days by R.K.Narayan R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days is a collection of short stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi. The charming and humorous tales of ordinary people living in this quaint town delight young readers. With its straightforward language and engaging narratives, this book is perfect for introducing children to the magic of Indian storytelling. 2. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling Though Rudyard Kipling was born in India and is often associated with British literature, The Jungle Book has deep Indian roots. The timeless classic follows the adventures of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. This book is thrilling for children and is filled with memorable characters like Baloo the bear and Bagheera, the panther. 3. The Grandmother’s Tale by Sudha Murthy Sudha Murthy’s The Grandmother’s Tale is a captivating story that weaves traditional Indian values with a modern narrative. It follows the life of a young girl who learns about her grandmother’s adventurous past. Murthy’s storytelling is heart-warming and relatable, making it a perfect read for children. 4. The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond Ruskin Bond’s The Blue Umbrella is a heart-warming story set in a small village in Himachal Pradesh. The Protagonist, Binya, exchanges her lucky leopard’s claws for a beautiful blue umbrella. The umbrella soon becomes the talk of the town, leading to jealousy and eventual theft. This charming tale teaches children about kindness, forgiveness, and the simple

Books

Explore Timeless Treasures: Top 10 Best Books of All Time

Books are more than ink on paper; they are portals to other worlds, vessels of wisdom, and windows into the human experience. Specific works rise above the rest in the vast literature landscape, transcending generations to claim their place as timeless masterpieces. To help you embark on a captivating literary voyage, Dhanush Kumar compiled a list of the top 10 books you must read. 1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” delves into the complexities of racial injustice and moral fortitude in the Deep South. Narrated through the lens of young Scout Finch, readers are immersed in the profound courage of her father, Atticus Finch, as he champions the defense of an unjustly accused black man. With its potent themes and unforgettable characters, this novel strikes a chord with readers across the globe, leaving a lasting impact. 2. 1984 by George Orwell In George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984, readers are transported to a totalitarian society where individuality is suppressed, and Big Brother reigns supreme. Orwell’s chilling portrayal of surveillance and thought control is a stark warning against the dangers of authoritarianism. As relevant today as when it was first published, 1984 remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of freedom. 3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley A pioneering work of scientific fiction, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein remains as relevant and chilling today as when it was first published. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist consumed by his ambition to create life. His monstrous creation, rejected by society, symbolizes scientific hubris and the danger of unchecked ambition. Frankenstein explores profound philosophical themes concerning humanity, morality, and the nature of creation. 4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great