As India celebrates the spirit of freedom this August, there’s no better time to revisit the stories, sacrifices and ideas that shaped the nation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an avid reader, or simply looking to reconnect with India’s remarkable journey, these books deserve a spot on your reading list. 1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra One of the most authoritative books on India’s freedom movement, this landmark work traces the country’s fight against British colonial rule from the Revolt of 1857 to Independence in 1947. Rich in historical detail, it highlights the contributions of leaders, revolutionaries, peasants, workers and ordinary citizens, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the sacrifices behind India’s freedom. 2. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha While many books end at Independence, this modern classic begins there. Guha explores the enormous challenges India faced after 1947, from Partition and integration of princely states to democracy, economic reforms and social change. It is a compelling account of how India evolved into the world’s largest democracy despite immense odds. 3. The Indian Struggle (1920–1942) by Subhas Chandra Bose Written by one of India’s most iconic freedom fighters, this book presents Bose’s firsthand account of the nationalist movement. It offers unique insights into the political developments of the era, the ideological differences among leaders, and Bose’s vision for achieving complete independence 4. The Battle of Rezang La by Kulpreet Yadav This gripping military history recounts one of the bravest chapters in the 1962 India-China War. It tells the extraordinary story of the soldiers of 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought against overwhelming odds in Ladakh. Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation make this an inspiring read for every Indian. 5. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh Set during the Partition of

Intro: From introspective reflections on joy to gripping investigative journalism and atmospheric historical mysteries, this month’s bookshelf is as diverse as it is compelling. Whether you’re looking to pause and reflect, better understand your relationships, or lose yourself in a richly layered narrative, these new releases offer something for every kind of reader, thoughtful, engaging, and impossible to ignore. The Book of Joy Manoj V Jain The Book of Joy by Manoj V Jain is a thoughtful and visually engaging exploration of happiness, inner peace, and mindful living. Rather than following a conventional self-help format, the book unfolds through a series of reflective quotes, each page offering a pause for thought rather than prescriptive advice. Designed for today’s fast-paced world, it gently encourages readers to reconnect with themselves, shift perspective, and find clarity in everyday moments. The simplicity of its ideas makes it accessible, yet deeply resonant. What sets the book apart is its artistic dimension; each quote is interwoven with evocative artwork by Pradeep Mishra, creating a harmonious blend of words and visuals. Subtle yet impactful, The Book of Joy is not about telling you how to live, but inspiring you to reflect, reset, and rediscover joy in your own way. The Balancing Act Nedra Glover Tawwab From the bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, The Balancing Act is a timely and insightful exploration of relationships, emotional boundaries, and self-awareness. The book centres on a simple yet powerful idea: every relationship requires balance. Too much dependence can make us lose ourselves, while too much independence can leave us isolated. Blending psychological insight with practical guidance, Tawwab breaks down concepts like codependency, attachment styles, and emotional needs in an accessible, relatable way. She offers tools to help readers recognise unhealthy patterns, communicate better, and build meaningful connections without compromising

Every successful entrepreneur shares one habit: they read constantly. Books allow founders to learn from decades of experience, failures, and breakthroughs in just a few hours. From Silicon Valley strategies to inspiring Indian startup stories, these titles have shaped how modern entrepreneurs think and build companies. Hashtag Magazines shortlists a few top recommendations. Global Bestsellers Every Founder Should Know The Lean Startup by Eric Ries This book introduces the famous “Build–Measure–Learn” cycle used by startups worldwide. Instead of building a perfect product first, entrepreneurs create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test it quickly, and improve based on feedback.How to read it: Treat it like a playbook, pause after each chapter and think about how to test your own idea. Zero to One by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters A powerful guide on building truly innovative businesses instead of copying existing ones. Thiel explains why successful startups create unique markets rather than competing in crowded ones.How to read it: Focus on the concepts about monopolies, innovation, and long-term thinking. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Unlike typical motivational books, this one talks about the real struggles of running a company, including layoffs, crises, and tough leadership decisions.How to read it: Read it as a leadership manual for difficult situations in business. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki A classic that changed how millions think about money. It explains why building assets and financial intelligence is essential for entrepreneurs.How to read it: Focus on the lessons about assets vs. liabilities and financial mindset. Inspiring Indian Bestseller Books for Entrepreneurs Stay Hungry Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal One of India’s most influential entrepreneurship books, telling the stories of 25 graduates from IIM Ahmedabad who left high-paying jobs to start businesses. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies and

Anoushka Jain does not treat history as a static archive. For her, it is memory, identity, and inheritance. A trained historian, author, and founder based in Delhi, she grew up in a home where conversations revolved around politics, culture, and lived experience. Stories were currency. Yet she noticed a pattern early on: women’s narratives were often softened, sidelined, or erased. “I realised history wasn’t just a subject for me,” she reflects. “It was about whose stories survive.” An introvert by nature, Anoushka listens more than she speaks, a quality that has shaped both her writing and her leadership. Restoring Women to the Frame Anoushka is the author of Badass Begums, published by HarperCollins, and the founder of Enroute Indian History, a heritage initiative she launched in 2019. The idea stemmed from frustration. “History was being reduced to dates and dynasties,” she says. “I wanted it to feel alive.” Through her book and curated heritage walks, she works to restore visibility to women historically romanticised, villainised, or forgotten altogether. “If women are erased from history, they are erased from imagination.” History, Felt Before Analysed What sets her apart is her narrative lens. “I tell history like it is lived, not like it is memorised,” she explains. Her work explores emotional landscapes, power, gender, rebellion, love, and resistance, rather than mere chronology. Her leadership style mirrors this intimacy. She invites questions, encourages disagreement, and prioritises community over hierarchy. The goal is dialogue, not distance. Building Quietly, Persistently Enroute began without spectacle, early morning walks, solo logistics, research, finances, and self-doubt. “I chose this path because I couldn’t choose it,” she says. The breakthrough came when audiences returned not just for information, but for perspective. The publication of Badass Begums marked another milestone, proof that these layered stories belonged beyond city streets. Her