Books

It is not certain how the situation in Ukraine will pan out, but it is certain, given the western response to Russian actions and the heated rhetoric, that a new Cold War is set to begin. Or rather, the old one is set to resume after a hiatus -- but millennials and further generations may hardly be very familiar with it, notwithstanding the Bond films.

Khalid A. H. started newspapers and magazines; represented India at the United Nations; accompanied dignitaries on state visits; covered cricket Test matches, nine Olympics, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games; and has been honoured with the Padma Shri – a true la vie en rose (life in rosy hues). Even so, Khalid A.H. Ansari remains firmly grounded.

The author provides a coherent framework outlining the key drivers that will determine the ability of a nation to succeed in this technology-dominant era, laying down a roadmap for how any country must develop its own strategic plan for success. The book goes on to evaluate whether digital colonialism is an inevitable reality, or whether new frameworks will emerge to govern relationships between technology-rich and technology-poor nations.

Commenting on the development, Ruskin Bond said, "Love is that one emotion that remains timeless. Everything can change around us and yet our desire to be loved remains. Over the years, I have written a lot about love, for every age group. These are stories of deep friendship, companionship and everything in between."

He's going through hell-unable to go back in time and fix things, unable to say what he missed saying to her, 'I love you...'. All he wants now is a second chance, to trace his steps back into a loving relationship and win Adira over. It will not be easy because life is tough; love, even tougher. Something I'm Waiting to Tell You is the sweet, intense conclusion of a story that started with Something I Never Told You.

Sohini Roychowdhury, a Bharatanatyam exponent, and Sharon Lowen, a renowned dancer of Indian classical dance forms -- Odissi, Manipuri, Mayurbhanj, and Seraikella Chhau -- will join Manjari Sinha, acclaimed music and dance critic, for a fascinating discussion on Sringara, exploring the evocative and evolutionary form. The session will look at the long history and various interpretations of Sringara, an aesthetic peak that is often regarded as the mother of all nine rasas in Indian dance.

The duo, whose book 'The Ayurvedic Kitchen' (Westland Publishers) recently hit the stands stresses that recent times have proven that the best defense against the virus is immunity.

Penguin Random House India has announced the acquisition of a rare historical account of the significance of the battle, tentatively titled "His Majesty's Head Hunters", by Aspen Fellow and Naga poet Mmhonlumo Kikon that will be released in late 2022.

In a parallel world in India, children's literature was already being nurtured. It was during the colonial regime, writings about pre-colonial times and Indian fairy tales emerged. From the late 20th century, for some Indian languages, children's books became a part of its cultural identity. From then to now, where almost everyone's eyes are fixated on digital screens to study, work or just entertain.

Life in Kurusukuppam is upturned by the arrival of a curious tramp, Gilbert Thaata, a wizened Frenchman who has clearly seen hard times. Settling down on the narrator's "thinnai" (verandah), Thaata begins to earn his keep by recounting the tale of the rise and fall of his family's fortunes as the custodians of a mysterious diamond, the Stone of Sita.