Book picks similar to
Guiding Souls (dialogues on the purpose of life) by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
non-fiction
kalam
indian-writers
apj-books
Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT
Chetan Bhagat - 2004
In fact, it describes how screwed up things can get if you don’t think straight.”Three hostelmates – Alok, Hari and Ryan get off to a bad start in IIT – they screw up the first class quiz. And while they try to make amends, things only get worse. It takes them a while to realize: If you try and screw with the IIT system, it comes back to double screw you. Before they know it, they are at the lowest echelons of IIT society. They have a five-point-something GPA out of ten, ranking near the end of their class. This GPA is a tattoo that will remain with them, and come in the way of anything else that matters – their friendship, their future, their love life. While the world expects IITians to conquer the world, these guys are struggling to survive.Will they make it? Do under performers have a right to live? Can they show that they are not just a five-point-somebody but a five-point-someone?
Democracy's XI: The Great Indian Cricket Story
Rajdeep Sardesai - 2017
The Indian team is a glorious mix of people from different religions, classes, castes, regions and languages; where the son of a pump manager from Ranchi is tightly bound in fate and determination to the child prodigy of a Marathi professor from Mumbai and a Muslim from the back alleys of Hyderabad. And while dynasts can rule the roost in politics and Bollywood, cricket is a meritocratic space. But it wasn't always this way. Gandhi, for instance, intensely disapproved of cricket. During the Raj it was associated with racism. It had the nasty odour of communal division, with Hindus and Muslims playing in separate teams. Dalits, meanwhile, were personas non grata on the field. Bestselling author and journalist Rajdeep Sardesai narrates the story of post-Independence cricket through the lives of eleven extraordinary Indian cricketers who represent different dimensions of this change - from Dilip Sardesai and Tiger Pataudi in the 1950s to M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli today. This is not a book about an all-time best Indian cricket eleven but one that seeks to show us glimpses of a changing India through personal and anecdotal biographical portraits. From the days that Indian cricketers travelled by train and earned a few hundred rupees for Test matches to the bright lights of the multimillion-dollar IPL, this book puts the spotlight on the evolution of Indian cricket and society, and shows how a post-colonial nation found self-respect.
Rearview My Roadies Journey
Raghu Ram - 2013
I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ROADIES FORM THAT HAS "F--K YOU, RAGHU" WRITTEN ALL OVER IT; I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE POSTER THAT WAS HELP UP THIS YEAR DURING THE CHANDIGARH AUDITIONS THAT READ, "BAAP TOH BAAP HOTA HAI. RAGHU ROX".I SEE EQUAL PARTS RESPECT, EQUAL PARTS LOATHING. EQUAL PARTS RAGHU, EQUAL PARTS THE BULLY.'There is a man - tall, bald, muscular, intimidating - who manages to induce terror and awe in all those who dare walk into his interrogation room. There was once a boy - scrawny, weak, easily intimidated, voice unbroken at fifteen - who was bullied consistently through his childhood. This is the story of how that boy became the man he is today: part-time singer, song-writer and jammer; full-time producer, cameraman and editor; Sherlock Holmes and Batman worshipper; staunch atheist with an innate fear of water and heights. This is the autobiography of the rudest man on Indian television.RAGHU RAM, THE ORIGINAL ROADIE, SPLIT WIDE OPEN
High-Hanging Fruit: Build Something Great by Going Where No One Else Will
Mark Rampolla - 2016
What about this idea is exciting, beyond the possibility of a profit? How will it fit into a life that makes you and your family happy? How will it change the world? Eventually, Mark found his great idea: coconut water. He had seen the developing world use coconut water, but this valuable resource was being discarded in the U.S. While taking on the beverage industry was a big goal--high-hanging fruit--it was worth the risk because Mark believed passionately that it could change the world. After years of hard work, ZICO Coconut Water became a huge success, and was eventually sold to Coca-Cola for more than $200 million.This book is about harnessing your values to make money and produce a product or service that will truly resonate with consumers, bring you joy and fulfillment, and leave a mark on the world. Large incumbent corporations often try to trick this savvy audience through packaging or advertising, but customers see through it and instead are drawn to insurgent brands derived from the founders' passion and positive impact in the world.
Dongri To Dubai : Six Decades of The Mumbai Mafia
S. Hussain Zaidi - 2012
It is the story of notorious gangsters like Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, Varadarajan Mudaliar, Chhota Rajan, Abu Salem, but above all, it is the story of a young man who went astray despite having a father in the police force. Dawood Ibrahim was initiated into crime as a pawn in the hands of the Mumbai police and went on to wipe out the competition and eventually became the Mumbai police’s own nemesis.The narrative encompasses several milestones in the history of crime in India, from the rise of the Pathans, formation of the Dawood gang, the first ever supari, mafia’s nefarious role in Bollywood, Dawood’s move to Karachi, and Pakistan’s subsequent alleged role in sheltering one of the most wanted persons in the world. This story is primarily about how a boy from Dongri became a don in Dubai, and captures his bravado, focus, ambition, and lust for power in a gripping narrative. The meticulously researched book provides an in-depth and comprehensive account of the mafia’s games of supremacy and internecine warfare.
Parthiban Kanavu- Dream of Parthiban
Kalki - 1941
It's focal point is the reign of Narasimha Pallavan (Narasimhavarman). The narrative revolves around the struggle of the Pallava Emperor to enhance the prestige of the Pallava dynasty flag.Known for his patronage of the arts, Narasimha Pallavan took great interest in creating the remarkable shore town of Mamallapuram, with its famous Shore temple and the monolithic Rathas. He restored to Hinduism its elements of love and compassion. He succeeded in wiping out the extremist cult of Saivism, which believed in human sacrifice. In Parthiban Kanavu these historic facts are woven around a remarkable narrative, filled with thrill, suspense and romance.Paarthiban Kanavu deals with the attempts of the son of (fictional) Chola king Parthiban, Vikraman, to attain independence from the Pallava ruler, Narasimhavarman.
Seduced by Murder
Saurbh Katyal - 2010
Vishal setsout to catch the murderer, while dealing with the resurgence of anirresistible desire for Aditi that he had buried years ago.Vishal is a witty, hard drinking, tough private detective who doesn'tmind getting his hands dirty as he races against time to catch ameticulous killer. Seduced by Murder weaves a web of noir andsuspense that keeps the reader riveted and guessing till the end.
Tata Log
Harish Bhat - 2012
TATAlog presents eight riveting and hitherto untold stories about the strategic and operational challenges that TATA companies have faced, and the forward thinking and determination that have raised the brand to new heights. Among the engaging and inspiring stories told here are those of Tata Indica, the first completely Indian car that succeeded in the face of widespread cynicism; the jewellery brand Tanishq that has transformed one of Indias largest industries; and Tata Finance, which underwent several tribulations yet demonstrated the principles which Tata stands for. Written by a TATA insider, TATAlog reveals the DNA of every TATA enterprisea combination of the virtues of being pioneering, purposive, principled and not perfect, along with tremendous human effort.
The Thing Between U & Me
Sagar Sahu - 2011
He has friends like the coward–cum–comic Rahul, the hunk–cum–holly James, the honest–cum–humorist Sikander, a job of lacks and above than all his Aphrodite…Samvedna. Life of dreams he has. But he sacrifice it too for the search of achievements and the funny 250pages tells where he reaches.In this inspiring novel Sagar discovers the mysterious nature of life, love, triumph and glee very delicately. It's a novel for the people who searched the meaning of happiness once upon or searching right now or thinking to search… a key to unlock exult hidden inside hearts. Yeah, see The Thing Between U & Me.
Jack Ma: A Biography of the Alibaba Billionaire
Ryan Gardner - 2017
He is one of China's richest men, as well as one of the wealthiest people in Asia. He has become a global icon in business and entrepreneurship, one of the world's most influential businessmen, and a philanthropist known for expounding his philosophy of business. Ma is one of the world's most powerful people, and has been a global inspirer and role model to many, he also gave numerous lectures, enlightenments and advices throughout his life career.
The Facial Hair Handbook
Jack Passion - 2009
Over the past few years, we ve seen facial hair sprouting up on faces everywhere. Men want to experiment with their facial gardens, but it s not always just as easy as putting the razor to rest Any man will surely go back to shaving when his beard starts to itch. When a goatee or mustache looks bad, he ll shave it off, discouraged and unaware of his options. Marginalized facial hair stereotypes prevent every day, normal guys from making facial hair part of their personal style. Men have forgotten about their beards, let alone how to wear and care for them. Until now. The Facial Hair Handbook is a hilarious and informative guide to all aspects of facial hair, for men of all ages and all faces. From making the decision to wear facial hair, to the best way to take it off, all men can finally be stylish and care for their appearance while staying true to who they are: Men.
Speedpost: Letters to My Children about Living, Loving, Caring and Coping with the World
Shobhaa Dé - 1999
Series of letters that address a wide range of concerns. Compassionate, loving, witty, and as always, provocative. By a leading best-selling novelist. South Asia Books carries several of De's novels.
Anant Pai: Master Storyteller
Gayathri Chandrasekaran - 2012
Using the comics format he told stories from mythology, history and literature to generations of children.Uncle Pai, as he was known, wanted Indian children to be familiar with their heritage. He believed that it helped build self-esteem and confidence. A chemical engineer by profession, Anant Pai gave up his job to follow his dream, a dream that led to the creation of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle.Amar Chitra Katha pays tribute to its creator and traces the story of the man who left behind a legacy of learning and laughter.
Paradise Park (Potter's S)
Iris Gower - 2002
She gains a respectable post as housekeeper to an elderly man, but when he dies his waspish sister throws her out onto the streets where she faces destitution. At the entrance to the notorious Paradise Park Hotel she encounters Sal, a young street girl whom she tries to rescue.
Her attempt ends in failure and Sal returns to her old life on the streets, leaving Rhiannon is even more determined to become respectable. She obtains a job as maid to unhappy Janey Buchan, who takes a liking to Rhiannon and teaches her ladylike ways. Her rascally husband Dafydd, once the lover of Llinos Mainwaring, causes Janey great unhappiness, and eventually she runs away, leaving Rhiannon once more without a job or a home.
In desperation, knowing that little stands between her and a return to her old life, she finds herself back at the Paradise Park Hotel. Once scarcely more than a bawdy house, it has now changed hands and Rhiannon starts working there, helping gradually to transform it from a place of ill-repute into one of the finest hotels in Swansea. The only thing lacking in her life is love, and with Bull Beynon married to sweet, gentle Katie, she fears that she may have to live out her life alone . . .
Paradise Park is the triumphant finale to Iris Gower's Firebird sequence, set amongst the romantic clay potteries of South Wales.