BOOK OF THE DAY

Journalist and applied behavioral scientist Elizabeth Weingarten charts a new path to embrace the questions of our lives instead of seeking fast, easy answers.

What do you do when faced with a big, important question that keeps you up at night? Many people, understandably, seize answers dispensed by “experts,” influencers, gurus, and more. But these fast, easy, one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to satisfy, and can even cause more pain.

What if our questions—the ones we ask about relationships, work, meaning, identity, and purpose—are not our tormentors, but our teachers? Inspired by 150-year-old advice from Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and backed by contemporary science, Elizabeth Weingarten offers a fresh approach for dealing with these seemingly unsolvable questions. In her quest, Weingarten shares her own journey and the stories of many others, whose lives have transformed through a different, and better, relationship with uncertainty.

Designed to inspire anyone who feels stuck, powerless, and drained, How to Fall in Love with Questions challenges us to unlock our minds and embark on the kind of self-discovery that’s only possible when we feel most alive—that is, when we don’t know what will happen next.

THE HINDU ON BOOKS

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BOOK OF THE DAY

AUDIOBOOK: https://amzn.to/44A01CC

BOOK: https://amzn.to/4lDDIlT

I didn’t pick up this book because everything in my relationship was perfect—I picked it up because I wanted to stop feeling like my words were landmines. I was scrolling through Audible one evening, looking for something that didn’t just dish out generic “relationship advice,” but something real. Something that could help me say what I feel without burning the whole house down in the process. That’s when I saw Communicate Your Feelings (Without Starting a Fight) by Nic Saluppo. The title alone felt like it had been plucked straight from one of my own journal entries. And once I hit play and heard Colin Kibler’s calm, grounded voice—firm but kind, like a friend who’s telling you the truth because he actually cares—I knew I was in for more than just good advice. This was perspective-shifting stuff. Here are 8 lessons that stuck with me and reshaped the way I approach emotional conversations—less like a battle, more like a bridge.

1. “I Feel” Is Not a Free Pass to Attack: I always thought starting a sentence with “I feel” meant I was doing it right—being vulnerable, expressing myself. But Nic made it clear: saying “I feel like you don’t care about me” isn’t actually expressing a feeling, it’s a veiled accusation. This was a lightbulb moment. Feelings are emotions, not judgments. Saying “I feel sad when we don’t talk in the evenings” invites connection. The other way? It just puts the other person on the defensive. I realized how often I’ve tried to win instead of connect. And if you’re reading this, maybe you’ve done the same.

2. Timing Can Be Everything (Or the Undoing of Everything): One thing that stood out was how Nic emphasized timing—not just what you say, but when you say it. I’d never thought deeply about this before. I used to bring up emotional topics whenever I was ready. But Kibler’s narration slowed this concept down enough for me to feel it: just because I’m in the mood to talk doesn’t mean it’s the right moment. Now, I pause and ask, “Is this a good time to talk?” That simple shift has saved me from arguments that would’ve erupted purely out of bad timing, not bad intentions.

3. Assume Innocence Before Assigning Intent: This hit me hard. I didn’t realize how quickly I jump to conclusions about why my partner does something—assuming they meant to hurt me, or they’re ignoring me on purpose. Nic drove this home with a clarity I couldn’t ignore: most miscommunications are just that—miscommunications, not malice. This mindset change helped me stop interpreting every unmet need as a personal offense. It’s helped me breathe, listen, and talk without turning into a prosecutor.

4. Complaints Are Not the Enemy—Criticism Is: I used to think bringing up a problem at all was being critical. So I’d either bottle it up or explode. But this book helped me understand the difference: a complaint says, “This didn’t work for me.” Criticism says, “You’re the problem.” The author didn’t just explain the difference—he showed it in example after example. And with Kibler’s voice walking me through them, it felt like practice for real life. I learned to voice what’s bothering me without tearing my partner down. That’s powerful.

5. Your Calm Voice is Louder Than You Think: There was a part where Nic explained how tone alone can escalate or de-escalate a conversation. I thought, “Okay, sure, tone matters.” But then he broke it down—how we physically respond to raised voices, how the nervous system kicks into fight-or-flight. And it clicked. That one chapter changed how I use my voice. Now, when I lower my tone, it doesn’t mean I’m weak—it means I’m choosing connection over chaos. That choice has made hard conversations feel a lot safer.

6. Listen to Understand, Not to Reload: I used to listen just long enough to craft my counterpoint. But Nic challenged that head-on. He said something like, “If you’re listening while preparing your defense, you’re not actually listening.” That line sat with me for days. Now I catch myself. I pause. I really listen. I’ve learned that validation doesn’t mean agreement—it means your partner feels seen. And that simple shift can melt tension before it turns into fire.

7. Boundaries Are Not Walls—They’re Invitations: There was a section on boundaries that surprised me. Instead of treating them like barriers, Nic framed them as ways to help your partner love you better. That hit deep. I always thought saying “I need time after work before I talk” was being distant. But now I see it as giving my partner a roadmap. Clear boundaries aren’t rejection—they’re clarity. And that clarity creates more peace, not less.

8. You Don’t Have to Solve Everything Right Now: This was one of the gentlest lessons in the book. Sometimes, emotions flare. Conversations stall. And the best thing you can do is take a break—not out of avoidance, but out of wisdom. Nic helped me understand that emotional regulation isn’t cold—it’s loving. Giving space doesn’t mean giving up. It means letting the storm pass so real understanding can settle in. That’s been a game changer in how I approach tense moments.

WORLD BOOK DAY

BOOK OF THE DAY

A dazzlingly inventive work of literature’ Robert Macfarlane, author of The Old Ways

'A wonderful, epic braiding of history, geography and personal memoir' James Rebanks, author of English Pastoral

'Stunning...weaving an intricate tapestry of tarmac, humanity and time, as rich as the dark earth on which his many threads lie. It will stay with me.’ Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path

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At the heart of this book is a highway. The A1; The Great North Road. A 400-mile multiplicity of ancient trackway, Roman road, pilgrim path, coach route and motorway that has run like a backbone through Britain for the last 2,000 years.

In this genre-defying and profoundly personal book, Cowen follows this ghost road from beginning to end on a journey through history, place, people and time. Weaving his own histories and memories with the layered landscapes he moves through, this is the story of an age, of coming to terms with time past and time passing, and the roads that lead us to where we find ourselves.

Written in kaleidoscopic prose, The North Road is an unforgettable exploration of Britain’s great highway.

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'This is an astonishing book in its scope and vitality. It’s one to relish and revisit.' The Telegraph

'A remarkable, post-Covid, post-Brexit state of the nation literary archaeology.' Financial Times

'Stunning and utterly unique. The North Road sits in a genre of one' Benjamin Myers, author of The Gallows Pole

'A dazzling, dogged, layered account of one road’s passage through place, time and an ordinary family’s history, The North Road truly is a trip' Melissa Harrison, author of All Among The Barley

'Thought-provoking and beautiful' Matt Gaw, author of Under The Stars

'A beautifully woven and mesmerising book' Tom Bullough, author of Sarn Helen

'Sweeping, sensitive and enduring' Tristan Gooley, author of How To Read A Tree

BOOK OF THE DAY

ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A major book about the future of the world, blending intellectual and natural history and field reporting into a powerful account of the mass extinction unfolding before our eyes

Over the last half a billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cataclysm is us.

In The Sixth Extinction, two-time winner of the National Magazine Award and New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert draws on the work of scores of researchers in half a dozen disciplines, accompanying many of them into the field: geologists who study deep ocean cores, botanists who follow the tree line as it climbs up the Andes, marine biologists who dive off the Great Barrier Reef. She introduces us to a dozen species, some already gone, others facing extinction, including the Panamian golden frog, staghorn coral, the great auk, and the Sumatran rhino.

Through these stories, Kolbert provides a moving account of the disappearances occurring all around us and traces the evolution of extinction as concept, from its first articulation by Georges Cuvier in revolutionary Paris up through the present day. The sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy; as Kolbert observes, it compels us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

BOOK OF THE DAY

A wealth of insanely useful advice' – Cal Newport, bestselling author of Deep Work

Break free from deadline dread and time guilt with this powerful guide on how to regain control of your time and your life – from the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup.

Swamped with endless notifications and growing to-do lists, we all feel the pressure of a culture that prizes being busy over being present. This ‘time anxiety’ isn't just for the overly ambitious – it’s a daily reality for parents juggling work and family, students trying to balance grades and health and anyone feeling the pinch to make every moment count.

In Time Anxiety, New York Times bestselling author Chris Guillebeau offers actionable advice, personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections that empower readers to break free from the cycle of time-related stress. Weaving together eye-opening research on time perception, executive function and avoidance, he offers a bold path for redefining our relationship with the clock.

Time Anxiety is the essential guide for anyone looking to escape the constant pressure of doing more and, instead, focus on being more.

BOOK OF THE DAY

Emotional Intimacy: The Power of the Heart in Personal and Professional Relationships by Robert Augustus Masters is a profound exploration of the nature of emotional intimacy and its critical role in fostering deep, authentic connections in both personal and professional relationships. Masters, a psychotherapist and author, delves into the intricacies of emotional intimacy, emphasizing the need for vulnerability, empathy, and self-awareness to cultivate meaningful bonds with others.

The book begins by defining emotional intimacy and distinguishing it from physical or intellectual intimacy. Masters argues that true emotional intimacy involves a profound understanding and acceptance of oneself and others, which requires the courage to confront one's vulnerabilities and fears. He discusses the importance of emotional literacy—the ability to recognize, understand, and express emotions—as a foundational skill for building emotional intimacy.

Throughout the text, Masters provides practical tools and exercises designed to enhance emotional awareness and communication, encouraging readers to engage in deep self-reflection and to embrace their emotional truths. He emphasizes the significance of honesty and transparency in relationships, highlighting how these qualities foster trust and connection.

In addition to personal relationships, Masters explores how emotional intimacy can enhance professional dynamics, leading to healthier and more productive workplaces. Ultimately, Emotional Intimacy serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to deepen their connections with others, offering insights and practices that promote a more emotionally engaged and fulfilling life.

10 Key Lessons from Emotional Intimacy

1. Understanding Emotional Intimacy

Emotional intimacy is essential for deep connections.

Recognize that emotional intimacy involves sharing feelings and vulnerabilities, creating a safe space for authentic interactions.

2. The Importance of Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Embrace your vulnerabilities as a means to connect more deeply with others and foster trust.

3. Cultivating Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy enhances relationships.

Develop your ability to identify, understand, and express your emotions to improve communication and intimacy.

4. Practicing Self-Reflection

Self-awareness is key to emotional intimacy.

Engage in regular self-reflection to understand your emotional patterns and how they affect your relationships.

5. Honesty and Transparency

Open communication builds trust.

Practice honesty and transparency in your interactions, as they are foundational to emotional intimacy.

6. Listening with Empathy

Empathetic listening fosters connection.

Listen actively and empathetically to others, validating their feelings and experiences to deepen emotional bonds.

7. Navigating Conflict with Compassion

Conflict can strengthen intimacy when handled well.

Approach conflicts with compassion and a willingness to understand, using them as opportunities for growth and connection.

8. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships.

Establish and respect personal boundaries to create a safe environment for emotional intimacy to flourish.

9. Embracing Emotional Truths

Acknowledging your emotions is crucial for connection.

Allow yourself to feel and express your emotional truths, as this authenticity invites others to do the same.

10. Integrating Emotional Intimacy in All Relationships

Emotional intimacy is beneficial in all areas of life.

Apply the principles of emotional intimacy not only in personal relationships but also in professional settings to enhance collaboration and trust.

Emotional Intimacy by Robert Augustus Masters provides a comprehensive and insightful guide to understanding and cultivating emotional intimacy in various relationships. The key lessons emphasize the importance of vulnerability, emotional literacy, and open communication as essential components of deep connections. Masters’ teachings encourage readers to embrace their emotional truths and engage in self-reflection, ultimately fostering healthier, more meaningful interactions in both personal and professional spheres. Through this exploration, readers are empowered to enhance their emotional bonds and lead more fulfilling lives.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3FYLZjZ

You can ENJOY the AUDIOBOOK for FREE (When you register for Audible Membership Trial) using the same link above.

BOOK OF THE DAY

Penguin Random House

Allergic by Theresa MacPhail

ISBN 9780593229194

About Allergic

An “important and deeply researched” (The Wall Street Journal) exploration of allergies, from their first medical description in 1819 to the cutting-edge science that is illuminating the changes in our environment and lifestyles that are making so many of us sick

Hay fever. Peanut allergies. Eczema. Either you have an allergy or you know someone who does. Billions of people worldwide—an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the global population—have some form of allergy. Even more concerning, over the last decade the number of people diagnosed with an allergy has been steadily increasing, placing an ever-growing medical burden on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems.

Medical anthropologist Theresa MacPhail, herself an allergy sufferer whose father died of a beesting, set out to understand why. In pursuit of answers, MacPhail studied the dangerous experiments of early immunologists as well as the mind-bending recent development of biologics and immunotherapies that are giving the most severely impacted patients hope. She scaled a roof with an air-quality controller who diligently counts pollen by hand for hours every day; met a mother who struggled to use WIC benefits for her daughter with severe food allergies; spoke with doctors at some of the finest allergy clinics in the world; and discussed the intersecting problems of climate change, pollution, and pollen with biologists who study seasonal respiratory allergies.

This is the story of allergies: what they are, why we have them, and what that might mean about the fate of humanity in a rapidly changing world.

BOOK OF THE DAY

About A Mind of Her Own

Rising above the devastation of World War I, a young half-French, half-American woman remains true to her own independent spirit in this powerful historical novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

Alexandra Bouvier is born in Paris in 1900, at the dawn of a new century. From an early age, she is encouraged to think for herself by her enlightened family: her father, a French doctor; her mother, an American nurse; and her maternal grandfather a highly regarded newspaperman back in the Midwest.

At age fourteen, Alex’s comfortable life is upended as war erupts across Europe. Her parents follow their sense of duty to the front, performing triage at a field hospital and confronting the horrors of poison gas and trench warfare. The merciless fighting, coupled with the fast-spreading Spanish flu, wreaks havoc on the continent, as well as on Alex’s loved ones. By the time she is eighteen, she has suffered unimaginable losses.

With her grandfather’s support, she attends the University of Chicago and decides to follow his footsteps into journalism. As a newspaper intern she meets reporter Oliver Foster, who is covering the gang wars sparked by Prohibition. He too has known devastating loss, and the two are drawn to each other, though both fear any attachment. As it turns out, Alex has good reason to be cautious.

Danielle Steel’s sweeping historical novel is a story of resilience and the courage to open one’s heart—no matter how many times it’s been broken—and believe in oneself.

CHENNAI LIT FEST 2025

BOOK OF THE DAY

In sixteenth-century India, warrior Amar Singh, tracker Jingu, artist Qamaruz Zaman and fire-scarred scholar Ferdows travel through a land teeming with clans, languages and deities, stealthily rigging the emperor’s dominion over man, beast and demon.

The unlikely quartet prove adept at engineering spectacles reflecting the Great Moghul’s divine right to rule. Qamaruz Zaman and Jingu’s acting abilities are as sublime as their sketching and tracking; Amar Singh excels at violence; and Ferdows is a skilled linguist and healer. In a series of disguises, they intercept a rogue elephant attacking a riverside caravanserai, face a liger in a subterranean complex under a desert kingdom, and confront a demon in an animistic community in a remote mountain valley. The Great Moghul takes credit for each hunt, and this strategy of empire expansion seems to be working.

But there are challenges. Qamaruz Zaman is frail, hedonistic and allergic to fur. Jingu has dreams of transcending his caste but fears they will only ever be dreams. Ferdows is on a hunt but doesn’t like hurting things. And Amar Singh is a narcissist who cares only about honour and reclaiming lost glory. By the time the quartet reaches the harem city of Zikri to investigate a mysterious death during a symposium on metaphysics, the differences of temperament, belief and ambition between them are causing issues.

In Zikri, Jingu and Qamaruz Zaman are sidelined, Amar Singh learns there is an imperial hunter other than the Great Moghul, and Ferdows the storyteller becomes the story.

Ways to improve reading skills and speed

*SURI*

Ways to improve reading skills and speed please

*Meta AI*

Here are some effective ways to improve your reading skills and speed:

Improving Reading Skills

1. *Set goals and track progress*: Identify what you want to achieve and track your progress to stay motivated.

2. *Practice active reading*: Engage with the material by asking questions, making connections, and visualizing the content.

3. *Improve vocabulary*: Expand your vocabulary by reading widely, using flashcards, and learning prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

4. *Develop critical thinking*: Analyze the text, identify main ideas, and evaluate arguments.

5. *Increase reading frequency*: Make reading a regular habit to build your reading muscle.

Improving Reading Speed

1. *Eliminate subvocalization*: Practice reading without saying the words in your head.

2. *Use your peripheral vision*: Take in groups of words at a time, rather than focusing on individual words.

3. *Increase your reading pace*: Gradually increase your reading speed by setting timers and challenging yourself.

4. *Use a pointer*: Use a pointer, such as a finger or a mouse, to guide your eyes as you read.

5. *Practice skimming and scanning*: Learn to quickly identify main ideas, keywords, and relevant information.

Additional Tips

1. *Choose material wisely*: Select texts that interest you and are at an appropriate reading level.

2. *Create a conducive reading environment*: Eliminate distractions, use good lighting, and adjust your reading position for comfort.

3. *Take breaks*: Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and recharge your mind.

4. *Join a book club or find a reading buddy*: Discussing what you've read can help you stay motivated and engaged.

5. *Use technology*: Utilize e-readers, apps, or software that offer features like adjustable font sizes, reading timers, and progress tracking.

By incorporating these strategies into your reading routine, you'll see improvement in your reading skills and speed over time.

BOOK OF THE DAY

An emotionally powerful debut with a magical twist, set between WWII France and present-day Appalachia, about generations of women in a family, their secret healing abilities, and the mysterious consequences they must contend with when they use their skills on someone they love

“A profound tale of love, family legacy, secrets, and the extraordinary power within us all.... A deeply felt debut.”

—PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

For generations, the Winston women have possessed an unspoken magical gift: they can heal with the touch of a hand. It’s a tradition they’ve always had to practice in secret, in the moonlight hours, when the fireflies dance and the whippoorwill birds sing.

But not every healer has rightfully passed on this knowledge to her descendants, and for young Louise Winston, the discovery of her abilities comes in less-than-ideal circumstances—she brings her best friend back from death following an accident, the day after he professed his long-held feelings for her, five days before she’s supposed to move away.

Desperate for answers, and to avoid this new reality between them, Louise escapes to her grandmother’s lush Appalachian orchard. There, she uncovers her family’s hidden history in a tattered journal, stemming back to her brave great-grandmother who illicitly healed Allied soldiers in war-torn France. But just as Louise begins to embrace her unique legacy, she learns that it can also come with a mysterious cost. And with a life hanging in the balance, she’ll be forced to make the most impossible of choices…

Spanning eighty years, The Moonlight Healers is a deeply empathetic, heartfelt novel about mothers and daughters, life and death, and the beautiful resilience of love.

EYECATCHERS

BOOK OF THE DAY

**WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 2024**

**THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**

'A slim, profound study of intimate human fears set against epic vistas'

GUARDIAN

'Stunning... An uplifting book'

SUNDAY TIMES

Life on our planet as you've never seen it before

A team of astronauts in the International Space Station collect meteorological data, conduct scientific experiments and test the limits of the human body. But mostly they observe. Together they watch their silent blue planet, circling it sixteen times, spinning past continents and cycling through seasons, taking in glaciers and deserts, the peaks of mountains and the swells of oceans. Endless shows of spectacular beauty witnessed in a single day.

Yet although separated from the world they cannot escape its constant pull. News reaches them of the death of a mother, and with it comes thoughts of returning home. They look on as a typhoon gathers over an island and people they love, in awe of its magnificence and fearful of its destruction.

The fragility of human life fills their conversations, their fears, their dreams. So far from earth, they have never felt more part - or protective - of it. They begin to ask, what is life without earth? What is earth without humanity?

'Our unanimity about Orbital recognises its beauty and ambition. It reflects Harvey’s extraordinary intensity of attention to the precious and precarious world we share' Edmund de Waal, Chair of the 2024 Booker Prize judges

*A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE GUARDIAN, SUNDAY TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, NEW STATESMAN, SPECTATOR, DAILY MAIL AND MAIL ON SUNDAY*

BOOK OF THE DAY

New York Times Bestseller

New York Times Notable Book of 2016 • NPR Great Read of 2016 • Named a Best Book of 2016 by The Economist, Smithsonian, NPR's Science Friday, MPR, Minnesota Star Tribune, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Guardian, Times (London)

From Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Yong, a groundbreaking, wondrously informative, and vastly entertaining examination of the most significant revolution in biology since Darwin—a “microbe’s-eye view” of the world that reveals a marvelous, radically reconceived picture of life on earth.

Every animal, whether human, squid, or wasp, is home to millions of bacteria and other microbes. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ed Yong, whose humor is as evident as his erudition, prompts us to look at ourselves and our animal companions in a new light—less as individuals and more as the interconnected, interdependent multitudes we assuredly are.

The microbes in our bodies are part of our immune systems and protect us from disease. In the deep oceans, mysterious creatures without mouths or guts depend on microbes for all their energy. Bacteria provide squid with invisibility cloaks, help beetles to bring down forests, and allow worms to cause diseases that afflict millions of people.

Many people think of microbes as germs to be eradicated, but those that live with us—the microbiome—build our bodies, protect our health, shape our identities, and grant us incredible abilities. In this astonishing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour through our microbial partners, and introduces us to the scientists on the front lines of discovery. It will change both our view of nature and our sense of where we belong in it.

BOOK OF THE DAY

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A BookPage Best Nonfiction Book of 2024

From the bestselling author of Cultish and host of the podcast Sounds Like a Cult, a delicious blend of cultural criticism and personal narrative that explores our cognitive biases and the power, disadvantages, and highlights of magical thinking.

Utilizing the linguistic insights of her “witty and brilliant” (Blyth Roberson, author of America the Beautiful?) first book Wordslut and the sociological explorations of her breakout hit Cultish, Amanda Montell now turns her erudite eye to the inner workings of the human mind and its biases in her most personal and electrifying work yet.

“Magical thinking” can be broadly defined as the belief that one’s internal thoughts can affect unrelated events in the external world: think of the conviction that one can manifest their way out of poverty, stave off cancer with positive vibes, thwart the apocalypse by learning to can their own peaches, or transform an unhealthy relationship to a glorious one with loyalty alone. In all its forms, magical thinking works in service of restoring agency amid chaos, but in The Age of Magical Overthinking, Montell argues that in the modern information age, our brain’s coping mechanisms have been overloaded, and our irrationality turned up to an eleven.

In a series of razor sharp, deeply funny chapters, Montell delves into a cornucopia of the cognitive biases that run rampant in our brains, from how the “halo effect” cultivates worship (and hatred) of larger-than-life celebrities, to how the “sunk cost fallacy” can keep us in detrimental relationships long after we’ve realized they’re not serving us. As she illuminates these concepts with her signature brilliance and wit, Montell’s prevailing message is one of hope, empathy, and ultimately forgiveness for our anxiety-addled human selves. If you have all but lost faith in our ability to reason, Montell aims to make some sense of the senseless. To crack open a window in our minds, and let a warm breeze in. To help quiet the cacophony for a while, or even hear a melody in it.

BOOK OF THE DAY

Book overview

This remarkable memoir, and history of India after Independence, by one of India’s most distinguished public intellectuals, begins with his memories, at the age of three, of the assassination of his paternal grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. From this poignant opening note, the book expands into numerous encounters with personalities both Indian and foreign, ‘eminent’ as well as little known, and original insights into key events and turning points of modern Indian history, many of which he was an eyewitness to as secretary to presidents R. Venkataraman and K. R. Narayanan, and as governor of West Bengal and Bihar.

The book is divided into eight sections. The first section deals with the hopes and dreams of a newly independent nation, and the tragic events of Partition following the birth of the nation. Section Two recounts notable events that ushered in democracy such as the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, the first general election (1951–52), and the formation of the Swatantra Party by C. Rajagopalachari, the last governor general of India and the author’s maternal grandfather. In Section Three, we witness, among other things, the 1962 Sino–India War that convulsed a young democracy, the deaths of India’s first president, Rajendra Prasad, in 1963, its first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1964, and second prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, in 1966.

Deeply engaging and insightful, and illustrated with rare archival photographs from various sources, The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India is a magisterial account of seminal events in the country from Independence to the present day.