Virtually everyone has stories to tell about what makes them extraordinary.
Meet Bant Singh, an agrarian labourer with indomitable spirit despite being physically disabled; Mohammed Aamir Khan, who refuses to be defeated despite being framed as a terrorist and being jailed for 14 years; an IAS officer explains complex ideas of Indian philosophy in simple and accessible language; and finally, tips from a journalist on how to invest money and save for future.
There's much the IANS bookshelf has for you this weekend. Take a look.
1. Book: The Ballad of Bant Singh; Author: Nirupama Dutt; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 213; Price: Rs. 250
The book relates the life story of Bant Singh the protagonist and his tales of courage. On the unfortunate evening of January 5, 2006, Bant Singh, a Dalit agrarian labourer and activist in Punjab's Jhabar village, was ambushed and brutally beaten up by upper-caste Jat men armed with iron rods and axes.
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He then had to fight for justice for his minor daughter, who was gang-raped. He lost both his arm and a leg while fighting against the Jat men. But this incident could not demolish his spirit and continues to fight for equality and dignity, inspiring others with his revolutionary songs.
2. Book: Framed as a Terrorist; Author: Mohammad Aamir Khan with Nandita Haksar; Publisher: Speaking Tiger; Pages: 234; Price: Rs. 250
In 1998, an ordinary young man was kidnapped by the police from the by-lanes of old Delhi and accused of being a terrorist. The man was released after serving 14 years in jail - when proven innocent.
Based on the true story of the author, Mohammad Aamir Khan, the book is a tale of phenomenal humanity, perseverance and courage in the face of extreme injustice. Despite facing torture and solitary confinement, the author remains committed to the secular and democratic values that he grew up with.
3. Book: Chaturvedi Badrinath - Unity of Life and Other Essays; Edited by Tulsi Badrinath; Publisher: Oxford; Pages: 158; Price: Rs. 450
The latest book edited by Tulsi Badrinath is a compilation of essays written by her father Chaturvedi Badrinath. The book takes a reader into Badrinath's approach towards life. An IAS officer for 31 years, he delivered lectures on the concept of dharma and its application in modern times.
Ranging over perceptions of the self and the other; different ways of ordering society in Jainism, Islam and Christianity; the paradox of sex; the roots of violence and the quest for truth and peace - Badrinath's essays gained wide acclaim and popularity.
4. Book: The Money Book; Author: Vivek Law; Publisher: Rupa; Pages: 194; Price: Rs. 395
Planning to invest money to start a new business? Want your money to multiply fast? Or save some earnings that would secure future post-retirement? Well, here is the answer to queries related to money and investment.
Using relatable examples, the author simplifies the process of savings and investing by bringing the best possible ways to multiply money. Decoding terms like mutual funds, equities and life insurance, Vivek Law shows that there is no need to toil throughout life to have a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
