The Renunciation by Pragya Agrawal (Book Review: 3.75*/5) !!!

  

16^th Book of 2025

Mythological retellings have become increasingly popular in recent years, but very few manage to strike a balance between reverence for the original text and a fresh, emotionally engaging perspective. The Renunciation by Pragya Agrawal succeeds in doing exactly that. Instead of retelling the Ramayana in its entirety, the book chooses to focus on one of its most painful yet profound chapters—Sita’s life after her exile, her motherhood, and her ultimate choice of dignity over belonging.

 

The story unfolds in the serene surroundings of Sage Valmiki’s hermitage, where Sita lives with her twin sons, Luv and Kush. Far removed from the grandeur of Ayodhya and the noise of royal expectations, this setting allows the reader to see Sita not as a divine symbol, but as a deeply human woman—one who loves fiercely, remembers painfully, and carries silence as both shield and strength. The author beautifully captures the emotional stillness of this phase of Sita’s life, making the forest almost a character in itself.

 

What stands out most in this retelling is the way Sita’s inner world is portrayed. Her suffering is not dramatized unnecessarily, nor is it reduced to victimhood. Instead, it is presented as lived experience—layered with love, disappointment, courage, and unwavering self-respect. The scenes between Sita and her sons are particularly touching. Her maternal instincts, her protectiveness, and her quiet fear of the truth one day surfacing are written with great sensitivity. These moments give the book its emotional core.

 

The narrative gains further depth when Valmiki teaches Luv and Kush to sing the Ramayana, unknowingly narrating the life story of their own parents. This irony is handled with subtlety, allowing readers to feel Sita’s internal conflict without overt exposition. The past, which she has carefully sealed away, slowly begins to resurface—forcing her to confront memories she never truly escaped.

 

What I appreciated most about The Renunciation is that it does not attempt to judge the epic or its characters. Lord Ram is not diminished, nor is Sita elevated through comparison. Instead, the book gently highlights the emotional gaps within the larger narrative—spaces where Sita’s voice was often unheard. Her final act of renunciation is portrayed not as defeat, but as a conscious, powerful choice—one rooted in self-worth and inner clarity. The few pages are very emotional and once the book ended, it wasn’t easy for me to keep it aside and forget. It took me lot of days to come in terms with it.

 

Talking about few drawbacks, I feel that the sections of the story have been over-described which makes it boring to read the complete sentences at times and you feel like skipping few lines because they don’t take the story further. Similarly, I feel that there is lot to Sita’s character which could have been explored but kept away from the scope of the book which makes the readers feel incompleteness to her complete journey.

 

Overall, The Renunciation is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant retelling that invites readers to pause and reflect. It is less about spectacle and more about silence, endurance, and the courage it takes to let go. For readers who enjoy mythology told through introspection rather than grandeur, this book is a rewarding and memorable read. I’ll give this book 3.75* out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

The Four Avengers Versus the Elephant: Two Tales from the Panchatantra by Meena Arora Nayak (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  

15th Book of 2025

Reading children’s books can be quite interesting when you want to read something light while having tea or coffee at someone’s home—especially when they have kids for whom such books have been purchased. I took advantage of a similar opportunity and read a book titled “The Four Avengers Versus the Elephant” published by Aleph. The book consists of two tales from the Panchatantra, retold by Meena Arora Nayak.

 

The book is meant for children above the age of nine, as the author has ensured that even though her stories are targeted at kids, they are written in a way that imparts knowledge beyond the basics. I, as someone in my mid-30s, could also find wisdom in the way these stories are narrated. Nayak uses conversations between animals as a medium to deliver life lessons and Chanakya-like insights. Many dialogues are written in a manner that resembles explanations of ancient Sanskrit shlokas.

 

The first story focuses on the qualities and responsibilities of a king. Within the same tale, the author highlights how a vulnerable animal like a hare can outsmart a mighty lion who is ready to kill and eat him. The way the hare leads the lion to his own death is told very intelligently and gives hope to anyone who considers themselves weaker than others.

 

Similarly, the second story narrates how four small animals and insects unite to defeat an elephant who had been troubling one of their friends. This story beautifully signifies how the power of unity can bring even the most powerful to their knees.

 

Overall, I loved reading this book. I rate it 4 stars out of 5. I just feel that children’s books like this shouldn’t be priced as high as they often are — hopefully, publications can find a way to make them more affordable.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Birbal Goes to Persia: Four Tales of Akbar and Birbal by Delshad Karanjia (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

  

14th Book of 2025 

I remember my father instilling the habit of reading books in me right from my primary schooling days. One of the most popular stories during those years was the Akbar-Birbal tales. I used to think that kids these days wouldn’t be reading about Akbar and Birbal, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found a few such books at one of my relatives’ homes. It took me just 20 minutes to complete this book titled “Birbal Goes to Persia,” which consists of four tales of Akbar and Birbal — all distinct from each other. The stories have been retold by Delshad Karanjia, who has been a journalist by profession.

 

All the stories are witty, funny, and humorous, and each provides a life lesson at the end. The first story in the book, A Lesson for the Emperor, tells a tale where Birbal gives a profound lesson to Akbar, making him realize that everything in life is temporary and that worldly possessions do not belong to anyone permanently, as every person is merely passing through Earth and must die one day.

 

The second story, Birbal and the Shah, is another example of Birbal’s cleverness, where he manages to impress both his own king as well as the ruler of another country by complimenting each of them in their respective presence — changing the perspective of his statements in both instances.

 

The third story, Catching Thieves, actually tells two different tales where Birbal faces the challenging task of finding a thief. He uses his intelligence and gives a task to the suspects, through which he cleverly identifies the real thief without conducting any formal investigation.

 

The fourth story, A Tax on Fools, serves as a fitting conclusion to the book. It narrates how Birbal challenges Akbar’s idea of imposing a tax on fools and, in turn, proposes imposing a tax on wise people instead. This was the first time I read this particular story, and I really liked it.

 

Overall, the book is engaging, and children are definitely going to enjoy it. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Will India Get Rich Before It Turns 100? : A Reality Check by Prosenjit Datta (Book Review: 3.5*/5) !!!

  

13th Book of 2025

Anyone who regularly reads newspapers knows how often we come across discussions about India’s economic growth, its vision of becoming a developed nation, and the dream of achieving this by 2047. Most of these articles, however, feel incomplete—they leave us wondering how this progress is actually measured and when it could realistically happen. That’s exactly what Prosenjit Datta attempts to explain in his insightful book “Will India Get Rich Before It Turns 100?” Published by Aleph Book Company, the book carries the apt tagline “A Reality Check.”

 

This 120-page analysis is divided into three main parts. The first section explores how predictions are made, how a nation attains the “developed” status, and the role of assumptions, macroeconomic modeling, and optimism. The second section focuses on critical issues such as whether India’s demographic dividend is a boon or a curse, job scarcity, and recurring factors behind India’s economic slowdowns—wars, global disruptions, the pandemic, demonetization, and GST. The third and final section outlines policy direction and economic stability, offering Datta’s thoughts on how India might still reach its ambitious 2047 milestone.

 

Datta begins the book on a witty and relatable note, recalling how politicians once made short-term predictions for 2020 or 2025 but, after facing uncomfortable questions about unmet goals, have now safely shifted their forecasts to 2047 and beyond. It’s a clever and engaging start—especially for a book tackling such an academic and socio-economic topic.

 

Throughout the book, Datta explains various economic ratios and calculation methods used by institutions to assess India’s current and future standing. He insightfully argues that GDP alone cannot define a country’s success, as it fails to capture citizens’ quality of life and everyday realities. The book also introduces readers to several useful abbreviations and concepts that broaden one’s understanding of how multiple factors determine a nation’s growth trajectory.

 

One of the recurring themes Datta emphasizes is the absence of an updated census for more than a decade, which hinders effective policymaking. He also discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI), acknowledging both its overhyped expectations and its transformative potential. Impressively, Datta remains objective in his tone—he points out how under both Congress and BJP regimes, India’s economy has seen phases of stagnation rather than the continuous upward trajectory one would expect.

 

Overall, Will India Get Rich Before It Turns 100? offers meaningful insights and a fresh perspective on India’s developmental challenges. That said, I felt the author could have explored more dimensions to strengthen his arguments—perhaps by referencing other economists or reputed media analyses. Dividing chapters by major sectors like Banking, Agriculture, IT, Manufacturing, Retail, and MNCs could have further clarified how each contributes differently to India’s economic journey.

 

This book is a quick yet impactful read for anyone curious about India’s growth story, economic policy, and the country’s long-term vision.
I would rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Pandeymonium: Piyush Pandey on Advertising (Book Review: 3.5*/5) !!!

 

12th Book of 2025

 

We lost one of the most popular faces of India, Mr. Piyush Pandey, last week. I had always known him as an advertising guru, often coming across his newspaper articles where he would explain how he conceptualized a recent viral advertisement. Reading multiple testimonials about him last week made me curious to learn more, which led me to pick up his autobiography titled Pandeymonium, released back in 2016. I regretted not reading it then, as it was the start of my own career — a time when I could have applied many of the principles Piyush discusses in this book.

 

This 264-page autobiography is written with complete honesty, where you can feel that whatever Piyush shares about himself is transparent and real. He doesn’t try to pretend or hide the behind-the-scenes moments that went into creating some of his most loved advertisements. Thankfully, most of the famous ads from my childhood — such as Fevicol, Asian Paints, Vodafone, Ponds, Center Shock, Close-Up, Cadbury, etc. — were released by the agency Ogilvy, of which Piyush was a part. Hence, reading about their ideation, execution, release, and success stories is both entertaining and nostalgic.

 

The author begins the book by briefing us about his family, going into detail and helping us get acquainted with each of his family members — parents and siblings. He had a large family, and he explains how their respective professions, ideologies, and interactions served as no less than Google for him. Similarly, he shares how his train journeys and cricket-viewing experiences taught him the nuances of human behavior, which later helped him immensely in drawing inspiration from real life and converting those moments into reels.

 

In the corporate world, people often talk about the varied experiences of working in a corporate setup versus a family-based organization. Many see family businesses as undesirable workplaces. Piyush busts this myth by narrating an experience where a puja was organized for an employee leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. He also references Nita Ambani’s working style, mentioning how she ensures everyone’s comfort and participation before proceeding with serious discussions during meetings.

 

Along similar lines, he explains how tough it is to work with Bollywood actors, as most of them don’t arrive on time and show little interest in understanding the organization or its vision through the advertisement. He cites the examples of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, who are extremely professional and ensure they fully understand the product’s background and the intent of the advertisement before beginning the shoot.

 

The author shares several professional and corporate insights that I truly enjoyed reading and highlighting. He defines what a liberal manager truly is and how such leaders can achieve targets without being assertive or aggressive. His take on various aspects such as MNC culture, the awards and rewards system, milestones, and organizational hierarchies is enlightening and provides valuable insights that can be implemented in one’s own work life.

 

Talking about the drawbacks — I must say that the first half of the book is very personal, where we get to know Piyush, the human being. However, the second half loses that essence and begins to feel more like a promotion of his organization rather than his personal story. It becomes slightly monotonous after that. The last 25–30% of the book may not appeal to a general reader, as he briefly discusses his colleagues, many of whom are not known to the public.

 

Similarly, I was expecting him to discuss advertising as an expert, but his bias toward content generated by Ogilvy is evident, as he doesn’t cover or mention advertisements created by other agencies. There is also no mention of his personal life, family members, or friends in the second half of the book, which leaves you feeling deprived of knowing more about the man behind the professional persona.

 

Overall, this is a fine book — one you’ll enjoy reading, though it leaves you wanting more and never quite provides a fully satisfying experience. I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Lead Smart in the AI Era by Amit Kumar Jain/Surbhi Jain (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

 11th Book of 2025

Whenever I consider reading a non-fiction book, it generally falls into typical sections such as autobiography/biography, self-help, or spiritual books. Very rarely does an author attempt to write on a niche topic that draws from vast experience and extensive research. It becomes even more valuable when the topic relates to your own profession or area of interest. I recently got my hands on Amit Kumar Jain and Surbhi Jain’s new book titled Lead Smart in the AI Era, published by Rupa Publications, spanning around 244 pages.

 

Artificial Intelligence has been the hottest topic for the last two years, involving everyone in one way or another—directly or indirectly. Everyone wishes to learn about it. But rather than diving into its technical terms and jargon, one needs to understand how technology and innovation have evolved over the years and become a part of our lives. This makes it easier for us to decipher how to adopt AI without being intimidated by it. The author duo guides us through this, chapter by chapter, explaining numerous concepts and the evolution of technologies, making this book a perfect page-turner. I had never imagined that this book would turn out to be so engaging that I would end up reading it as swiftly as a fiction novel.

 

The authors emphasize that in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world — one that’s further transformed by artificial intelligence — business leaders must leverage digitalization to its fullest potential while remaining vigilant against growing risks such as fake data, cyberattacks, and fraud. They underline that in this new era, data and AI have become the defining factors of success. However, truly mastering them goes beyond merely collecting and analysing information; it also requires the wisdom to recognize and address the biases hidden within.

 

After every chapter, the authors provide context on how VUCA leaders need to act upon respective areas of technological advancement to reach a stage where they can adopt AI seamlessly. Following the discovery of electricity, the authors take us back in time to show how it inspired multiple innovations — proving that humanity always explores more solutions after one major breakthrough.

 

The case studies of Kodak and Blockbuster — and how they lost their edge by failing to adapt to emerging technologies — are presented in a way that feels fresh and engaging. Even though these stories are well known, the authors’ narration makes them feel as though you’re encountering them for the first time.

 

The section on the AI vs EI (Artificial Intelligence vs Emotional Intelligence) debate is particularly thought-provoking. The authors highlight how no algorithm or robot can truly replicate human emotions, biases, or the ability to make value-based decisions.

 

The comparison between the delayed identification of the cholera epidemic in the past and the real-time tracking of a modern-day pandemic using AI-driven tools is both powerful and eye-opening. The authors also delve into the concept of Responsible AI, referencing definitions provided by leading AI bodies and outlining practical steps organizations can take to ensure ethical and accountable use of artificial intelligence.

 

Towards the end of the book, the authors discuss various kinds of risks that may arise as leaders embark on digital transformation journeys, along with strategies to tackle them effectively. This book is one of the most practical and insightful reads I have come across recently. It should be read by all industry leaders and corporate professionals, as it provides a valuable perspective on how to grow one’s career in the age of AI. The steps to incorporate in different scenarios become much clearer while reading the book.

 

The first few pages might feel slightly dense, but the language soon becomes friendlier. The authors ensure that their writing remains simple and accessible, making the reading experience smooth and enjoyable. They help readers develop a mindset of agility, adaptability, innovation, and data-driven thinking — qualities essential to staying ahead in the corporate race of the 21st century.

 

Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan by Amishi Seth (Book Review: 4.25*/5) !!!

  

10th Book of 2025!

 

The reading list of any year feels incomplete if it doesn’t include enough books on religion or spirituality. There was a time when grandmothers would narrate religious and mythological tales to their grandchildren. These days, however, we hardly get time to sit with our elders due to study or work pressure. Hence, the only way left to connect with our culture and roots is by reading such books ourselves whenever we get the chance. This very quest makes me pick up religious and mythological books regularly. This time, I chose a very aesthetic book with a beautiful cover titled “Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan.”

 

The book is written by Amishi Seth and published by Rupa Publications, spanning around 325 pages. Amishi seems to understand that most people aren’t looking for something deeply philosophical but rather wish to learn the basics of Sanatan Dharma. Accordingly, she has structured the book around questions that many of us have — even after reading or watching Ramayan and Mahabharat. The book is divided into three main sections:

1. From the Epics and the Purans

Here, she covers topics whose answers can be found in these ancient texts. It includes queries related to Ramayan, Mahabharat, and other Hindu deities described in the Purans.

2. From Sanatan Dharma

This section is particularly engaging, as it explores questions we rarely encounter while reading epics or puranic stories. The author clarifies many intriguing aspects — such as the reason behind multiple Gods and Goddesses, the meaning of Shivling, why certain Hindu deities have animal faces, the significance of fasting, the concept of afterlife, and much more.

3. Basics

In around 15 pages, the author answers some fundamental questions such as the meaning of the word AUM, the daily duties of a Sanatani, the three paths for self-realization, and the concept of the four Yugas.

 

The book concludes with a glossary and references section, which helps readers understand the meanings of several difficult Hindi and Sanskrit terms used throughout. One of the most fascinating chapters is where the author discusses Sanatan’s connection with modern science, and it also happens to be the longest one in the book. It seems this very concept might have inspired the book’s creation.

 

Amishi highlights references from various shastras that mention modern scientific concepts long before they were formally discovered — something truly insightful. For instance, the Chhandas Shastra discusses literary rhythm, the Garbha Upanishad explains foetal development, the Vaisheshika Darshan explores atomic structure, Ayurveda delves into medicine and life sciences, Dhanur Veda talks about the science of warfare, and Vaimanika Shastra touches upon aeronautics.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for its simplicity and sincerity of intent. You can feel the author’s genuine devotion and curiosity in the way she presents each answer and story. This is one of the best books for anyone wanting to understand the essence of Sanatan Dharma, even if they are not avid or regular readers.

 

Talking about the drawbacks — a few explanations lack proper references to the original scriptures, which makes them somewhat debatable. Some interpretations seem to reflect the author’s personal beliefs due to the absence of cited sources. A few chapters also feel quite brief and could have delved deeper into their subjects. I believe the author could have researched certain topics further to make the book feel more authoritative, almost like a religious text in itself.

 

Overall, I would rate this book 4.25 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA