Of Islamic history, Malayalam literature, villains and Chanakya's lessons -Books to read this weekend
Reading is essential if you want to be successful in life as it expands knowledge, gives you a different perspective on various things in life, and help to understand a variety of subjects. Reading should be a general habit as it exposes you to new ideas and modes of thinking, and will give you access to diverse knowledge.
So as 2019 settles in, enrich your knowledge with a concise history of the 1,400-year-old schism between Shias and Sunnis; read 14 translated stories by a celebrated modernist Malayalam litterateur; learn if villains are born, made or made up through the character of Mahabharatas villain, Duryodhana; and finally, see what life lessons Chanakya can teach students.
Find a list of must-reads below which are specially hand-picked for our readers!
A Concise History of Sunnis and Shi‘is
Author: John McHugo | This book reveals the history -genesis, development and manipulation -- behind the 1,400-year-old schism between Sunnis and Shias. The book's synopsis says the schism, which has rarely been as toxic as it is today, is feeding wars and communal strife in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and many other countries. India, too, has not been unscathed by this schism and has witnessed periodic violence between the two sects throughout history.
Blue Eclipse and Other Stories
Author: Kakanadan | This book is a collection of 14 stories by one of the flag-bearers of modernist Malayalam literature, George Varghese Kakanadan (1935-2011). It has been translated from Malayalam by journalist Rishi Kakanadan. "Timeworn" is a simple tale of nostalgia that takes shape on a retired school teacher's last day of life, "Sreechakram" reflects on the Hindu philosophies of dualism and non-duality, while "Madness" and "Sunshine" talk about sex and the power of women in completely different circumstances.
Duryodhanization
Author: Nishant Uppal | Claiming that Duryodhana was a man of strong character and integrity, Shakuni was a simple man who loved his subjects unconditionally and Dhana Nanda, Aurangzeb and Hitler possessed admirable leadership traits, "Duryodhanization" asks the readers: Are villains born, made or made up? Touching upon personality traits like Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, neuroticism and sadism, the book draws from history, mythology and literature, and unpacks the process of villainisation.
Chanakya In the Classroom: Life Lessons for Students
Author: Radhakrishnan Pillai | Written by the bestselling author of the Chanakya Series, which includes the "Corporate Chanakya", "Chanakya In the Classroom" seeks to present some of the principles and suggestions were given by "the most revered teacher and observer of human nature" that work best for students. The book systematically addresses the most common issues faced by students and seeks to help in concentration, purpose, learning, discipline, awareness, devotion, duty and responsibilities.
(IANS Inputs)
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