In this episode, we enter a different kind ofconversation—one that blends financial understanding with practical steps to ensure a loving and smooth transfer of legacy.
We feature Let’s Talk Legacy: A Financial Planner forYour Loved Ones by Monika Halan (MonikaHalan – A trusted personal finance writer, speaker and television personality ) —a book that isn’t just read, butlived. As Monika reminds us, it’s a workbook you’ll return to again and again, revisiting the details of your financial life with growing awareness. It’s a companion, a gentle guide, and a sacred space for organising the information that often remains scattered or unspoken.
Monika Halan is one of India’s most trusted voices inpersonal finance. A certified financial planner, she holds a master’s in economics from the Delhi School of Economics and a master’s in journalism studies from Cardiff University, UK. Her career spans over three decades, during which she has worn many hats—journalist, podcaster, TV anchor,chairperson of SEBI’s Advisory Committee for Investor Protection and Education, and author of three widely translated books.
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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kruti S. Dhirwani,a consulting homeopath, clinical nutritionist, and author of Millets - The Trending Ancient Grains. With over 15 years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for including millets in the diet. She discloses that these simple cereals are nature’s answer to many of the world’s problems. Whether itis wholesome nutrition or sustainable agriculture, millets can take care of these quite well. Very systematically, she deals with the various types of millets and their benefits in her book and also gives many easy-to-make recipes. Listen to her give her favourite recipe in the podcast.
Dr. Kruti is the co-founder of Sunshine Homeopathy Clinic in Mumbai and the founder of wellness initiatives such as MagicOfMom.com and C.A.R.E., which focus on holistic women’s health. Her work bridges traditional wisdom and modern lifestyle through millets. . Learn more about her work at drkrutidhirwani.com, and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
You can also check out her YouTube channel for more information on millets: https://youtu.be/ua6oxeon35k?feature=shared
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Welcome to the 20th episode of Books and Us—and the 8th of Season 2! Though technically it’s the 21st, as we also released a special episode earlier in July! We've also completed two years since launching this podcast, having crossed 1000 streams and downloads. It may be a modest number, but every listen motivates us to keep going and exploring more compelling topics in the nonfiction category. Thank you for being part of this journey.
In this episode, we take a different route. Rather than focusing on a single book, we’re diving into a cultural aspect that is perhaps long forgotten but has captivated me ever since I learned about it through my friend Sundip Sharma(sundipsumahendra@gmail.com), artist and promoter of miniature paintings based in Jaipur, Rajasthan. His father, Sumahendra (Mahendra Kumar Sharma), was a renowned Rajasthani painter who had also authored a book on the topic titled ‘Ragamala Chitra Parampara’ (Ragamala Painting Tradition). Sadly, that book is now out of print, but it led me to explore the vivid world of Ragamala paintings.
These exquisite miniatures—mostly created in the 17th and 18th centuries—are perhaps the only artworks in the world that visually interpret classical Indian music. Their name, Ragamala, literally means 'a garland of melodies', and the paintings themselves are an evocative blend of rhythm, emotion, and visual storytelling.
Joining us today are two remarkable guests who speak with deep knowledge. Ms Soma Ghosh (somaghosh1133@gmail.com), who works as a Librarian and Media Officer with the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, has authored several research papers and e-books and shares rich insights into the origins and significance of Ragamala Paintings.
We’re also joined by Dr Vijay Sharma, a master of the Pahari miniature tradition, who has created Ragamala paintings early in his career. He earlier worked at the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba. His understanding of visual form and heritage is a gift to this conversation.
So, dive into the world of Ragamala paintings with us as we explore their origins at the intersection of music, art, and poetry. We hope this episode offers a window to India's artistic legacy which enriches us.
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This special bonus episode is the first in a series of conversations with self-published authors. In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Vineet Kumar ( The Sunday Traveller – Bookmarked andBewildered ) - an author, army officer, and global explorer whose latest book 'Mayan Routes, Indian Roots', takes readers on a spellbinding journey across the ancient landscapes of Central America - Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama
Vineet recounts his recent adventure through these countries, which formed the area of the once-mighty Mayan civilization. Along the way, he uncovers surprising cultural and spiritual threads that tie the region to his own Indian heritage.
A lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army, Vineet is also atrained special operations instructor, a UN Peacekeeper, a theatre actor, scuba diver, yoga devotee, and polyglot—making him, quite literally, a storyteller with a thousand lenses.
“ The world is one,” he proposes as he narrates the different stories and philosophies he has uncovered during his journey. The episode is a rich blend of travel, geopolitics, history, and identity, seen through the eyes of a man who brings together ancient worlds with contemporary insight.
📚 Mayan Routes, Indian Roots is published by Walnut Publication ( Publish, print, and sell your booksin 140+ countries. | WalnutPublication )
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Dear listeners, welcome to the 19th episode of 'Books and Us'! This episode marks a significant milestone for us, as we celebrate two years since the launch of our podcast. Our journey began with the first episode on May 20, 2023, and it has been nothing short of sweet and enriching. Over the course of these two years, we have had the privilege of engaging with some truly learned authors in the non-fiction realm, gaining knowledge and insights that have transformed us along the way. Thank you to all our listeners for being part of this journey and for your unwavering support over the past two years. Here’s to many more enlightening episodes!
For this special episode, we cast aside the issues of the world and turn inward to explore the depths of our own emotions and feelings. This introspection is guided by the illuminating book 'Just Like Therapy: A DIY Guide To A Happier You' by Avanti Desai.
Avanti Desai ( https://www.instagram.com/avantidesai_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) is a renowned practitioner of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), whose work has impacted countless lives. With years of experience counseling individuals, she advocates therapeutic support to process feelings constructively. Desai warns that unaddressed negative emotions can have long-term effects on our overall well-being.
Her book has already garnered seven awards. Here she explores the complexities of emotions such as overthinking, anxiety, depression, love, and grief, offering practical strategies to manage and overcome these challenges. Her philosophy revolves around tackling the root causes of mental health struggles, empowering individuals to build resilience, and have fulfilling lives.
Beyond her work as a therapist, Desai is also an educator, speaker, and mental health advocate. Her contributions include drafting life skills curricula and equipping individuals with tools to navigate personal challenges effectively.
This episode is not just an exploration of Desai's book but a heartfelt journey into understanding ourselves better. We delve into her invaluable advice and reflect on the transformative impact of addressing emotions head-on.
We also take questions from a listener Eshani Jalota from Mumbai. If you have any queries, you can mail us at podcast@ramonproductions.org.
If you'd like to submit your questions and be part of upcoming episodes, join our Facebook community—link below!"
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This episode features futurist Andy Hines (Andy Hines Futurist | Hinesight....for Foresight ), who has done extensive research into what future awaits humanity. He says that we could be headed into a totally different social, political, and economic paradigm in 20-30 years, as Capitalism may be on its way out. Rising inequality, climate change and stagnation are some of the concerns likely to drive this change.
His landmark study has revealed three guiding images or scenarios for the future, which are contained in his new book, 'Imagining After Capitalism' ( Imagining After Capitalism ).
Looking after the environment, common resource management, and advancement in technology are some of the features that will dominate these scenarios.
Published by Triarchy Press, UK (Imagining After Capitalism - Triarchy Press )
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This podcast continues the discussion on the book ‘The Red Fort of Shahjahanabad: An Architectural History’ from Episode 4. We decided to do another episode on the same topic as within the pages of history there are stories that consist of many layers. We wanted to unveil those layers we couldn’t in the last one. Secondly, we got a lot of feedback from listeners who also sent in their questions and views. So, we thought it would be a good opportunity to do a more detailed episode and take them up with the author Anisha Shekhar Mukherji ( http://anishashekhar.blogspot.com/ ). Anisha is an architect with a specialization in conservation.
We also bring another interesting guest Ashok Mathur, who shares his experiences as a resident of Shahjahanabad. He lives in a haveli built by his great-grandfather 120 years ago. While the architecture and life in the city transform rapidly, his home remains a time capsule, unchanged for five generations. He discusses the city's cultural ties with the Red Fort, most of which have faded over time and reminiscences about swimming clubs on the Yamuna river bank and picnics marked by mango-eating contests in a bygone era.
Listen to some fascinating oral history…
Anisha's book is published by Westland Books ( https://westlandbooks.in/ )
Anisha's Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@anishashekharmukherji3683?si=EOsv9E4_X8HgSg3c
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Anisha’s episode cover photograph clicked by Sonya Dutta Choudhury
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This episode features Sarbpreet Singh ( https://www.instagram.com/__sarbpreetsingh/ ), the author of 'The Sufi's Nightingale', a book that reimagines the life of 16th century Sufi mystic Shah Hussain and his love for Madho.
Those familiar with punjabi sufi poetry would know about Hussain's deeply moving Kaafis or verses which express love and devotion apparently for Madho. Their love being so intense that they lie buried as one 'Madho lal Hussain' in a musoleum near Lahore, in Pakistan.
Sarbpreet answers questions about the nature of their relationship quite candidly and stresses that the book's focus is the beautiful kaafi's, which he (the author) has been researching and singing for quite a while now.
He also explains about some mystical practices followed in sufism in context of his book.
Sarbpreet is based in Boston, United States and is a celebrated author of many books on Sikh history.
His latest book is ‘Cauldron, Sword and Victory’, which is a recounting of the history of the Sikhs in the 18th Century and is available on Amazon and all over India. His podcast known as ‘Story of the Sikhs’ has listeners in 90 countries and is currently in its 4th season.
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In this episode, we speak to Neha Sinha, wildlife conservator, and writer, about her deeply informative book 'Wild and Wilful'. This episode is all about seeing the world from the point of view of wildlife, which lives amongst or around us. Sometimes intentionally and at other times accidentally we end up encroaching upon their habitats and destroying vegetation that gives them food.
They are increasingly getting squeezed into a corner and when they react, we accuse them of trying to harm us. Leopards, Elephants, the Rhesus Monkey, the Ganges River Dolphins, this book is about 15 such iconic Indian species, which are under pressure. It gives a wake-up call for humanity to mend its ways, before it's too late and we lose them forever.
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On X: https://x.com/nehaa_sinha The book is published by Harper Collins India ( www.harpercollins.co.in )
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In this episode of 'Books and Us' Ranjit Monga talks to Anisha Shekhar Mukherji ( http://anishashekhar.blogspot.com/) about her fascinating book ‘ The Red Fort of Shahjahanabad: An Architectural History’. The book explores the many secrets of the historic fort as contained in its exquisite architecture.
Anisha is an architect with specialization inconservation and thus examines the RedFort, and the walled city around it, in its social, political and economic context. She says it was once a vibrant mini-city, housing one of the most powerful royal families of the sub-continent. Built in the 17th Century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who was the richest emperor in the world during that time, the imposing fort to this day holds an important place in the history of India and is a symbol of power. Anisha talks about how the march of time has robbed the fort of its many treasures, its relationship with the people, and even the memory of the time when the empire was at its peak. So, what are the secrets contained within the walls of this massive complex - its sophisticated architecture, the Mughal grandeur which was unsurpassed, and the many stories of its occupants?
Listen in to find out…
The book is published by Westland Books ( https://westlandbooks.in/ )
Anisha's Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@anishashekharmukherji3683?si=EOsv9E4_X8HgSg3c
Buy the book on Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/7VyEJ42
Episode cover photograph clicked by Snehanshu Mukherjee
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Welcome to season 2 of the Podcast Books and Us. Kicking off the season with a book about a groundbreaking event that kicked off changes in India’s political landscape - the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the epic 4,000-kilometre nationwide march organizedby the main opposition party – the Indian National Congress from September 2022 to January 2023. The march from the country’s southern tip at Kanyakumari to Kashmir in the north, was held under the stewardship of Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and former President of the Indian National Congress. Rahul Gandhi is now also Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha.
The journey across the country revived theparty as well as gave them an opportunity to connect with the people directly. The book is a compilation of articles written by political stalwarts as well ascivil society members who participated in the yatra.
Here we talk to the co-editors of the book Pushparaj Deshpande and Ruchira Chaturvedi, both of whom were part of the yatra, and understand the many layers of meaning of the yatra, it’s social, political, economic and cultural aspects.
Pushparaj is the director of the Samruddha Bharat Foundation (www.samruddhabharat.in). He is the series editor of the ‘Rethinking India’ volumes, the ‘Reshaping India’ volumes, and the co-editor of many other books. He writes for numerous national dailies. He has also worked with various legislators, the Rajya Sabha TV, the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies and the Indian National Congress.
Ruchira is the national convenor of 'Social Media and Digital Communications', Indian National Congress, and has previously worked with the party in variouscapacities. She is also a Fellow of the ‘Konrad Adenauer School for Young Politicians' and an 'American Council of Young Political Leaders' delegate.
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Welcome to episode 12, the last episode of season 1!
Today we have as our guest the young and dynamic Manthan Shah, author of the extremely interesting book called ‘Unstoppable: How Youth Icons Achieve Extraordinary Things’, published by Penguin Random House ( Unstoppable- Penguin Random House India ). The book contains stories of over 40 young achievers from India. This is perhaps the first time a book with their stories has been published by another young achiever. Manthan was an under-18 Table Tennis National Champion and continues his achievement streak at work and studies. Here he analyzes the traits that played a big part in the success of high achievers and draws lessons for others to emulate. He encourages youngsters to have clear goals to fulfill their potential. I found it rewarding and motivating to read the book and talk to him, hope you will also find the episode valuable.
Happy Listening
PS. Season 2 will be out shortly 😊
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This episode features Sharif Rangnekar, author of two books 'Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man', and the more recent 'Queer Sapien' ( https://www.amazon.in/Queersapien-Sharif-D-Rangnekar/dp/9355208103 ), in which he explores the meanings of love, freedom, identity and dignity in a society where family, religion, caste and class dictate how we live our lives every day.
Through his visits to Thailand and forming a connection with various people, Sharif juxtaposes the liberal atmosphere in which LGBTQIA+ people live in that country, with the life he leads in India. Here he discusses how it is like being Queer in India and what further efforts are needed to make society more accepting.
Sharif D. Rangnekar is multifaceted and his more recent avatar is that of Founder of the Delhi Queer Literature Festival. He is also the creator and frontman of the music band 'Friends of Linger'. He has been in the communication field all his life, in journalism, research, PR and image management.