Friday, 22 May 2026

MYSTERY OF THE MISSING CAP & OTHER AWARD WINNING STORIES-MANOJ DAS-SAHITYA AKADEMI-2026

-The first Odia short story collection to win the Sahitya Akademi Award Mystery of the Missing Cap and Other Stories is more than just a book, it is a landmark in Indian literature. Written by the legendary Manoj Das, these award-winning stories blend mystery, emotion, psychological depth, and unforgettable human experiences with timeless storytelling. Admired by literary icons and loved by generations of readers, this collection is perfect for anyone who truly appreciates meaningful literature. 📖 A timeless classic every reader should own. 🛒 Order your copy today.

THE BEST STORIES OF NILMONI SAHOO-GURUPROSAD MOHAPATRA-2026

Some books are read once. Some stay with you forever. The Best Stories of Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo is one of the finest Indian short story collections that beautifully captures human emotions, culture, silence, pain, and the depth of everyday life. Each story feels intimate, honest, and deeply human the kind of literature that quietly leaves a lasting impact on your heart. If you truly love meaningful storytelling, this timeless literary masterpiece deserves a place in your collection. 📖 A classic for every serious reader. 🛒 Order your copy today.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

DRAUPADI - SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARD WINNING NOVEL - 2026

Think you know the Mahabharata? Think again! Experience Draupadi's story like never before - her emotions, strength and truth revealed in a bold retelling. Sahitya Akademi award-winning novel that will change your perspective forever What secrets lie behind one of India's most powerful mythological women? Discover now

Hindutva and Hind Swaraj: History’s Unforgotten Ideas -Makarand R Paranjape - 2026

Gandhian Books: A Treasure Trove Makarand R Paranjape Hindutva and Hind Swaraj: History’s Unforgotten Ideas Publisher Vintage Books Publication date 15 September 2025 Accessibility Learn more Language ‎: English A close reading of the persistent antagonisms in Indian history, Hindutva and Hind Swaraj focuses on the ideological clash between Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, representing the broader ideological, political, and cultural factions within Hindu and Indian society. The central argument is that this antagonism continues to influence national life, both politically and personally, reflecting two contrasting ideologies: Hindutva and Hind Swaraj. Divided into three parts, the first part addresses the lack of historical records in ancient India and the importance of creating a national history to reclaim India's past. In the part second part, the author examines the discovery of India's cultural and historical identity, the impact of colonialism, and the need for a balanced discourse that acknowledges the complexity and diversity of Indian society. While the third looks at the e contemporary political landscape, the rise of Hindutva, and the ongoing struggle between Gandhi's vision of non-violent resistance and Savarkar's advocacy of armed rebellion. It highlights the unresolved tensions between these two ideologies and their implications for India's future. The book emphasizes the need for a new approach to understanding and reconciling these differences, suggesting that a balanced discourse and a deeper inquiry into the nature of nationalism, democracy, and Indian society are essential for creating a new India

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

GURU GORAKHNATH IN TIBETAN ART - 2026

Guru Gorakhnāth in Tibetan Art As the general public is becoming increasingly aware of the fascinating historical connections between Buddhism and the Nāth tradition, I’ve started to notice an abundance of AI-generated images of Guru Gorakhnāth in the style of Tibetan art. The ethics of AI image generation is a debate for another day, but as an art historian and public scholar, I am eager to share some images of Guru Gorakhnāth in actual Tibetan Buddhist art. Specifically, I have curated a small collection of Tibetan images that depict Guru Gorakhnāth (and other siddhas) wearing the conspicuous markers of an initiated Nāth yogÄĢ, such as the the sacred thread and whistle (sÄĢṅgnād-janeÅĢ), large earrings (kuṇḍal, mudrā), and turban (pagṛÄĢ). Many of these sartorial markers of Nāth initiation developed over time, well after the medieval era of Gorakhnāth. In light of this fact, it is noteworthy to find these later markers of Nāth-ness appearing in Tibetan art, revealing that Tibetans did not just regard Guru Gorakhnāth as a siddha of the distant past, but actively maintained contact with Nāths and the ever-evolving Nāth tradition throughout the pre-modern period (and still today). In fact, several prominent Tibetan Buddhist figures were known to have taken initiation as Nāths themselves. For example, the 14th century Indian Buddhist abbot, Vajrāsana Śāriputra, who taught extensively in Nepal and Tibet, received initiation from his Nāth guru, Golenāth, into the lineages of Gorakhnāth and VirÅĢpa. Likewise, Taktsang Repa received initiation from a troupe of Buddhist Nāths while on pilgrimage in northern India in the 1620s, receiving the name Śamonāth. Images of Taktsang Repa depict him with Nāth accoutrements like the kuṇḍal earrings, turban, and rudrākášŖa prayer beads. Similarly, the 17th century Tibetan polymath, Jestun Tāranātha, received many initiations and transmissions from his Buddhist Nāth guru, Buddhaguptanāth, and many other Tibetan Buddhist figures identify Nāths among their teachers—such as Shakya Chokden, Jonang Kunga Drolchok, Drikung Rinchen Phuntsok, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, just to name a few. Collectively, the enduring historical dialogue between Buddhists, Nāths, and Buddhist Nāths challenges our very definition of what Buddhism can look like and undermines the enduring historical narrative claiming that Buddhism “died out” across South Asia after the 13th century. Om Adesh đŸŒē #buddhism #nath #yoga #arthistory