BOOKS AND US

'Khangchendzonga: Sacred Summit' — Author Interview with Pema Wangchuk For the third episode of Season 3, we return to Sikkim — continuing our series of in‑depth conversations with non‑fiction authors.Senior journalist and documentary filmmaker Ranjit Monga talks to Pema Wangchuk (pamdorjee@gmail.com), co‑author of Khangchendzonga: Sacred Summit.In this episode, Pema takes us on a vivid journey through the early expeditions that attempted to climb Khangchendzonga (or Kanchenjunga) in the first half of the 20th century. He speaks about Alexander Mitchell Kellas, the chemist‑explorer whose pioneering ideas on high‑altitude physiology shaped the future of Himalayan mountaineering.From 1905 to 1955, the sacred peak remained elusive — until, as Pema says, “it allowed” a team led by Charles Evans, deputy leader of the successful 1953 Everest expedition, to place four climbers just below the summit. They stopped six feet short of the actual peak, honoring their promise to the people of Sikkim that they would not step on the revered crown of the mountain.Pema also brings alive the many stories surrounding these climbers:Aleister Crowley, the infamous “Beast” whose 1905 expedition ended in tragedy. A. Z. Tombazi, whose sighting of the Abominable Snowman — the Yeti — remains the only officially accepted report to this day The 1977 Indian expedition led by Col. Narendra “Bull” Kumar, which spent three gruelling months reaching the summit via the formidable North‑East routeWe also explore the artistic and spiritual legacy of Kanchenjunga’s admirers — Nicholas Roerich, Edward Lear, Yoshida Hiroshi, and others — whose paintings and writings continue to shape how the world imagines Sikkim and its sacred summit.Links to all the books mentioned in the episode are included below.Round Kangchenjunga by Douglas William Freshfield - https://amzn.to/4fpvRaN Kangchenjunga: The Himalayan Giant by Doug Scott - https://amzn.to/4xey7rG The Kangchenjunga Adventure by Frank Smythe - https://amzn.to/4erR1nG Himalayan Journals by Dalton Hooker I - https://amzn.to/4fZ4zZ2 Himalayan Journals by Dalton Hooker II - https://amzn.to/3Qq86VR Shambhala by Nicholas Roerich https://amzn.to/43XREiF Himalayas - Abode of Life by Nicholas Roerich - https://amzn.to/3RNnE6B Tibet - The Heart of Asia by Nicholas Roerich - https://amzn.to/4vSC44b Altai Himalaya – A Travel Diary by Nicholas Roerich https://amzn.to/4dVjceIKanchenjunga – small poster of painting by NicholasRoerich - https://amzn.to/4vwacCzMorning of Darjeeling - Poster of wood block print by Yoshida Hiroshi - https://amzn.to/4vxxkArEmail address for feedback and suggestions: ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@ramonproductions.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the ‘Books and Us Community' on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19X2sQwnbU/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/?utm_source=pwa_homescreen&__pwa=1⁠⁠⁠YouTube - https://youtube.com/@booksanduspodcast?si=SJrg6ZP6kNchUvZv X - @booksnuspodcast

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. Get the book at Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/1n6EOCv Connect with Sarbpreet Singh on X : https://x.com/sarbpreetsingh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarbpreet.singh.9 For feedback and comments write to us: podcast@ramonproductions.org

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/7VyEJ42Episode cover photograph clicked by Snehanshu MukherjeeSend feedback and comments on podcast@ramonprodroductions.org

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 😊 Buy the book from Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/Unstoppable-How-Successful-South-Asia/dp/0143454072 To contact me - podcast@ramonproductions.org Pls leave feedback here via text or voice message. To read about the podcast click here : https://globalbihari.com/literary-speaking-people-should-strive-to-reach-their-full-potential/

"It is not important to know who was Kabir, but what is important is 'who is Kabir', what impact his rich legacy of songs and verses has had on people, and how they relate to him today", explains singer, and author Vipul Rikhi ( vipulrikhi.com ) as he talks about his latest book 'Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision, and Songs of Kabir', published by Harper Collins. Rikhi gives us a peek into the concepts that stand out clearly in the verses left behind by the poet-saint Kabir, concepts that have influenced spiritual followers as well as those fighting for social reform in the past 500 years. The author argues that Kabir is an idea and a force, which has been preserved by the people of India as a living tradition. Rikhi is immersed in the oral traditions of our country. His interest, besides Kabir, also includes other Bhakti and Sufi poets. He has authored 5 other books relating to oral traditions of song. Get the book at Amazon ( https://amzn.eu/d/9kP4bdg ) To read the interview click here https://globalbihari.com/literary-speaking-being-one-with-kabir/

Reshmi Chakraborty and Nidhi Chawla, co-authors of the book 'Rethink Ageing' ( https://www.rethinkageing.silvertalkies.com/ ), discuss how to remain active, healthy and happy in your senior years. They co-founded the organization Silver Talkies ( www.silvertalkies.com ) in 2014 to empower older adults and talk about their learnings from working with those whose zest for life has not diminished in their advancing years and for whom 'age is just a number'. From starting a new business to becoming an avid trekker, running a marathon, becoming a theater artiste and planning for a fulfilling life beyond retirement, the 'new' generation of senior citizens are doing it all. They have shown the way how to stay engaged and relevant in a rapidly ageing population, which in India is projected to cross 300 m by 2050. Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.in/Rethink-Ageing-Lessons-Bolder-Generation/dp/0143453661 Audiobook - https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Reshmi_Chakraborty_Rethink_Ageing?id=AQAAAEBiAiRCVM https://www.audible.in/pd/Rethink-Ageing-Audiobook/B0CCSWB4JJ?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Read the interview https://globalbihari.com/literary-speaking-the-bolder-older-generation/

This episode features Renu Kapoor, who married into a large joint family and over the years learned how togetherness is fostered among different members. She decided to put down her experiences in a book in the form of 'mantras' to promote togetherness. So, here she discusses her book 'Serendipity: Mantras for a Family' and the rules which keep everyone happy and united. She is a chartered accountant based in Mumbai and is well known for her support to many social causes. She supported the efforts to introduce a humane touch to the mortuary in St Georges Hospital, Mumbai. and has been responsible for the reconstruction of the crematorium at Marine Lines, also in Mumbai. An accomplished Bharat Natyam Dancer, Renu Kapoor also works with women entrepreneurs and artisans. Amazon link of book Serendipity: Mantras for a Family ( https://www.amazon.in/Serendipity-Mantras-Family-Renu-Kapoor-ebook/dp/B00CATBW42/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=14Y54R7M79CS&keywords=serendipity+renu+kapoor&qid=1688198055&sprefix=serendipity+renu+kapoor%2Caps%2C442&sr=8-1 )

In the opening episode, author Geet Mala Jalota ( https://askgeet.com/ ) talks about her book ‘Have the Women left Venus’, ( https://www.amazon.in/Have-Women-Left-Venus-Workplace/dp/1947988476 ) which deals with the issues women face at the workplace and discusses the reasons why so many of them leave their jobs mid-way in their careers. The book offers solutions to this phenomenon to both employees as well as employers. The books is based on 60 interviews with women from a corporate background. Thirty-four of the interviews are shared in the book. The women interviewed are from different parts of India – Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and abroad i.e. UAE and Singapore and 1 from the United States. There are some great stories here that can inspire other women to reinvent themselves. Some of the respondents have shared their secrets of leading, managing teams or how to start a business. The book’s translated version in Hindi is 'Nari Aur Karyakshetra - Ek Nayi Raah' Geet Mala is a Career Growth Coach and has had a long career in Human resource development in the corporate world. She is based in Mumbai, India.