BOOKS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS WEEK

Watershed: How We Destroyed India’s Water and How We Can Save It

Mridula Ramesh

In this fascinating, deeply researched book Mridula Ramesh takes us through 4,000 years of history to track how India’s water has reached this critical point. From stories of ancient water-engineering marvels in the Indus Valley and Tamil Nadu to how water shaped medieval Delhi; from the burning fields of the country’s north-west to the hilsa’s curtailed journey; and from the forests of Kanha and dams in Arunachal to Kanpur’s tanneries, Watershed uncovers how India’s fate is gradually being sealed by the extremes of drought and floods. This book is an urgent call to action to every Indian citizen to value a life-giving commodity and do what it takes to ensure a secure future.

Vipassana: Timeless Secret to Meditate and Be Calm

Shonali Sabherwal

Penguin Random House India, Rs 399

Bestselling author Shonali Sabherwal’s latest book is perfect for anyone looking to start meditating. With a detailed guide and a focus on Vipassna, this book shows you how to control the highs and lows in life and take charge of your happiness. It teaches you how to occupy a state of equanimity and be present in the moment through an ancient technique used by the Buddha for enlightenment. Lift yourself up on this journey from misery to happiness, from defilement to purity, from bondage to liberation and from ignorance to enlightenment with this insightful book. You can read this book to find out how to turn your life around through Vipassana.

Asterix and the Griffin:

Album 39

Jean-Yves Ferri

Hachette India, Rs 499

Deep in the frozen plains of Barbaricum, the Sarmatians face a terrible threat. The Romans are approaching in huge numbers to capture the Griffin, a sacred and terrifying beast, and they’ve kidnapped the beloved niece of the wise old shaman, Fanciakuppov, to lead them to it. Determined to stop them, Fanciakuppov seeks the help of his Gaulish friends. Follow Asterix and Obelix as they fight alongside the fearless Amazon warrior women to rescue the prisoner and prevent the Romans from reaching this formidable beast! The bestselling series is back with its 39th adventure. Filled with jokes, new characters and bravely fought battles, it will delight fans old and new.

Crafting a Future: Stories of Indian Textiles and Sustainable Practices

Archana Shah

Niyogi Books, Rs 1495

This book is a heartfelt celebration of artisans and their vocational skills. Each Indian region has its own distinctive raw materials, craft techniques, textiles, motifs and colour palettes, and through her well-researched narrative enriched with many stories, the author demonstrates the diversity of handcrafted textile processes in this book. She believes handspun, handwoven fabrics will help create a unique identity for handcrafted textiles and suggests ways to repurpose the abundant artisanal talent in India to rejuvenate this sector. This book is broadly divided into three sections based on natural fibres: cotton from plants, silk from insects, and wool from animals.