Besides facilitating information dissemination, building bonds and making world much more ‘connected’ than ever before, Social Media websites like Facebook and Twitter are branding you and your business 24×7. Each time you update your status message or tweet, it creates an impression about you and forms an image in the mind of the reader. This is a continuous process and slowly but steadily ‘perceptions’ emerge or get modified or change about a person or a firm by the way their social media presence is executed. What appears a casual activity may have a deep implication. This book explores the current scenario in the Indian context, providing insights and observations for making your social media presence more effective beyond casual usage. The earnest attempt of the book is to build a holistic perspective on Social Media. We believe that facets of social media unknown to you would be unraveled as you read and this experience will provide you with more confidence. Also, please note that reading is just the beginning of our association. Do buzz us on Facebook page and Twitter handle of this book. Be assured, we will revert to you as soon as possible.

The ‘Middle-Aged Teenagers’ is a short novel with a strong story line and clearly etched out characters which Indian readers will relate to. It is the story of a group of friends who, now in their 40s, embark on a stag weekend to Goa, hoping to relive earlier times. Happily married but looking for excitement elsewhere, the five get out of the mundane to be their natural selves. The story brings out the contrast between this trip and one taken 23 years ago when they were just out of school, cash-strapped and immature. But what the two trips have in common is their propensity to run into trouble. If they had steered clear of misery as teenagers, they find themselves in a bigger pit on this trip. In a hilarious climax that has them at the mercy of underworld goons at a sleazy joint, they end up fulfilling their long forgotten desires that laid buried under the pressure of home and hearth. The story has a subtle but strong message for the readers— that they can pursue their desires, which are often not very difficult to achieve.

One rarely comes across creative contributions that emerge from the objective analysis of life experiences, an interest in serving others, and an ever-growing spiritual urge. ‘Panorama’ belongs to this category. Savor it, and be ready to marvel at the vast and wide expanse it covers. From individual to Industry, from innovators to illustrious achievers, from preachers to politicians, from bureaucracy to business, it makes the reader traverse through the last seven decades. It paints a vivid picture of, in what India gained, what it missed out. It contains revealing interactions with V.P. Singh, Ram Manohar Lohia, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, and Indira Gandhi. He studies Gandhi and Subhash in great depth and detail. The sensitivity of the author emerges very prominently when he talks about Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Trailang Swami, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Dalai Lama, and also APJ Abdul Kalam. From Vedic mathematics to Mandukya Upanishad, from progress to politics, from development to defence, the author presents his understanding and interpretations with considerable ease for the benefit of the readers. One is often reminded of the pursuit of understanding the basic premise contained in ‘Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram; Truth, Beauty and Goodness’. The multi-dimensional coverage contained in the PANORAMA tells it all.

प्रेमचंद आधुनिक हिंदी साहित्य के कालजयी कथाकार हैं। कथा-कुल की सभी विधाओं—कहानी, उपन्यास, लघुकथा आदि सभी में उन्होंने लिखा और अपनी लगभग पैंतीस वर्ष की साहित्य-साधना तथा लगभग चौदह उपन्यासों एवं तीन सौ कहानियों की रचना करके ‘प्रेमचंद युग’ के रूप में स्वीकृत होकर सदैव के लिए अमर हो गए। प्रेमचंद का ‘सेवासदन’ उपन्यास इतना लोकप्रिय हुआ कि वह हिंदी का बेहतरीन उपन्यास माना गया। ‘सेवासदन’ में वेश्या-समस्या और उसके समाधान का चित्रण है, जो हिंदी मानस के लिए नई विषयवस्तु थी। ‘प्रेमाश्रम’ में जमींदार-किसान के संबंधों तथा पश्चिमी सभ्यता के पड़ते प्रभाव का उद्घाटन है। ‘रंगभूमि’ में सूरदास के माध्यम से गांधी के स्वाधीनता संग्राम का बड़ा व्यापक चित्रण है। ‘कायाकल्प’ में शारीरिक एवं मानसिक कायाकल्प की कथा है। ‘निर्मला’ में दहेज-प्रथा तथा बेमेल-विवाह के दुष्परिणामों की कथा है। ‘प्रतिज्ञा’ उपन्यास में ‘प्रेमा’ की कथा को कुछ परिवर्तनों के साथ पुनः प्रस्तुत किया गया है। ‘गबन’ में युवा पीढ़ी की पतन-गाथा है और ‘कर्मभूमि’ में देश की राजनीतिक संघर्ष को रेखांकित किया गया है। ‘गोदान’ में कृषक और कृषि-जीवन के विध्वंस की त्रासद कहानी है। उपन्यासकार के रूप में प्रेमचंद का महान् योगदान है। उन्होंने हिंदी उपन्यास को भारतीय मुहावरा दिया और उसे समाज और संस्कृति से जोड़ा तथा साधारण व्यक्ति को नायक बनाकर नया आदर्श प्रस्तुत किया। उन्होंने हिंदी भाषा को मानक रूप दिया और देश-विदेश में हिंदी उपन्यास को भारतीय रूप देकर सदैव के लिए अमर बना दिया। —डॉ. कमल किशोर गोयनका

पुलिसवाले ने अपनी दकनी उर्दू में कहा, ‘‘आप लोकां बड़े ऊँचे हाकिमान हैं तो इस प्राइवेट कार में क्या करता मियाँ? पायलट लोग तो सरकारी गाड़ी में तकरीबन घंटा भर पहले गए। अब जरा तकलीफ करके नीचे उतर आओ। तुम्हारी पूरी दास्तान फुरसत से थाने में सुनेंगे।’’ मैंने बहुत समझाया, पर बात इस मुद्दे पर खत्म हुई कि मैं जो अपने को प्रेसिडेंट साहेब का पायलट बता रहा था, अपना आई.डी. कार्ड भी नहीं दिखा पा रहा था। फिर उसने भाई साहेब से पूछा, ‘‘और हजरत, आप तो जरूर प्राइम मिनिस्टर साहेब के खासुलखास ड्राइवर होंगे?’’ मैंने आवाज ऊँची करके कहा, ‘‘अपने सीनियर ऑफिसर से तुरंत वॉकी-टॉकी पर बात कराइए, वरना मेरी नौकरी तो जाएगी, पर आपकी भी बचेगी नहीं।’’ नतीजा उलटा निकला। त्योरियाँ चढ़ाकर वह बोला, ‘‘अरे, मेरे को धमकी देते? जाने दो प्रेसिडेंट साहेब को, फिर मैं देखता मियाँ कि तुम फाख्ता उड़ाते कि हवाई जहाज।’’ जीवन और मृत्यु के खेल से गुजर जाने के बाद इस उड़ान का अंत भी सदा की तरह सकुशल रूप से हो गया। राष्ट्रपति महोदय के जाने के बाद हमारे कप्तान ने पीठ ठोंकी। मैंने पूछा, ‘‘सर, क्या ईनाम दे रहे हैं आप मुझको?’’ अपनी घनी मूँछों के नीचे से मुसकराते हुए उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘बस किसी को बताऊँगा नहीं कि महामहिम राष्ट्रपतिजी हैदराबाद एयरपोर्ट पर खड़े होकर आज महामहिम फ्लाइट लेफ्टिनेंट वर्मा की प्रतीक्षा करने के दंड से बच गए।’’ —इसी उपन्यास से

इस पुस्तक के लेखक सरकार के लिए कार्य करनेवाले एक सैंतीस वर्षीय भारतीय हैं। भारत सरकार ने अपने मध्य क्रम के अधिकारियों के शिक्षण कार्यक्रम के अंतर्गत एम.बी.ए कोर्स हेतु उन्हें चुना और प्रायोजित किया था। इस कोर्स के लिए उन्हें एक अल्पज्ञात यूरोपीय देश स्लोवेनिया की राजधानी ल्युब्ल्याना भेजा गया। बीते हजारों वर्षों से यूरोपीय यात्री भारत की यात्रा करते और अपनी इन यात्राओं के बारे में लिखते रहे हैं। मेगस्थनीज से लेकर मार्को पोलो और निकोलो कॉण्टी से मार्क टली तक बहुत से श्वेत यूरोपियनों ने भारत की यात्रा कर अपने देशवासियों व भावी पीढ़ी के लाभ हेतु अपने अनुभवों को दर्ज किया है। इस अनुपात में, यूरोप की यात्रा करनेवाले भारतीयों की संख्या बहुत कम है और उनमें से भी अपने अनुभवों, दृष्टिकोणों व प्रतिक्रियाओं को दर्ज करनेवालों की संख्या तो और भी कम रही है। लेकिन पिछली शताब्दी में भारत इतना बदल गया है, जितना इतिहास में किसी भी शताब्दी में नहीं बदला था। आज इतिहास में पहली बार यूरोप से आनेवालों के मुकाबले यूरोप जानेवाले भारतीयों की संख्या अधिक हो गई है। इसके बावजूद कुछ अज्ञात कारणों से अपनी यूरोप यात्रा के अनुभवों को दर्ज करनेवाले भारतीयों की संख्या नगण्य ही है। यह पुस्तक इसी असंतुलन को साधने का एक विनीत प्रयास है, जो वहाँ की कला-संस्कृति-समाज का सांगोपांग दर्शन कराती है।

इसी उपन्यास से विश्वप्रसिद्ध लेखक जेफरी आर्चर का रोचक-रोमांचक उपन्यास, जो किसी मसाला मूवी का आनंद तो देता ही है; साथ ही माया के मोहजाल में फँसे किरदारों की मनःस्थिति भी दिखाता है।

Raghavendra Patil (b.1951) belongs to the postmodernist group of writers in Kannada. Like his predecessors, U.R. Anantamurthy, Yahvant Chittal, Tejasvi and Shantinath Desai, he arrived at the novel through the short story. The Chariot (Teru), which won him the Sahitya Akademi Award, is his second novel. Though Patil belongs to the postmodern era, he does not share the thematic concerns or techniques of Western postmodernism. He is closer to the nativistic movement, which has already produced major writers like Chandrasekhar Kambar and Kum. Veerabhadrappa. He has also inherited some of the qualities of his famous uncle Anandakanda, such as an interest in local history and closeness to rural life. The story that Patil tells in The Chariot spans more than a hundred and fifty years, beginning with the years when the Peshva extended his rule to North Karnataka and ending with the years after the Emergency, and it relates to the Belagavi region, with its epicentre in an imagined but fully realised village named Dharamanatti. The novel offers two images of Teru, which in Kannada means both the chariot and the festival associated with it. The first is centred on an atrocious human sacrifice made in the name of religion by an autocratic ruler, and the second, distanced in time by a century and a half, mirrors the change from the feudal order to a democratic one, where religious superstition and feudal practices have been replaced by scepticism and the politics of power. The novel is remarkable for its innovative technique, which handles myth and reality with equal success.

Vinayak, a Sahitya Akademi-award winning Hindi Novel, as a sequel to the author;s first novel 'Gobar Ganesh', according to the novelist, is the "pratismriti" (remembrance of our national-cultural memories) and the katha or narrative of India as a civilizational state. Its multi-perspectiveal, multi-centric kathana (plot), involving characters representing a cross section of Indian Society, is marked by engaging and interesting debates on such issues as gender-politics, culturalimperialism, casteism, communalism, the Kashmir-question and the condition of Kashmiri Pundits, sustainable development, ecological consciouness, swaraj or decolonization of mind, role of "Breaking India" forces comouflaged as NGO-activism, and the all0embracing nature of the spiritual that subsumes the secular, the significance of purusharthas or cardinal principles of life, etc. A sahridaya or cultivaed reader whould also relish how deftly the narrative echoes the voices of such great masters as Valmiki, Vyas, Krishna, Keats, Rike, Yeats, Eliot, Naipaul, Proust, Prasad and others.

Everyone regarded Anna as one of the most remarkable figures produced by Tamil Nadu. His greatness stems from the widespread acclaim he received from prominent leaders of his era. His various talents demonstrate his capabilities as an effective administrator, deep thinker, prolific writer, insightful journalist, and above all, a humanitarian that leaves us in awe of his literary contributions. He observed the living conditions of Tamils during his time and aimed to instigate change through his writing and speeches. Inspired by Periyar's thoughts and pride in Tamil heritage, he emerged as a towering advocate for humanism, dedicated to protecting the Tamil community and working toward their advancement. Anna once referenced influential figures like Shelley, Byron, Keats, Coleridge, Emerson, and Bacon, remarking that they are not foreigners in the truest sense. Is Tiruvalluvar simply a Tamil? They are all global citizens and educators, and Anna holds a similar esteemed position as a worldwide citizen. Anna is recognised as a pioneer in short stories that explore the tension between tradition and modernity. He is a relentless journalist and a guiding light as a dramatist. In addition to being a remarkable orator, his political acumen further defines him as the genius of his century. In summary, Anna is a true phenomenon.

Dr. Geetha Nagabhushana's work primarily focuses on the struggles of the distressed, exploited, and naïve individuals from slums or the lowest strata of the Hindu caste system. Her unique storytelling provides a glimpse into real-life experiences that resonate deeply with us, rather than simply presenting fictional characters. The Kannada dialect used in "Baduku" deserves special recognition for its authenticity and cultural richness. Throughout the novel, the hardships faced by those in the lowest tiers of the Varna system are depicted without any apologies. The portrayal of women's struggles in "Baduku" serves as a critique of patriarchal society. The novel offers a comprehensive view of society, addressing various forms of atrocity and oppression, including issues related to class, caste, and gender, as well as the challenges faced by both urban and rural downtrodden communities. There is no fair treatment found in any of these intersections.

Tanvi realises how the definition of love keeps changing and emotions were the last parameters she considered while deciding her life. As the destiny could play, her best friend dies on the very day of her marriage, and she starts inculpating herself for the misfortune, which leads to a fractured married life. She defies everyone and goes on a road trip to Leh. In the land of lamas she tries to understand life from the lens of spirituality and starts discerning threads of coincidences. The journey helps her to understand ‘Those Unsaid Words’ which cannot be said, cannot be written, cannot be gesticulated; can only be felt.

Prema Jayakumar provides the English translation of S.K. Pottekkar's acclaimed Malayalam novel, ' Oru Deshanthinte Katha, ' published by Sahitya Akademi in 2015. The narrative centres on Sreedharan, a boy from Athiranippadam, portraying villagers' lives through the perspectives of the narrator and other characters. Set during British India, the story begins with Sreedharan's return to his hometown after more than 40 years. He is dropped near a petrol overhead tank on the site of his teenage love's house. He recounts the lives of the residents of Athiranippadam. The novel is segmented into five parts: childhood, early youth, teenage years, and a final section called "marmarangal." It features a story told by Velu Mooper, who witnesses events after Sreedharan's father's death, following his extensive travels to North India, Africa, and Europe. Throughout the story, he encounters individuals who leave lasting impressions from different stages of life, including Emma from Switzerland, a Bengali Babu, his half-brothers Kunhappu and Gopalettan (who caused him suffering by contracting syphilis), the mother goddess psyche of a Tamil Brahmin woman, with whom he longs, a girl who loved him unrequitedly before dying of tuberculosis, pranks with the " Supper Circuit Set, " lost loves, profound loneliness, his father's legendary life, and his journeys across continents. He started by dropping off his widowed mother at her family's home, initially at Elanhippoyil, then heading to Bombay- a solitary voyage into the vast, bewildering world, as SKP describes. This haunting autobiographical novel spans about 60 years of history, reflecting on themes of memory, nostalgia, hardship, dreams, and numbness. It concludes with a monologue: "Forgive me, the representative of the new generation of Athiranippadam, forgive me for trespassing into your land, and consider me merely an antique collector, a non-native!"

Post Box No. 203, Nala Sopara by Chitra Mudgal is an extremely moving, sensitive, urgent novel about the life of a transgender, Vinod is an all-rounder in school, a promising mathematician, in love with a girl, the object of envy by friends. Forceful separation from his family by a gang of hijras pushes him into the darkest dungeons of society. His childhood is destroyed due to the reluctance of his family to disclose his identity to society but he refuses to give up his dreams of living normal life. The novel also projects a beautiful relationship between mother and son. Read on to find what happens to his zeal... a thought-provoking and riveting tale of love, separation, pain, grit, couragem friendship, conspiracy, barbarity and undying hope.

Daatu is a powerful novel that explores the rigid boundaries of caste and community in rural India, and what it takes to cross them. Set in Karnataka, the story unfolds around deeply entrenched social structures where identity is dictated by birth, and every step outside those boundaries comes at a cost. At its core, Daatu is about transgression — the act of “crossing over.” Whether it is caste, relationships, or social norms, the novel examines what happens when individuals challenge the invisible lines that define their lives. The narrative is layered with realism, capturing village life with honesty and nuance. It reflects how traditions, power, and fear shape human behaviour, while also revealing moments of resistance, dignity, and change. Recognised as a significant work in Indian literature, Daatu offers readers not just a story, but a lens into the complexities of caste, morality, and social transformation.

Imprints of Time (Kaalarekhalu) depicts a pivotal period in Telangana history through a compelling fictional narrative. It portrays the region under the oppressive Nizam, ruthless Zamindars, and the violence-causing “Rajakars.” The story emphasises the rise of “Andhramahasabha,” the emergence of communism, and Hyderabad’s integration into India, drawing from memoirs and eyewitness accounts. The narrative traces the lives and struggles of people during the decades following Andhra Pradesh’s formation, highlighting Telangana’s hopes, frustrations, and political awakening. Key Themes - Social-Political Struggle: The novel showcases Telangana’s fight against oppression. - Cultural History: It details Telangana’s socio-cultural development. - Individual vs. Society: Like Naveen’s other works, it examines characters’ psychology amid social transformation. Strengths - Authenticity: As an autobiographical novel, it provides a raw perspective on the struggles of the oppressed. - Unique Style: Naveen’s distinctive, experimental storytelling immerses readers in the era. - Historical Significance: It is an important addition to modern Telugu literature, recording a crucial historical period.

English translation by K Chellapen of Kove Manisekharan's Sahitya Akademi award winning Tamil Novel Kutrala Kurinji. Sahitya Akademi Award 2013

Jatara is a novella (1988) that deals with the predicament of women in the countryside. It graphically captures the realities of the village society in Telangana as major and minor characters come alive. The writer presents the theme of corruption in all its stark dimensions-physical and moral degradation, psychological and emotional blackmail, and surrender to superstitions and deceit from the point of view of the protagonist. The author remains objective, a bystander, in focusing on the bright and dark sides of the rural society, on interpersonal relations, and their belief systems, while subtly suggesting what was needed. For its humanist vision and gripping narrative, the novella remains a classic in Telugu fiction.

She was born in Kolkata. She was an unwelcomed guest, a product of lust. She had to pay the price. She was abducted and trafficked to Hyderabad. She spent nine years begging on the roadside. Destiny brought her back to Kolkata, where she was sold off to a procuress in Sonargachi. She married Raghu and started leading a healthy life. However, she attempted suicide. She was Ketaki. Why was Ketaki abducted and trafficked? Where were her father and mother? Was Ketaki ever able to meet her birth parents? Why did she attempt suicide? Was it all destiny that brought her back to Kolkata, or did The Almighty have something else in His holy mind? After all, Joys and Woes are always woven fine!!

To my knowledge, it is difficult to find another contemporary literary work that so comprehensively captures the vanities of today's globalised world, the arrogant sound of technology, and the limitless possibilities of rebirth hidden in this death-like state. - H.S. Shivaprakash Shikharasoorya is the 'bhashya' or 'teeku' written by Prof. Chandrasekhara Kambara about his time and space. It is not only because this novel is the epitome of the search for the primordial truths of human life and civilisation, but also because it experiments with the forms of literature itself. - M.S. Ashadevi Shikharasoorya is a novel that can easily be placed among the best works in global literature today. - Krishna Manavalli Chandrasekhara Kambara is a Kannada poet, playwright, folklorist, film director, and the founder-vice-chancellor of Kannada University in Hampi. Kambara is undoubtedly a cultural phenomenon of modern India. He has been conferred with many prestigious awards, including the Jnanpith Award, Sahitya Akademi Award, Sangeet Nataka Akademi Award, Padma Shri, and Kabir Samman. Laxmi Chandrashekar: An acclaimed translator, Laxmi has translated several short stories, poems, and plays from Kannada into English, including her own solo scripts. Her translation of Dr. Kambara's novel 'Singarevva and the Palace' has been published by Katha, New Delhi, and Peak Publishers, UK. She has also won several State and National awards for her translations and her contribution to theatre. English translation of the Kannada classic by Chandrasekhara Kambara by Lakshmi Chandrasekhar, Sahitya Akademi Award 2017