Asian Lite profiles Dr Abhinav Pandya, the author of new book Terror Financing in Kashmir which exposes the complex web of terror financing in Kashmir
Dr. Abhinav Pandya is a distinguished policy analyst with a robust background in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy, and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. He holds a Doctoral degree from the Jindal School of International Affairs (OP Jindal Global University) and is a graduate of Cornell University in public affairs, with a bachelor’s degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
As the founder, Director, and CEO of Usanas Foundation, a prominent India-based security and foreign policy think tank, Dr. Pandya has been at the forefront of shaping discourse on international security. In his capacity as CEO, he curated two impactful international security and foreign policy conferences titled Maharana Pratap Annual Geopolitics Dialogue in 2022 and 2023.
Dr. Pandya’s influence extends globally, as evidenced by his extensive contributions to esteemed publications such as the National Interest (USA), Vivekananda International Foundation, Observer Research Foundation, Haaretz (Israel), and many others. His insightful articles have also found space in peer-reviewed journals like Perspectives on Terrorism, CLAWS Journal, and Strategic Analysis.
A prolific author, Dr. Pandya has penned the authoritative work “Radicalization in India: An Exploration” (Pentagon, 2019), offering a comprehensive examination of extremist undercurrents in the Indian Islamic landscape. The book delves into specific cases, including an in-depth analysis of the ecosystem of extremism and terrorism in Kashmir and the rise of homegrown suicide attackers. Dr. Pandya’s work has proven prescient, indirectly forecasting events such as Pulwama-styled suicide attacks.
Dr. Pandya’s commitment to knowledge dissemination extends beyond the written word. He has delivered lectures on geopolitics and security issues to diverse audiences, including NATO officers, US Congressional Staff members, and various institutions in India and globally. His expertise has been sought by renowned organizations like the Central Reserve Police Force, the Indian Army, and the Jerusalem Institute of Strategic Studies.
In times of critical importance, Dr. Pandya has played advisory roles, notably offering insights on security issues during the revocation of Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) and contributing to the International Labor Organisation, UN, as a member of the national-level specialist team on MGNREGS. His rich experience encompasses a deep understanding of conflict situations and intelligence dynamics in Kashmir.
Dr. Pandya’s latest contribution, “Terror Financing in Kashmir” (Routledge, Taylor and Francis 2023), promises to be a seminal work. This book meticulously analyzes the intricate web of terror financing in Kashmir, shedding light on the multifaceted financial system involving various actors. Drawing on interviews with confidential sources within terror networks and inputs from security agencies, the book provides a foundation for a robust counter-terrorism strategy in Kashmir.
Dr. Abhinav Pandya
With a remarkable track record of research, publication, and advisory roles, Dr. Abhinav Pandya stands as a thought leader in the fields of security studies, military and strategic studies, politics, and international relations. His work is invaluable for professionals and researchers seeking deeper insights into complex geopolitical issues, particularly those concerning South Asia.
The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists…reports Asian Lite News
As the Indian Army and agencies work hard to end the scourge of terrorism from Kashmir, the book, ‘Terror Financing in Kashmir’ authored by Abhinav Pandya released recently delves deep into the intricacies of how terror funds are generated by the terror organisation and used against India.
Abhinav Pandya completed his PhD on terrorism and counterterrorism in Jammu and Kashmir from OP Jindal Global University. The book analyses the layered and complex web of terror financing in Kashmir and examines the role of multiple actors, including formal and informal, state and non-state, profit and non-profit, and local and international, to delineate the various strands of an intricate financial system.
It explains how, over time, these sophisticated networks have largely remained elusive to Indian counter-terrorism agencies and the need for a specialised and focused effort to understand it.In the book, which is written with the gathered data from interviews with confidential sources within terror networks as well as input and intelligence from security agencies on the ground, the author lays the groundwork for a robust counter-terrorism strategy in Kashmir.
The author conducted interviews with experts, internal stakeholders, intelligence officials, police and administrative officers, academics and journalists. Interestingly, even the over-ground workers (OGWs), members of separatist groups, terror financing coordinators, former militants, weapon dealers, drug smugglers, and hawala operators were also interviewed for details on terror financing.
This book also discusses the channels used for terror financing, including the Line of Control (LoC) trade between both nations, which was suspended in 2019. The author noted the terror funding sources used in Jammu and Kashmir to run terror groups and mentioned in the book fake currency printed in Pakistan, the collection of donations in some Middle Eastern countries, the US, and European countries under the name of ‘Jihad Fund’, smuggling drugs, and extortion from traders, contractors, and affluent people in J&K.
It also highlighted the money sent allegedly by Pakistani intelligence agencies to militant and secessionist groups operating in J&K, mainly through hawala and drug dealers; funds sent by some Kashmiri businessmen dealing in carpets and handicrafts in Dubai; hawala dealers in Mumbai and Delhi; and Zakat (an Islamic tax); and donations raised by terror groups in Pakistan. The Author also mentioned Haj tours, MBBS seat rackets, the Trans Line of Control (LoC) and legitimate businesses used for funding terrorism.
The book highlights: “While mentioning the distinct features of Kashmir’s terror financing, it is crucial to discuss Pakistan’s extraneous geopolitical objectives. By funding and supporting Kashmir’s proxy war theatre, Pakistan wants to bleed India economically. For Pakistan, it takes hardly INR (Rs) 1,50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 to train, send and sustain a terrorist. The amount spent by India on J&K’s security infrastructure in one day far outweighs the amount spent by Pakistan. India maintains 3,43,000 security personnel in Kashmir… one can imagine the amount which India spends to deal with 250-300 Pak-sponsored militants”. Before the abrogation of Article 370, the proxy fronts of groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and others had the Kashmir valley under the grip of their terror, the book said. In today’s Kashmir, one can also find the presence of local affiliates of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, aspiring to bring Sharia rule to Kashmir. The author, has also discussed the growth and evolution of Pakistan’s proxy war in Kashmir over the last three decades; however, the prime focus has remained on the terror financing aspect.
A book feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Vani Tripathi Tikoo remarks, “Each book has a journey but this book has two. My first journey was while deciding on the title of the book. I wanted to remember all those little red elephants that you and I have tucked away inside us but have forgotten them because we think like adults now. The second journey was about this beautiful family of 12 people in COVID times, and my daughter Akshara who was just two and a half years old then and is the protagonist of this book, Akku. She was without me, her mother because I was with my mother in Delhi, and she was being brought up by these beautiful people in Singapore. So, these journeys were unique, and it took two different countries to bring up my child.”
Praising the book, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani had at the launch earlier in 2023 said, “This book is proof that a story can be written in pain. I stand here for the family that has kept themselves together irrespective of the pandemic and the challenges that were brought upon by geography. This book is a symbol of your tenacity, Vani, and that we stand shoulder to shoulder irrespective of our gender for those who need us the most.”
Dr Ramesh Chandra Gaur has said that , “This book is coming from a person based on her experience, exposure, and interaction; hence it contains a lot of practical thought; which is the beauty of this book. When you go through the book, you may also feel that you are going through the experience of your own parenthood.”
About the Book
“So, isn’t it fun to think of a crab, who has a moustache, a fish who probably has a horn, a unicorn who doesn’t have a horn, and an elephant who is red? What a fun place that world would be!”
Akku is a lively, imaginative, and adventurous two-and-a-half-year-old little girl. Growing up partly in Gurgaon and mostly in Singapore, she is the darling of her big joint family. From playing with her fishy friends and beloved puppy to discovering the wonders of swimming pools, sea beaches, and malls, every new experience fills Akku with joy and curious questions.
She loves to scribble, draw and colour and her imagination runs riot with elephants that are red, crabs that have moustaches, and unicorns that don’t have horns. But the biggest adventure of all awaits Akku — her first day at school.
About the Author
Vani Tripathi Tikoo is an actor and teacher who considers The Little Prince as the Bible for all adults who want to understand children. Keeping her work with children alive after having done theatre with kids for more than two decades at the National School of Drama, Theatre in Education Company and has written plays that turned into performances, she has finally forayed into writing for children. This is her first book as an author. She considers children to be the Gurus who saved us from adulthood!
Vani Tripathi
About Niyogi Books
An internationally acclaimed publishing house, Niyogi Books, established in 2004, has more than 500 titles today. We not only specialize in textual context but also strive to give equal importance to visuals. We purvey a wide range of content on art, architecture, history, culture, spirituality, memoirs, and every aspect, which connects, with our rich heritage. Under our umbrella, we have fiction and non-fiction that cover books on social science, cookery, and self-help as well as the English translation of modern classics from different Indian languages. Niyogi Books have recently launched four new Imprints: Olive Turtle (English fiction), Thornbird (English Translation) and Paper Missile (non-fiction) and Bahuvachan (Hindi Translation: Fiction & Non-Fiction). Also, we have co-published a number of critically acclaimed books with reputed institutions like the British Library, Rietberg Museum Zurich, IGNCA, National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India), National Manuscript Mission, Sahitya Akademi, among many others.
For him, the great war in Kurukshetra makes for a medium of reflection on human conditions and ethical dilemmas, and how one reacts when one of his own is insulted or threatened…writes Sukant Deepak
“There are no clear-cut binaries. Shades of gray eclipse every character, thus adding to their dimensions. The good and the bad reside inside everyone who plays a role in the great epic Mahabharata. How can one not be fascinated and spellbound every time he/she reads it,” asks author and scholar Purushottam Agrawal, who is currently working on a book on the epic tentatively titled ‘Nobody Listens to Me: Reflections on Mahabharata’
Agarwal stresses that socially we are living in strange times characterised by distrust, and where violence has been internalised.
He elaborates, “The appeal of one of the most important texts in the world has become more urgent, precisely why I chose to work on it now though the book has been in my mind for the last two decades. ”
For him, the great war in Kurukshetra makes for a medium of reflection on human conditions and ethical dilemmas, and how one reacts when one of his own is insulted or threatened.
” And what do you do when you have to kill one of your own? After winning the war, Yudhishthira instead of being happy or content, just says, ‘We fought like a pack of dogs…’ “
For this scholar, who also served as a member ofbook the Union Public Service Commission, it is important to reach out to the newer generation. While in every age, a stage comes when the young want to go back and rediscover their history, and claim mythology, the author, who was at the Mahindra Kabira Festival produced by Teamwork Arts, warns, “In my quest to acquaint the young with their past, I want to ensure that I do not compromise on my integrity. Facts should not be tampered with, nor any attempts made to rewrite history. Even if I have 10 readers, I am satisfied.”
Agarwal, who has been called ‘Islamprast’ (favouring Islam) and right-leaning at the same time by different groups, says while he is uncomfortable with such charges, he will continue to keep his stand as long as he can.
“Considering I am well-acquainted with the Islamic traditions in India, and talk about them, some groups call me pro-Islam. When I speak against some Islamic traditions and focus on rich Hindu mythology, I am immediately called anti-Islam. How absurd is this?” he asks.
The author, who edited ‘Kabir Granthawali’( Rajkamal Prakashan), the most authentic text of Kabir’s work feels that the legendary mystic poet continues to enjoy immense popularity owing to his interrogative nature and the value system.
“At times, his language is exotic and mysterious, and sometimes it is direct to the point of being offensive. His layered thoughts and straightforwardness are bound to appeal to everyone.”
When it comes to the much controversial issue of reinterpretation of history, Agarwal opines that being a student of history and literature, it is part of the job and he has himself challenged several existing interpretations of Kabir’s work.
“However, in the absence of factual evidence, tampering with history should be termed as misinterpretation. Everyone has a right to opinion, but no one should be allowed to tamper with facts. Kabir may be revered by a larger number of Hindus, but you cannot deny the fact that he was born in a Muslim weaver’s household,” he concludes.
Yummy Soup and Tender Loving Care are a Sure Cure! Niyogi Books launched its second Children’s book under its imprint Perky Parrot, titled Carrot Soup by Sadaf Hussain. This is a heart-warming story about helping your family and loved ones. The book helps children (and parents) understand that tasks like housework are not gender specific, thus subtly conveying the message that both boys and girls can cook and do domestic chores. The book also conveys positive messages about teamwork, caring and sharing and contains Pankaj Saikia’s expressive illustrations and fun activities which make the book attractive for little readers. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
About the Book Meet Phudku, Chamki and their parents—a happy bunny family. One day, Momma Rabbit falls sick. With Papa Rabbit away at work, the brother-sister duo must work together to run the house. Will teamwork and carrot soup save the day?
About the Author
Chef, author and podcaster, Sadaf Hussain wears many hats! When he isn’t chewing on food history or food stories, Sadaf likes to write and speak about culture and myth busting. This children’s book by him contains a heart-warming story and a recipe perfect for young bunnies and humans alike.
About the Illustrator
Pankaj Saikia is an author and illustrator who lives and works in Assam. He has created many picture books, with both words and paint! While drawing his pictures, Pankaj takes inspiration from the people and areas he has grown up in. Apart from picture books, he also loves reading and creating comics and animated stories.
About the Publisher
An internationally acclaimed publishing house, Niyogi Books, established in 2004, has more than 650 titles today. Niyogi Books not only specializes in textual context but also strive to give equal importance to visuals. It purveys a wide range of content on art, architecture, history, culture, spirituality, memoirs, and every aspect which connects with our rich heritage. The house has co-published a number of critically acclaimed books with reputed institutions like the British Library, Rietberg Museum Zurich, IGNCA, National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture (Govt. of India), National Manuscript Mission, Sahitya Akademi, among many others.
They also publish fiction and non-fiction that cover books on social science, cookery, and self-help as well as English Translation of modern classics from different Indian languages. Niyogi Books now has four more Imprints: Olive Turtle (English fiction), Thornbird (English Translation) and Paper Missile(English non-fiction) and Bahuvachan (Hindi Translation: Fiction & Non-Fiction).
ZebraLearn, a new-age publishing company, has joined forces with Rajesh Srinivasan, a contemporary marketing strategy consultant and author, to launch a first-of-its-kind cartoon book ‘Mindful Marketing’ designed to master modern marketing…reports Asian Lite News
As the year draws to a close, the literary world beckons with five captivating recommendations that promise to enrich your reading experience. Each book on this curated list offers a unique journey into realms of imagination, contemplation, and emotion.
These diverse and captivating books offer a range of perspectives, from the future of artificial intelligence to historical struggles and personal reflections. Choose one or explore them all to enrich your reading list before the year ends.
And the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. “Klara and the Sun” explores the implications of artificial intelligence and the essence of humanity through the eyes of an AI companion. As the year wraps up, delve into this beautifully crafted narrative that raises questions about love, consciousness, and the future.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
If you’re a fan of science fiction and thrilling space adventures, “Project Hail Mary” is a must-read. Andy Weir, the author of “The Martian,” takes you on another gripping journey through space, science, and survival. Join Ryland Grace on a mission to save humanity, filled with humor, ingenuity, and unexpected twists. It’s a page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Mindful Marketing by Zebra Learn
ZebraLearn, a new-age publishing company, has joined forces with Rajesh Srinivasan, a contemporary marketing strategy consultant and author, to launch a first-of-its-kind cartoon book ‘Mindful Marketing’ designed to master modern marketing. This innovative book features a series of pocket cartoons and frameworks accompanied by insightful commentary from the author, Rajesh. The book applies a lens of humour and thoughtfulness to spotlight prevailing practices that impede organizations in the realms of marketing, branding, culture, and more.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah, known for her powerful storytelling, delivers another compelling historical fiction novel set during the Great Depression. “The Four Winds” follows the journey of a woman named Elsa as she faces the challenges of poverty, dust storms, and societal expectations. This poignant tale explores resilience, love, and the strength of the human spirit, making it a timely and impactful read.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
As the year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on life’s choices with “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. This enchanting novel follows Nora Seed as she navigates a library that allows her to explore different versions of her life. Filled with philosophical insights and a touch of magic, this book encourages readers to ponder the infinite possibilities that shape our existence.
The Booker she won for the novel translated into English by Daisy Rockwell revolves around an elderly woman confronting depression who decides to visit Pakistan after several years of the partition has not only illuminated her work but also brought into focus the entire South Asian region…writes Sukant Deepak
Even as she gives final edits to her upcoming novel titled ‘Sah-sa’, Geetanjali Shree, International Booker Prize winner (2022) for ‘Ret Samadhi’, translated as ‘Tombs of Sand’, for who the last year has been about attending multiple literature festivals, book launches and giving talks; says a writer’s life is always about striking the desired balance between how much to be in the midst of everything and how much to go into retreat and solitude to mull over things and create.
Adding that Booker has brought home that negotiation in a very dramatic and intense way, and overnight, she stresses that currently she is catapulted by it into a very public space, of much visibility and audibility, which is daunting for a person with the opposite leanings that she is.
“It is also rattling to be seen as an expert of well-nigh anything and answer questions about any and everything. Even more traumatic if you will, is the aggravated embroilment with forces such as the market, advertising, and selling. The final edits of ‘Sah-sa’, need a concentrated slot of time, which I am not able to get, so it is happening spread out over several slots of time,” she tells.
Shree also feels that on the converse side, Booker has ‘returned’ literature to her.
Stressing that it came soon after the world started to open post-pandemic, the author says, “The latter had turned the future into a big gloomy question and writing too despaired, though it carried on because while you are alive you breathe! But suddenly – overnight, as I said – I was back in the world of readers, writers, and books, with a vengeance. It has been overwhelming to connect with so many more of my community and my love. Of course, I need my writer’s space back. I am slowly getting it back…”
The Booker she won for the novel translated into English by Daisy Rockwell revolves around an elderly woman confronting depression who decides to visit Pakistan after several years of the partition has not only illuminated her work but also brought into focus the entire South Asian region.
Shree says, “How can I feel anything but good about it? After all, however much of a loner one might be, we all represent more than just our own single self. I carry my community, my world, my times, and society in me, and in a mysterious symbiotic umbilical cord link, we are made of whispers and echoes of each other. I am happy that through me, the light is shed on a larger world around me – it is my moment but also a collective one.”
Mention the fact that the entire conversation is around ‘Ret Samadhi’ only, and a lot of her other important work (including ‘Khali Jagah’, ‘Hamara Shehar Us Baras’, ‘Tirohit’ and ‘Yahan Hathi Rahate The’) not getting the attention they deserve, and she asserts, “What is the attention one deserves? Who gets it? A mishmash of things, especially in today’s world of hype and market, affects that. I have never been the sort of writer who stresses about how much or how little attention I am receiving. Readers must reach out and search out books, I am hardly going to spend my time beckoning them! Yes, ‘Ret Samadhi’ is in focus because Booker pointed that way. Serious readers know an award is recognition but does not ‘birth’ the author. I like to believe they are interested in the writer’s entire oeuvre. ‘Ret Samadhi’ is enjoying its ‘moment’. Lovers of literature will explore further, or else…their loss …!”
For someone who prefers to stay away from social media, a space now being used quite aggressively by many writers and artists, Shree feels that the medium is a mixed blessing — It has worked well for quick communication and relaying of ideas, and debates, but on the converse side also led to wile conversations and rumour-mongering.
“It has also often dumbed down debate and arrogated to itself the presumption that it is a reliable judge of quality and will make and break reputations. I prefer to keep far from it, much as I keep away from ‘market’ considerations as a guide to my writing life. Marketing is not of primacy to me and certainly not what I wish to expend my energies on.
“Of course, I am a creature of my times, caught in the winds that blow. So I cannot claim that market forces do not touch me, but I just do not concern myself with them. What happens and does not happen there is a dynamic of things not of my will or desire. I prefer it that way. The writer and her work belong to her time but – people aggressively in a market rat race forget this – importantly, also to a space and time that is beyond today and which is where Literature revels and resides. We can only do what we are doing sincerely and time and space will give us a slot. Or not,” she adds.
However, she does say that encounters with readers can be most life-affirming for a writer. Citing an example of an emotional son who approached her during a literature festival and said her book was the last book his mother read, and after reading it she folded her hands together – he repeated her gesture. “I cannot exactly replicate it – and she said to him that she wants to meet this writer. It was sad and joyous to connect with her son and feel her humanity, appreciation, and presence. It certainly makes you grateful for the community you belong to and humbles you ‘proudly’ for a small joy you have been able to give.”
Even as debates rage on the role of a writer/artist about recording political and social scenarios of their times, and the observation that the divisiveness of Partition is not just a thing of the past, she believes that recording stories, all stories, is important, and they don’t just belong to the present, but also to the past and the future that we imagine, want or fear.
“But it may not be a conscious agenda of the writer to record something. Rather her sensitivity, which hones her observation and intuition, takes her naturally along that way. Partition is a reality in North India. It continues to ramify into new and undesirable effects. I do not have to try to write about it. It is in my and our being. But partition is also a universal human experience and mostly a painful one. From which emanate innumerable stories which will continue to be told in all parts of the world,” says Shree, who was recently in Chandigarh for ‘Literati’.
The writer, who believes in ‘discovering’ the stories already fluttering inside her or in those around, intuition plays a huge role. However, she believes in intuition, not as some glorified super-human place, but rather a source in us, which is refined as we go along – by our locations of all kinds be it history, geography, autobiography, biographies, sensitivities, observations, imagination, aesthetic sense, even chance.
“I can hardly make an expert exhaustive list! I often quote Ustad Ali Akbar Khan on this – that when he starts he plays the sarod and soon the latter takes over and plays him. That is the beauty of artistic creation. Also, some of our deepest possibilities, both good and bad, lie in our subconscious, our entrails, if you will. A writer takes courage to discover those lights and darknesses, both.
“One is, of course, surprised at various points in the creative process – where did that come from? But that is precisely where that undefinable energy or breath lies, which enlivens a work of art,” she says.
While the past decade has seen a major rise in translations from Hindi and other languages into English, and there may also be fears of something being ‘lost’ in the process, she feels there is a need for translations among other languages.
“The hierarchy with English on the top is limiting and has mono-language repercussions, which feeds into all kinds of monocultural impulses. And that monocultural impulses make easy link-ups with dictatorial ambitions. Besides, there is such a rich conversation out there for humanity in celebrating the plurality of languages as language comes with its culture and philosophy, and the vocabulary of seeing, being, and expressing gets extended for all. The writer and the translator are matchingly important; mutually so, too. One facilitates the other and also extends the other.
“Something is always lost in translation. But let me hasten to add that everything is translation starting from rendering an inchoate, inarticulate thought/feeling into words. Just shifting from one set of expressions to another is translation and that is a process, not a complete exercise. So something constantly changes, but also opens another world. ‘Lost’ must not be seen as a negative here. Perhaps changed is a better word. Translation – approximating towards – that is exciting, enriching, ongoing, evocative. No closure here.
“Most importantly, translation is not about moving technically from some exact meaning to the same meaning – replicas are not being sought or possible, except by machines, and maybe not even there. The endeavour is to carry across a feel, an experience, a sensibility and sensitivity, a cadence, a philosophy, and it acquires a new dimension as soon as it is uttered in another language. ‘Pyar’ and love echo their own separate worlds. So translation is the same and also always different and it is an energy that does not end. This inconquerability, uncontrollability, has to be enjoyed for it’s all about the ephemerality, changeability, malleability, volatility, and fluidity of experience. Translation is life, not death,” she concludes.
Storybooks often address emotions, feelings, and social situations that children might be encountering for the first time. Reading about characters who experience similar emotions helps children understand their feelings and develop empathy…writes Priyanka Shah
Every successful person ends up having one thing in common- their thirst for knowledge. And what do they do to gain such intellect? They read! They read and read about everything on god’s green earth and then form their own thoughts about the many things they’ve read. Sounds easy enough, right? However, it is not.
Let’s be honest, none other than habitual readers can pick a book and start reading it. Developing this habit is a lot harder when you are 30 years old. As consumable content duration shrinks and our tolerance with it, parents must recognise that now is the right time to develop a love for reading early in kids which will surely help them when they grow up. This will give them an early advantage and set them up for success.
Reading storybooks should be a part of every child’s life and it should start as early as possible. One can even start with reading board books to one’s 6 months old baby. In fact, reading books early has many lesser-known benefits such as:
Reading plays a crucial role in a child’s development and overall well-being. The importance of reading and exposure to storybooks cannot be overstated, as they contribute to a wide range of cognitive, emotional, social, and educational benefits.
Reading stimulates brain development by encouraging critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
Exposure to books and reading from a young age lays the foundation for early literacy skills, such as letter recognition and understanding the structure of written language.
Storybooks often address emotions, feelings, and social situations that children might be encountering for the first time. Reading about characters who experience similar emotions helps children understand their feelings and develop empathy.
The habit of reading is something that pays off for a long time! Children who enjoy reading are more likely to seek out knowledge and continue exploring new ideas as they grow older.
However, the screen time dilemma has become every parent’s nightmare. No matter how much parents try, the screens dominate every child’s life and it is close to impossible to keep them away from screens all the time. Finding the right balance and managing screen time effectively is crucial for the healthy development and well-being of children.
But in a screen-dominated world where do the pretty little paperbacks fit? How does one walk the tightrope between screen and story? While we are surrounded by technology, we often forget that we are living in the age of knowledge where we can find solutions to many challenges. Here is a list of platforms that took this challenge head-on. These platforms are constantly working on bridging to make screen time worthwhile by helping kids develop cool reading habits in a digital playground:
Jumbaya
Jumbaya brings a curated library of just the best storybooks from around the world covering genres like folktales, mythology, adventure, animals, morals, sci-fi, bedtime stories and many more! All their storybooks are done in a thoughtfully animated read-along format with SLS (Same Language Subtitling) that can help significantly improve a child’s reading abilities as well as develop vocabulary and language skills. They also have storybooks in Hindi and plan to bring storybooks in other Indian and global languages.
Epic
Epic is a platform dedicated to bringing storybooks from the page to the screen. This app makes books more accessible to kids. A lot of their books have a read-aloud feature that makes it easier for kids to follow the words while reading.
StoryWeaver
An initiative by Pratham books, this is a free library of multiple books from around the world for kids. Most of their storybooks are also available in many Indian and international languages. They even follow a unique system of ‘Levels’ which can be used to map out a book to a kid’s reading ability.
In a world where screens beckon from every corner, finding meaningful experiences becomes a need of the hour. But with moderated content and platforms you’ll soon find that your child’s screen time can be a source of smiles through the pleasure of reading! In the digital playground, let literature be your guide to a more fulfilling and enriching use of technology. With these cool reading habits, the digital world becomes a playground for the mind and soul.
Arsh Verma’s debut thriller, “The Velvet Hotline”is an adrenaline-fueled ride. This gripping novel introduces readers to Ayingbi Mayengbam, a kind-hearted kindergarten teacher turned crisis hotline operator, whose journey spirals into a world of supernatural terror and suspense…Reports Asian Lite News
In the tenth volume of the Rethinking India series, some of India’s most eminent persons from Sonia Gandhi, Margaret Alva, Hamid Ansari to Mallikarjun Kharge write of how we can think of re-engineering India’s hardware (redressing structural flaws in India’s existing institutions, creating new institutions equipped to address fresh challenges and re-engaging all of India’s systems), as well as ensuring progressive forces radically reinvent their political strategies and operational methodologies to socialize Indians to constitutional values.
In the midst of India’s political evolution, this game-changing book emerges to challenge the norm and spark a dialogue that captivates the nation. “Rethinking India: The Great Indian Manthan” confronts critical issues head-on and offers a fresh perspective on India’s socio-economic and political landscape.
RESTLESS LIVES
Celebrating his 60th year of life, Harish Bhat, renowned for his business acumen, surprises his audience with his first poetry collection. This accessible and beautifully crafted book offers a fresh perspective on modern life, providing moments of solace within the chaos.
The modern age is characterized by speed, impersonality, and absurdity. It is easy to get caught up in the rush and forget the small, everyday things that string together to build the everyday. At times pleasing, at others disturbing, the lines within these pages promise to give pause, inspire and stir emotion.
INDIA AND MODI AND THE BATTLE FOR BHARAT
The year 2014 was a consequential one for the Bharatiya Janata Party and for India. Will 2024 also be so?
Released on November 15th, this thought-provoking work delves into whether the 2024 election will be as pivotal for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and India as the transformative year of 2014. The authors skillfully dissect the concerns of the INDIA bloc regarding Narendra Modi’s vision for the country and his alleged distortion of the ‘idea of India.’ Through evocative, anecdotal, and deeply researched arguments, the book chronicles the emergence of a new republic, raising questions about the potential shift towards a ‘Hindu Rashtra.’ Whether you’re interested in politics, history, or the future of India, this book promises a sharp, incisive, and revealing exploration of the battle for Bharat.
THE VELVET HOTLINE
Arsh Verma’s debut thriller, “The Velvet Hotline”is an adrenaline-fueled ride. This gripping novel introduces readers to Ayingbi Mayengbam, a kind-hearted kindergarten teacher turned crisis hotline operator, whose journey spirals into a world of supernatural terror and suspense.
In this fast-paced narrative, Verma weaves a tale that transcends genres, offering readers a perfect blend of mystery, noir, and spine-chilling horror. Ayingbi, a resilient Manipuri woman, becomes an unlikely heroine as she battles not only the demons on the other end of the line but also the haunting secrets of her enigmatic boss, Dr. Rastogi.
MUSLIM POLITICS IN INDIA
What if a book could completely challenge your perspective on religion and social justice, and pave the way for a more just and equitable society?
‘Muslim Politics in India’ will take you in a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between religion and social justice. This transformative journey challenges preconceptions, sparking discussions on the role of faith in shaping a more just society. Authored by Hamid Dalwai, a fearless advocate for reason and justice, this book is a courageous narrative that inspires readers to question, understand, and contribute to positive change. Discover Dalwai’s compelling analysis of Muslim politics, a timeless voice of reason for our contemporary times.
PAIN
How can we be resilient in the face of universal pain?
In this transformative guide, Kirti draws from her public grief over Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death to offer insights on rising above suffering. Blending science, spirituality, and philosophy, the book serves as a roadmap for finding inner peace amid life’s challenges. A beacon of hope, it inspires readers to embrace pain as a catalyst for personal growth. This is not just a memoir; it’s an invitation to discover the transformative power within pain. Shweta Singh Kirti’s wisdom makes “Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment” a must-read for those seeking resilience and understanding.
GETTING DRESSED AND PARKING CARS
“Getting Dressed and Parking Cars” by Alok Kejriwal is a riveting chronicle of entrepreneurship and resilience. Kejriwal, CEO of Games2win, takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of startup life, sharing real-life stories that capture the essence of creation and success.
In this must-read book, Kejriwal bares it all— from getting arrested to facing the theft of top games, and the humbling quest for a chief technology officer in San Francisco. The narrative unfolds as a celebration of spirit, a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding path of building a business.
TEACHINGS FROM THE RAMAYANA
‘Every Indian is familiar with the Ramayana. Shantanu Gupta’s book will make every reader relate to it’—Bibek Debroy
Drawing from twenty-five stories of the Ramayana, Shantanu Gupta offers simple solutions for real-life challenges, from handling negative influences to fostering meaningful friendships. “Teachings from the Ramayana” offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern applicability, providing readers with actionable insights for navigating the complexities of family life.
This interactive edition invites readers to reflect, take notes, and engage in family discussions, making it a delightful and essential read.
Sandhya Prakash unveils a riveting tale of resilience in her first book as debut author of “Shifting Sands of Saudi” .
Debut-making Indian Author Sandhya Prakash (Iyengar ) launches her first book on life in the Arab World . “Shifting Sands of Saudi” . It’s an expatriate’s account of life in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s .A resident of the Middle East for over two decades and now returned to Bangalore, a thought Leader, champion of sustainability and environmental issues, alumnus of BITS Pilani , TEDx speaker,
Entrepreneur and Singer, known for her storytelling prowess and her ability to transport readers to diverse and engaging worlds, Sandhya unveils a riveting tale of resilience in her first book as debut author of “Shifting Sands of Saudi” .
Sandhya is famous for her work with individuals, companies and communities to help them fix the foundation and get the right product market fit. She has a background in management studies, 25+ years of work experience in the middle east in trading, software and sustainability, launching 8 companies, expert in Energy Sustainability and Management and she is a licensed Energy Healer.
Her work of fiction, “Shifting Sands of Saudi.” Set against the backdrop of 1990s Saudi Arabia, this captivating novel delves into the challenges faced by the protagonist, Saakshi, as she navigates the complexities of the era. “Shifting Sands of Saudi” is a compelling narrative that offers a poignant glimpse into the life of Saakshi, a woman determined to overcome the societal restrictions and the watchful eyes of the Muttawas in Saudi Arabia. In this 212 page novel, Sandhya weaves multiple incidents across timeline in 1990s
“Shifting Sands of Saudi” is a must-read for those who appreciate gripping short stories of personal triumph, set against the backdrop of a unique and culturally rich environment.
