“This book is a metaphysical thriller where science meets the soul, and the fate of a city rests on the memories of one man”, says Rajesh Seshadri, a storyteller at heart, whose life and work are a rich tapestry woven from decades of corporate leadership, profound spiritual inquiry, and a boundless creative passion.

The novel follows Vedansh ‘Ved’ Raina, a world-class mnemonist whose rare chronesthesia does not just retrieve facts, it immerses him in full-sensory echoes of the past. When a traumatic slip inside Crawford Market drops him into Bombay of 1923, Ved is thrust into a secret conflict for control of memory itself.

Pursued by the Chronos Collective, a clandestine organization convinced that Ved’s mind can unlock imprinted truths, he must master his ability before it destroys him. With the help of Dr. Ayisha Khan, a skeptical neurologist, and clues left by a hidden lineage of protectors, Ved’s race moves from Banganga’s sacred steps to the shadowed chambers of the Elephanta Caves. The city becomes a character in its own right, where colonial halls, ancient tanks, and modern towers hum with accumulated human memory, and Ved is forced to decide whether history is a weapon or a warning.

“The Memory Wars delivers the pace and stakes of a contemporary thriller while probing time, consciousness, and identity. It blends ideas from cognitive psychology with the spirit of collective memory to ask what is truly worth preserving in an age that tries to optimize everything”, adds Seshadri.

At its heart lies a simple logline: a gifted mnemonist who relives the past is hunted by a cabal that wants to rewrite it, and the only way to win is to overwhelm their logic with the weight of human feeling.

Published by APK Publishers, the 236-page book is priced at Rs. 299 and is available at all leading bookstores, Amazon, and Flipkart.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3J9Axnt

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NEW DELHI: Technologist, corporate leader, and storyteller LC Singh has launched his debut book, The Collapse of Illusions the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Published by DishaNXT, the book is now available on Amazon, Flipkart and across select bookstores in India. The event was attended by leaders from the creative, academic, and business communities who have engaged with LC Singh across his multifaceted journey.

The Collapse of Illusions begins by narrating how the first flicker of life occurred, multiplied, formed identities, and built constructs such as God, Time, and Self to sustain meaning. Through elegant prose and philosophical insight, the narrative introduces EchoTime – an emotional clock that explains why a heartbreak can feel longer than a decade and a quiet embrace, like an instant. It speaks to how stress accelerates aging and how love repairs it. The book does not seek to provide answers. Instead, it holds up a mirror to everything we thought was real, unravelling it through reflection and inquiry.

The book is built on five decades of learning and reflection. It draws from LC Singh’s sustained inquiry into existentialism, systems theory, science, and philosophy. It does not emerge from sudden realizations but from years of focused investigation on who we are, why we exist, and what drives our likes and dislikes. A technologist, photographer and writer, director, and producer of Banaras: A Mystic Love Story (2006), his journey spans remote villages and global boardrooms, Harvard and Banaras, science and silence. He continues to be a lifelong student of epistemology and ontology. 

“Beyond technology and success, what truly defines us are our emotions. The ones that guide our choices, shape our empathy, and make us human. This book is about recognising this,” says LC Singh, Author of The Collapse of Illusions. 

This post-launch release follows early acclaim from global voices. Dr. Satish K. Tripathi, President of the University at Buffalo, SUNY, says, “LC Singh’s The Collapse of Illusions dazzles with moments of brilliance, weaving metaphysics, philosophy, science, and Vedantic wisdom into a seamless journey through life’s most profound questions. It boldly invites the reader to explore the mysteries of existence – sometimes chaotic, always illuminating.”

K. V. Sridhar (Pops), Chief Creative Officer and global brand leader, shares, “Profound, poetic and scientifically insightful, yet remarkably simple – truly brilliant.”

Chris Chapman, Vice Chair at ICANN and former CEO of the Sydney Olympic Stadiums, writes, “What remains when belief fades? That’s what I ask myself every second day. LC Singh’s book asks this fundamental question through synthesising the disciplines of both science and philosophy and seeking to do so through a coherent framework. The book is original, its profoundness helping me to ease my anxieties.”

Pankaj Shukla, popular writer, director, and producer, writes, “This book touches the very basic chord of music called Life.”

The Collapse of Illusions is meant for those who are comfortable sitting with questions rather than rushing for answers. It is for existential seekers, thoughtful readers, and anyone curious about what lies beneath names and beliefs.

This is the first in a forthcoming series of reflections that LC Singh plans to share with readers. The book will continue to be promoted across academic, creative, and digital spaces with future conversations planned to explore its core ideas.

The post LC Singh’s The Collapse of Illusions: A Groundbreaking Exploration of Emotions Unveiled appeared first on NRI News.

In this rare public interaction, Dr. Tharoor will share his insights on how India’s foundational document continues to evolve and shape national discourse. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage with the author during a meet-and-greet and book signing session following his talk.

Date: Sunday, 3rd August 2025
Time: 6:30 PM onwards
Venue: Lower Ground Floor, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

The post Join Us for an Inspiring Evening with Dr. Shashi Tharoor at Phoenix Marketcity Pune appeared first on NRI News.

“Reign Williams Jr. has spent his life preparing to lead the family company, yet behind her achievements lies a haunting inner battle that leaves her questioning her place in the world. Ezra Hamilton, who was once the embodiment of joy, now isolates himself and refuses treatment as his illness consumes him. When their paths cross at the hospital, Reign and Ezra find unexpected solace in each other’s struggles.”

This is the 17-year-old author’s second fictional book. Her first book, ‘Trapped’ was released in 2021, when she was just 13. And penning ‘Sincerely’, she started a few months after her first novel was released. “The concept had been on my mind for a while, but it was during a quieter moment in my life that the characters and story began to take shape. It started as a fleeting thought and slowly grew into something much bigger”, shares Soumya.

From ideation to final publication, Sincerely took around four years. And in 2024, Soumya was ready with her novel and signed up with Austin Macauley Publishers and wrote the final draft, followed by editorial revisions. The book was finally published in 2025.

Aparna Piramal Raje lauded Soumya for her achievement of starting her journey as an author so early in life. “Normally, an author would debut in their 30s, some even in their 20s, but it’s very rare for a teenager to do it, that too her second book. And she has chosen a very serious theme, where the main protagonist is dealing with mental health challenges and another battling cancer, and both meet at the hospital. Not exactly the kind of scene that Gen Z would be associated with. Remarkably, she has delved deep into these issues at such a young age”, she said in admiration.

So what was the inspiration that led her to weave this story? “The inspiration came after a few close family members were diagnosed with cancer. Watching their journey opened me up to the reality of loss and grief, and how fragile life is. It made me think about how we love, how we grieve, and how deeply illness tests the bonds we take for granted. I wanted to explore the way two people can be tethered by pain, yet still find beauty and strength in each other”, she reveals.

The plot, characters, and dialogues are fictional and born purely from her imagination, but the emotions running through the story are deeply personal. Every feeling stems from real moments she has lived or observed. While the events themselves aren’t drawn from real life, the emotional truths behind them are, making Sincerely a compelling read!

The author’s two fictional novels are completely different in tone and genre. ‘Trapped’ was a fast-paced murder mystery – plot-driven, suspenseful, and rooted in unraveling secrets. ‘Sincerely, ’ on the other hand, is much quieter and more reflective. It explores grief, love, and human connection and is very character-driven. “I’ve realized that my writing often mirrors whatever I’m reading at the time, and during this period, I was drawn to slower, more introspective narratives. The shift felt natural”, sums up Soumya, who is a complete bookaholic and has a passion for reading fictional books and a voracious appetite for them.

The 330-page book is published by Austin Macauley. The Kindle edition is priced at Rs. 400, and the Paperback is priced at Rs. 1100 and is available on Amazon.

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MUMBAI:  Kalpataru Limited (the “Company”), one of the prominent real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of Maharashtra (MMR) and present across all its micro-markets in MMR, will open its initial public offering on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The Anchor Investor Bidding Date is one Working Day before the Bid/Issue Opening Date, that is, Monday, June 23, 2025. The Bid/ Issue Closing Date will be on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

The Price Band of the Issue has been fixed from ₹ 387 per Equity Share to ₹ 414 per Equity Share. Bids can be made for a minimum of 36 Equity Shares and multiples of 36 Equity Shares thereafter.  

The Issue consists of a fresh issue of up to such number of Equity Shares aggregating up to ₹ 15,900 million (the “Fresh Issue”).

The Company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the Issue towards repayment/pre-payment, in full or part, of certain borrowings availed by the Company and the subsidiaries; and general corporate purposes.

The Issue is being made through the Book Building Process, in terms of Rule 19(2)(b) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, as amended (“SCRR”) read with Regulation 31 of the SEBI ICDR Regulations and in compliance with Regulation 6(2) of the SEBI ICDR Regulations wherein not less than 75% of the Net Issue shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Qualified Institutional Buyers (“QIBs”, and such portion, the “QIB Portion”), provided that our Company in consultation with the BRLMs may allocate up to 60% of the QIB Portion to Anchor Investors on a discretionary basis (“Anchor Investor Portion”). One-third of the Anchor Investor Portion shall be reserved for the domestic Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received from the domestic Mutual Funds at or above the Anchor Investor Allocation Price by the SEBI ICDR Regulations. In the event of under-subscription or non-allocation in the Anchor Investor Portion, the balance Equity Shares shall be added to the QIB Portion (other than the Anchor Investor Portion) (the “Net QIB Portion”). Further, 5% of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to Mutual Funds only, and the remainder of the Net QIB Portion shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to all QIB Bidders, including Mutual Funds, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Issue Price. Further, not more than 15% of the Net Issue shall be available for allocation to Non-Institutional Investors, out of which (a) one third of such portion shall be reserved for applicants with application size of more than ₹ 0.20 million and up to ₹ 1.00 million and (b) two-third of such portion shall be reserved for applicants with application size of more than ₹ 1.00 million, provided that the unsubscribed portion in either of such sub-categories may be allocated to applicants in the other sub-category of Non-Institutional Investors and not more than 10% of the Net Issue shall be available for allocation to RIIs by the SEBI ICDR Regulations, subject to valid Bids being received from them at or above the Issue Price. Further, up to [•] Equity Shares aggregating to ₹159.00 million will be available for allocation to Eligible Employees, subject to valid Bids being received at or above the Issue Price. All Bidders, other than Anchor Investors, are required to participate in the Issue by mandatorily utilising the Application Supported by Blocked Amount (“ASBA”) process by providing details of their respective ASBA Account (as defined hereinafter) and UPI ID in case of UPI Investors, if applicable, in which the corresponding Bid Amounts will be blocked by the SCSBs or under the UPI Mechanism, as the case may be, to the extent of respective Bid Amounts.

The Equity Shares offered through the Red Herring Prospectus are proposed to be listed on both BSE Limited (“BSE“)and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”, together with BSE, the “Stock Exchanges”).  

ICICI Securities Limited, JM Financial Limited, and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the Issue.

All capitalised terms referred to in this press release that have not been defined shall have the same meaning as prescribed in the red herring prospectus of the Company dated June 18, 2025 (“RHP”).

Disclaimer: Kalpataru Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions, and other considerations, an initial public offering of its equity shares and has filed a red herring prospectus dated 18th June, 2025. (“RHP”) with the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai at Maharashtra, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The RHP is available on the website of the Company at www.kalpataru.com, the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, and the website of the Book Running Lead Managers, ICICI Securities Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, JM Financial Limited at www.jmfl.com and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited at www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html and the websites of BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in Equity Shares involves a high degree of risk. For details, potential investors should refer to the Red Herring Prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” on page 32 of the RHP. The Equity Shares proposed to be offered in the Offer have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws of the United States and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold within the United States, except under an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares will be offered and sold outside the United States in “offshore transactions” as defined in and in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act and the applicable laws of the jurisdiction where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States.

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Set in the heart of the Indian jungle, the musical followed Mowgli’s journey to self-discovery, featuring beloved characters like Baloo, Bagheera, King Louie, and Shere Khan. The production embraced India’s rich heritage, weaving together the charm of Gond tribal art, brocade fabrics, and traditional silhouettes to create a visual spectacle rooted in cultural storytelling.

A first of its kind, this adaptation not only entertained but also educated, using music, movement, and vibrant costumes to bring ancient folklore to life on stage. With stunning choreography, heartfelt performances, and a clear message of unity and belonging, the show was a true celebration of WCI Pune’s global values and local spirit.

Olav Hekala, the Head of Music, loved his experience in preparing the students for Disney’s The Jungle Book. He highlighted, “How, though the production was challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. Apart from the usual hurdles encountered with any musical, there was the looming question of how to present a story created by an Anglo Indian writer in a relevant and respectful way. The creative team, performers, and everyone involved went above and beyond to make this not just a relevant production but a fun one as well.”

The entire WCI Pune community, from teachers to technical crew, played a role in bringing this magical production to life—an unforgettable milestone in the school’s cultural journey.

The post The Premiere of Disney’s The Jungle Book at Wellington College International appeared first on NRI News.

Shinde said, “Nagarale’s attempt to impart the strength of Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts to society through his actions is commendable.”

In his autobiography, Nagarale has shared his life’s struggles and experiences, which will serve as an inspiration for the youth. Shinde further said, “If we want to build a capable  new generation, we need to do it through education. Nagarale’s perseverance, determination, and goal-oriented approach is truly inspiring.”

Dr. Raosaheb Kasabe, Chairman of Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, said that Nagarale’s autobiography is a reflection of his inner self and will give readers a new perspective on life. Former Chief Secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad spoke about Nagarale’s 42-year friendship with him and praised his commitment to selfless service.

Nagarale said that his autobiography aims to document the struggles faced by people from his community and inspire the younger generation to overcome obstacles.

The event was attended by notable personalities, including former MLC Ulhas Pawar, Mohan Joshi, and former bureaucrat Vishwanath Shegaonkar. Rajesh Damle anchored the event, and Dr. Soniya Nagarale presented the vote of thanks.

The post Former CM Shinde Lauds IAS Officer Nagarale’s Inspirational Journey in Autobiography ‘Sangharsh’ appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Conrad Pune, the city’s leading luxury destination, is all set to turn a new page in the city’s cultural story with the launch of ConREAD, a signature monthly initiative that brings together authors, thinkers, and passionate readers for a compelling exchange of stories, ideas, and debates. Launching on 21^st April, just ahead of World Book Day, ConREAD aims to create a thriving community for those who find joy between the pages and meaning in conversations.

Curated to celebrate the written word, ConREAD will host monthly meet-ups where punekars can meet their favourite authors in an intimate setting. An extension of Conrad Pune’s ethos, where hospitality meets culture, ConREAD is a movement to encourage intellectual exchange, a deep dive into emerging publishing trends, and exclusive interactions with leading authors. From literature to finance to real-world insights, ConREAD will serve as a dynamic platform where ideas take center stage.

The inaugural edition will feature the celebrated and bestselling author and stock market expert Ms. Devina Mehra, in conversation with Mr. Neil Borate, Head of Personal Finance at Mint. Together, they will dive into her latest work, Money, Myths and Mantras – The Ultimate Investment Guide, followed by an interactive Q&A and book signing, giving readers a chance to connect directly with the minds behind the books they love.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, shared, “With ConREAD, we are opening our doors to a new kind of luxury which is intellectual, immersive, and community-driven. This series is our way of giving back to the cultural fabric of Pune by creating a space where book lovers and thinkers can gather, converse, be bold, and stay inspired. We’re thrilled to launch this journey with Ms. Devina Mehra and look forward to many more chapters to come.”

Excited for being part of ConRead, Author Devina Mehra shared, “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural edition of ConREAD at Conrad Pune. The combination of my two favourites, books and investing/ finance in spaces that feel open, warm, and genuinely curious, sounds just perfect. And I have no doubt this evening will be just that. I truly appreciate Conrad Pune for creating a space where stories, questions, and real-life insights could flow freely. I look forward to sharing my journey and insights with everyone.”

Set against the elegant backdrop of Conrad Pune, each edition of ConREAD will blend the charm of literary discovery with the signature warmth and hospitality of Conrad, creating moments that are as thought-provoking as they are unforgettable. It’s a community where the love for books finds its tribe.

The post Conrad Pune Unveils ConREAD appeared first on NRI News.

This remarkable achievement is a testimony of our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and families in their journey toward owning a home.

With the performance of the Affordable and Emerging Markets Segment, the Retail segment loan book grew by ~18% YoY as of 31st March 2025. The total loan book of the Company crossed INR 75,000 crore as of 31st March 2025.

Commenting on the performance Girish Kousgi said: “With the dedicated efforts of the team towards the common goal of making lives better, we are thrilled to achieve our first stated milestone of an Affordable loan book of INR 5,000 crore. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to enabling financial inclusion by providing accessible housing finance solutions to customers.”

The housing sector is poised to continue its growth backed by favorable growth drivers viz improved affordability, rising urbanization, the nuclearization of families, and government initiatives like PMAY 2.0, etc. PNB housing with its multiple product offerings through Prime, Emerging Markets, and Affordable segments will continue to cater to customers across the affordability pyramid and contribute towards the Government mission of “Housing for All”.

Note: The information mentioned regarding 31^st March 2025 is provisional and subject to review by the statutory auditors of the Company.

The post PNB Housing’s Remarkable Achievement: Building an Affordable Book of INR 5,000 Crore appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: On the occasion of World Adoption Day which is celebrated every year on November 9, and World Adoption Month is celebrated throughout the month, journalist and writer Kalyani Sardesai has brought out the second edition of her book Child of My Heart: A Comprehensive Guide to Adoption in India.

The book, which was first released in 2020, is a one-of-its-kind ultra-wide window into adoption procedures in India.

“Having written and researched on child rights, including adoption, I have long believed India deserved its book, keeping its unique cultural context in mind,” says Sardesai. “The purpose of writing this book was to simplify how and why things work the way do in our country. In many ways, the concept of both family and parenting are individualized, and therefore, references from the West may not always work for us.”

While the first physical edition was released in 2020, the e-book was released in 2022. “Both versions were well-received. However, given that four years have passed since it was first printed, it was time to revise and update it with the realities of a post-pandemic world,” says Sardesai.

“Other than some new interviews, this edition looks at the evolving attitude of employers when it comes to specific subjects such as leave for adoptive parents,” says Sardesai.

Adoption in India currently happens only under the aegis of the Centralized Adoption Resource Authority, a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Government of India. Established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, CARA is responsible for monitoring and regulating adoptions both within and outside India.  

Like the previous edition, this work chronicles the experiences and emotions of those who have been through the journey, apart from shedding light on the socio-legal-cultural landscape of India, offering a balanced critique of the centralized adoption process. It delves into the portrayal of adoption in popular culture and history and offers advice on raising a well-adjusted child.

Child of My Heart is both a parenting guide and resource for those interested in child rights—whether they are journalists, lawyers, prospective parents, counselors or social workers.

“On a personal level, this work is the logical culmination of my journey so far: as a journalist who has written on child rights, and as a thoroughly fulfilled parent, who has been through the journey,” rounds off Sardesai.

The 300-page book is divided into four sections:

Section-I: Voices of adoptees and adoptive parents

Section II: How to talk about adoption with the child.

Section III: Myths, Movies, and Metaphors: How adoption is depicted in popular art, folklore, and history.

Section IV: The socio-legal and cultural realities of India.

Child of My Heart: A Comprehensive Guide to Adoption in India is available online at Rs 395 per book.

Links to both International and Indian e-books.

International – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DM9PFTGY

India – https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0DM9PFTGY

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