The Last Love Letter

Mumbai, 12th September 2012: Wednesday evening saw Juhu’s chic hotspot, Le Mangii roll out the red carpet for the launch of Minty Tejpal’s dramatic novel, ‘The Last Love Letter’ which is a candid story about the breakdown of marriage from a man’s point of view. Set in the struggling film world of Bombay, it examines the fickleness of celluloid dreams and how society views a man who is down on his luck.

The evening saw the celebrated author having a deep discussion with Sudhir Mishra & Vinay Pathak about his book; the conversation being moderated by none other than Meenal Baghel, Editor – Mumbai Mirror. The reading also witnessed quirky Ranvir Shorey and radiant Tisca Chopra read out excerpts from the book to the delight of all present. Minty Tejpal’s close friends from the film fraternity went out of their way to be present for this book launch event. While Tisca Chopra cancelled her shoot, Vishal Bhardwaj postponed his foreign trip and Ranvir Shorey flew down from USA; just to cheer for their friend on such an auspicious occasion. Among the other guests who graced the occasion with their presence were Prahlad Kakkar, Ketan Mehta, Deepa Sahi, Gaurav Kapur, Deepal Shaw, Vishal & Rekha Bhardwaj, Kabir Bedi, Pankaj Malhotra and many more prominent personalities from the world of theatre and film.

Le Mangii played an exemplary host to all present. Turning Point was the wine of choice for all guests and delectable delights made regular rounds amidst the folks! Appetizers like Gorgonzola and walnut mousse on crackers, Mushroom and Corn Tomato Tarts, Arancini di Risso (Rice Dumplings) were served for the vegetarians; whereas non-vegetarians savoured the Mint and Jalepeno grilled chicken with Tomato Dip, Lamb & Ginger Skewers in Teriyaki Sauce as well as Chicken Liver Pate. With Le Mangii’s signature hand-crafted Napolitana wood-fired oven pizzas being the favourite for the evening and feasted by one and all; the evening turned out to be a perfect amalgamation of literature, glamour and hospitality!

Aseem Vadehra

A Chance at Happiness is Melancholic and humorous, the stories in this collection tell tales of love, loss, loathing, cynicism and a range of other emotions set in contemporary Delhi. From a self-assured young man coming faceto-face with his dreams from years gone past in ‘Mr Alexander’ to the trysts of adolescent love in ‘Tara’; from a hedonistic night out on the town in ‘Nitin and I’ to the sheer helplessness of losing a best friend in ‘Karan and Maneck’; we find hints and reflections of people we know and situations we meet in our life’s journey towards a chance at happiness. Lyrical and tranquil, the stories in this collection revisit the life we live in the fast-paced world but forget to appreciate, and remember the joys of our everyday existence and shelved dreams.

Vikas Khanna

New Delhi: Om Books International, one of the largest publishers and book retailers in India, launched the book Flavors First by Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna at an event held at resto-bar Shiro, last night. Brought to India by Om Books International, Chef Vikas Khanna’s Flavors First carries a Foreword by the world renowned celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay. Flavors First captures the journey of Vikas Khanna as a Chef and has delectable recipes of his favourite Indian dishes that could be made at home. The chapters are devoted to the complete Indian meal including easy handmade breads, a variety of chutneys, appetizers, slow-cooked curries, desserts, and cool refreshing drinks. Chef Vikas Khanna cooked four of his signature dishes live at the launch event.

Flavors First was launched by the acclaimed columnist, journalist, talk-show host and author, Vir Sanghvi. The launch was attended by well-known names from the industry.

‘It is an honour to launch Chef Vikas Khanna’s Flavors First. His has been and continues to be an inspiring life. And to have expert food critic, celebrated TV host and one of our authors, Vir Sanghvi launch the book today at Shiro is a rare honour indeed. In the near future, you shall see several books written by Vikas Khanna being published by Om Books International. The Leela Palace, Audi Gurgaon, American Express, have in their own special way gone out on a limb to make this occasion very special,’ said Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International.

On this occasion, Vikas Khanna said ‘I am delighted to be back in India for the launch by Om Books International of my book Flavours First. It presents memories that have seeped into my cooking, from my grandmother’s simple traditional dishes to living in New York where I have adapted the centuries-old traditions of Indian cooking to the wonders of the city’s ethnic diversity. Flavors First has some of my favourite recipes from starters to main courses or side dishes, savoury, and more. Everyone who loves to cook ought to dip into this book. I am equally excited at the thought of returning soon to launch another exciting book, Khanna Sutra, published by Om Books International.’

All praises about Vikas Khanna, Vir Sanghvi said, ‘Vikas’s journey as a Chef has been outstanding and is a true inspiration for those striving to reach culinary heights.’

Flavors First will be available at all Om Book Shops across the country and at other leading books stores in India.

The event was sponsored by American Express.

Never Let Me Go

Delhi, February 28th, 2012: Sachin Garg – renowned author of ‘Its First Love.. Just like the last one!’ fame launched his latest release, “Never Let Me Go…” on Tuesday, the 28th February,2012. Social activist and former beauty queen Ms. Gul Panag unveiled the book at the ongoing World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan, Delhi.

“My friends always told me that I have lived a life more interesting than most. In one such conversation, the idea came up that I could probably write a series of books inspired by my own life. So I began writing my previous book, ‘It’s First Love’, inspired by the twentieth year of my life. And today, I released ‘Never Let Me Go..’ inspired by the twenty first year”, said an elated Sachin Garg.

“The theme for The 20th World Book Fair is – Point Of View – Towards Hundred Years of Indian Cinema. It is a way of paying a tribute to the Indian Cinema. What better place to invite Ms. Gul Panag, who is a prodigious reader herself, to launch my book”, said the author, Sachin Garg. “It is a sheer honour to have my book launched at a platform amongst the stalwarts of the literary world. I couldn’t have thought of a better place to unveil it”, he said.

“The book captures a very true feel of Goa and the challenging times Sachin has spent there. Definitely, he has done some very exciting things from cleaning the floors, working in a shack there to tackling the local police, managing some rowdy parties. I’m sure the book will strike a chord amongst all age groups”, said Gul Panag, about the book, ‘Never Let Me Go…’

The book has been published by Grapevine India Publishers, which was co-founded by Sachin Garg himself in 2011. Grapevine India is a community of authors, which was set up by authors themselves. The company has a vision of encouraging talented and prolific writers to have a platform to voice their stories.

Gray Wolves and White Doves

Bangalore 25th February, 2012: Mr. Venkatesh Rajagopal, the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Terrain, will host the launch event of the novel Gray Wolves and White Doves at ITC Windsor Manor on 25th February 2012. The thriller based novel, Gray Wolves and White Doves is based on actual events. Here, in India to launch his first novel among Bangalore’s literati, Dr. Balian in conversation with Vidya Virkar -daughter of Lt T.N Shanbhag and Managing Director of Strand Bookstore. Dr. Balian will interact with the select group of invitees.

Dr. Balian has lived in the locales described in the novel and has first-hand knowledge of the events. While the novel is the epitome of a timeless story and the struggle between the good and the evil and the perseverance of the underdog, it is an unique tale told in an unique manner. The historical/current political and social upheavals in the Middle East make this book eminently relevant.

Synopsis of ‘Gray Wolves and White Doves’ – In a rugged and ancient corner of the world shrouded in mystery and myth, five-year-old Hanna can imagine no other home than his small village at the edge of the Turkish Plains of Anatolia.

Suddenly, in one terrible instant an unimaginable tragedy strikes and the boy’s happy life is overturned, sending him into exile and on an odyssey of lurking dangers, dashed hopes and thwarted ambitions.

Torn from his family and uprooted from his homeland, the young boy is dispatched to a seminary in Jerusalem where he is renamed Jonah and embarks on a discovery of his true heritage and new identity. This sanctuary is also snatched away when Jonah, still in his early adolescence, finds himself caught in the crossfire of the Holy City’s “unholy” wars.

Caught in a web of deceit and factional feuds, a persecuted Jonah narrowly escapes the snares of his nemesis and the specter of the hellish Turkish prisons. He resorts to a fugitive subsistence in foreign lands, and is recruited by his former foe to join a clandestine group. Despondent, young Jonah finds himself forced to choose his fate: abandon his principles to carry out a barbaric mission to exact revenge; or find a new path to pursue an improbable dream in a new world.

Based on actual events of the 1960’s and 1970’s in the Middle East, Gray Wolves and White Doves transports the reader to a land steeped in ancient rituals, Middle Eastern traditions and modern intrigue. From this tumultuous background rises a moving, captivating story of a child’s search for identity and belonging amid rekindled feuds and the turmoil of a changing world.

Gray Wolves and White Doves is a real life and action-packed thriller that weaves a timeless tale of man’s perseverance, the endurance of hope, and the winning ways of the human spirit no matter how bleak the circumstances.

Gray Wolves and White Doves by Dr. John D. Balian is available on Amazon.com.

Meera Gandhi Launches Her Much Awaited Book Giving Back

Meera Gandhi, a well-known humanitarian and social activist played host to some of the social elite of Delhi like Ramola Bachan, Suhel Seth, Viveck Vasvani, Ayesha Thapar and many more. The evening saw a special book reading session by Suhel Seth.

Her Book Giving Back “Giving Back” includes touching vignettes of Meera’s prominent and not-so-prominent friends and illustrates how their philanthropic endeavors are indeed changing the world. Included are Cherie Blair, Kerry Kennedy, Patricia Velasquez, Kristi Yamaguchi, Steven Rockefeller, Francine Le Frak, Clodagh, Ronan Tynan, Deborah Norville, Narcisso Rodriguez and red carpet interviews with Bono and others. The book is being introduced in throughout the world: New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi, Dublin, Paris and Istanbul in the Fall of 2011. 100 percent of the proceeds from Meera Gandhi’s brilliant Giving Back project will go to charity.

At the launch of the book Meera commented “I feel extremely delighted and humbled with the outcome of the book launch. I want this foundation to cater to everyone at the end of the day success is empty without gratification and giving back.”

Shaan With Abhilasha Wal

A collection of original ABC songs and A-Z rhymes for the young ones to learn the fundamentals of English language

Mumbai, 28th September, 2011: Oxford Bookstore, Mumbai and Words n Songs hosted the book launch of ‘ABC– The Musical’, a collection of original ABC songs and A-Z rhymes for the young ones to learn the fundamentals of English language by Dr. Abhilasha Wal , Founder and Director of Words n Songs- publishing house and Guest Lecturer of Geology at IIT Mumbai. The occasion was graced by the presence of Shaan, renowned playback singer and Mrs. Sanda Swarup, Principal of Arwachin International School. The launch was followed by an engaging discussion with the author highlighting the reasons of writing this creative piece of work. It was an enriching experience for those who attended the session.

‘ABC – The Musical’ is Dr. Wal’s humble collection of the original ABC song and aptly written with A-Z rhymes. These poems have been penned down to stimulate and inspire the young children to learn the fundamental building blocks of the English language i.e. the alphabets from A to Z. The book has a tremendous visual impact as it carries relevant pictures to make learning interesting for the young ones. To add more fun to the learning the book also has a music album on ABC family.

The book is a fusion of learning, fun and entertainment for the young ones. In his work the author has captured the recent trend of collaborating learning with fun to impart education amongst the young generation. This book is an excellent example of educating the little ones with ease, accuracy and a personal touch. It has also combined rhythm and learning in a wonderful manner.

Om Books International To Release The Authorized Biography of Mohammed Rafi in December 2011

Noida, July 29, 2011: Om Books International is delighted to announce that Mohammed Rafi: Voice of a Nation co-authored by his son Shahid Rafi and Sujata Dev is set to release in December 2011. The biography is a moving account of the life and times of the Golden Voice of India.

Born the second youngest of six sons of Hajji Ali Mohammed at Kotla Sultan Singh, a village near Amritsar in Punjab (British India), Rafi, nicknamed Pheeko, started singing by imitating chants of a fakir in his village. In the 1920s, Rafi’s father moved to Lahore to start a men’s salon in Noor Mohalla, Bhatti Gate, Lahore. Elder brother Mohammed Deen’s friend, Abdul Hameed spotted the talent in Rafi in Lahore and encouraged him to sing. Later he convinced the family elders to let Rafi move to Bombay and accompanied Rafi in 1944 to this city from where he would slowly steal into the heart of the nation.

Says Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International, “It is indeed an honour to publish Mohammed Rafi’s biography. As a singer he was and still is deeply admired across generations.”

About the Authors - Shahid Rafi is the son of the illustrious singer Mohammed Rafi. A singer himself, he has performed in several national and international shows. Shahid Rafi is also the Founder Chairman of Mohammed Rafi Academy, Mumbai. Started in memory of the great singing legend, the Academy aims to promote and preserve the music of the Golden Era.

Sujata Dev hosted The Indian Pavilion at Cannes Film Festival several times on behalf of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India. She is also the recipient of the prestigious, “Udyog Rattan” award. Sujata Dev is a Rafi fan and admirer.

Vodafone Crossword Book Award

Friday, 29th July 2011: VODAFONE, one of India’s leading cellular service providers and CROSSWORD, India’s leading chain of lifestyle bookstores announced the Vodafone Crossword Book Award 2010 shortlist.

The announcement was made by renowned Member of the Parliament, Mani Shankar Aiyar; Padma Shree & Padma Bhushan Award Winning Journalist & Author, Mark Tully; Editor and Award winning Author, Ira Pande; Journalist & Award Winning Author, Arunava Sinha and Editor, writer & critic, Anita Roy.

Vodafone Crossword Book Awards 2010

This shortlist of nominees was selected by an eminent panel of judges from the long list of 315 valid entries submitted by publishers in the categories of English Fiction, Indian Language Translation, English Non-Fiction, Children’s Writing & Popular Awards

Mr. Chandrashekhar Navalkar – CEO Crossword Bookstores quotes, “Its gives me immense pleasure to announce the Vodafone Crossword Book Award 2010 Shortlist from a record of 315 entries.

This is the tenth year for the awards and we are extremely proud of it. We will continue our endeavour to recognise and appreciate outstanding contribution to the literary world every year.”

The books shortlisted in the English Fiction category are:

The shortlists in the English Non-Fiction category include:

The shortlisted books in Indian Language Translation category include:

The shortlists in the Children’s category include:

The shortlists in the Popular Award’s category include:

The Happiness Quotient by Dr. Rekha Shetty

Bangalore, July 28, 2011: It is all about being happy which will determine our levels of excellence, turning our enthusiasm into our passion. And if you are wondering how to find out what makes you happy, Dr.Rekha Shetty in her latest book unveils more about it. Landmark and Westland hosted the launch of the book ‘The Happiness Quotient’ by Dr. Rekha Shetty at Landmark outlet in Forum Mall, Koramangala, on Wednesday.

The book launch was followed by an interactive session with the author where she shared a few mantras from the book. “This is a perfect stress management book which can be gifted to executives operating in the corporate sector. The happiness mantras are nothing out of the routine but just a reminder that you can keep your calm. The Happiness Quotient is a simple realisation that you can have control over your mind which can help you to balance your life at work, sparing time for relationships and different ways of coping up with every day tensions,” said author Dr. Rekha Shetty while interacting with the audience present at the launch.

The event was attended by top corporate honchos like Ms. Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, Vice President & Partner, Stanton Chase International, S. Ramadoss, Sr. Vice President CHRO – Titan Industries Ltd and Dr. Gopichand Katragadda, GE, John F. Welch Technology Centre. Mr. Ramadoss received the first copy of the book. Mr. Ashutosh Pandey, COO, Landmark, said the book is ‘thought-provoking’ and a ‘must-read’.

The book tells you that it is possible to achieve excellence in the corporate world and still be happy. The Happiness Quotient uses the Indian traditions and shows us that positive, radiant happiness is our birthright and the programme outlined in this book illustrates how to achieve it for ourselves. If you are still wondering about what your happiness quotient is, this book is sure to be an eye opener.

During the presentation, Dr. Rekha Shetty said that with this book, her aim is to create an epidemic of happiness in the corporate world. She initially wrote this book 7 years ago as a management guide but later changed the format to a story. Her next book is expected to come out in January 2012.

About ‘The Happiness Quotient’ - The Indian tradition shows us that positive, radiant happiness is our birthright, and the programme outlined in this book illustrates how to achieve it for ourselves. The Happiness quotient (HQ) is a concept that measures approximately, the measure of happiness each person has achieved in his life. This book provides a blueprint to increase one’s HQ. It starts by describing the creation of a positive mindspace, one that nurtures the positive emotions that increase happiness. It also discusses the impact of negative fields and how to avoid them.

Anti-happiness traps, too, find a special place in this book. They require special identification as they can be very misleading, like a comfortable golden cage full of fruit, must seem to a free-flying parrot. Whatever the external circumstances may be, the individual is responsible for his inner state. Events are not under our control, but our perceptions and reactions to them are.

This book is an investment in Life’s greatest prize – Happiness.

Release Type: Original
Price: Rs. 150/-
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Westland
Extent: 182 pages
Genre: Self Help? Inspiration
Territory: World
Pub Date: June 2011

About the Author - Dr. Rekha Shetty, Ph.D, is the founder of the Mindspower brand and managing director of Farstar Distribution Network Ltd, a twenty-year old consulting firm working exclusively on innovation initiatives and work-life balance. She consults for some of the region’s foremost blue chip companies. She is keenly involved in social action and is one of the first women Rotary International governors in Asia and a recipient of the Service above Self Award. Her other books include The Way to a Healthy Heart: The Zero Heart Attack Path; Portable Roots, Corporate Strategy: Mindspower Innovation and Innovate! 90 Days To Transform Your Business. Her thoughts come from a deep study of many disciplines: Management, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, History and Spirituality. Her ideas are practiced in over 30 countries.