News Wire
HarperCollins India to publish Amish Tripathi and Bhavna Roy’s new book – IDOLS: Unearthing the Power of Murti Puja
NEW DELHI, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — HarperCollins is delighted to announce the upcoming publication of the keenly anticipated companion volume to DHARMA, which has been a bestseller since its release. IDOLS, by Amish Tripathi and Bhavna Roy, is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the practice of murti puja – or idol worshipping, as some call it – and its deep relevance in the spiritual lives of religious people in India and around the globe. In ancient times, much of the world practised idol-worshipping, such as the Greco-Romans, Pharaonic Egyptians, Celts, Vikings, etc. but murti puja has faced severe intellectual and violent attacks over the last centuries, with the result that it has been wiped out from most parts of the world. Idol-worshipping cultures had their temples destroyed, their universities burnt to the ground, their people scattered. India is among the last surviving cultures that still practices murti puja, a spiritual path that is deeply philosophical and intuitively liberal.
Scheduled for release on 16 October, IDOLS weaves together well-loved stories from ancient traditions and simple explanations of religious philosophy from across the world in the form of a spirited conversation between a group of family and friends with a range of perspectives. It makes for an illuminating read for fans of spirituality and mythology, and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of religion and its history on a global level.
Author Amish says, “I had the privilege of being brought up in a deeply traditional family. But one that was also deeply liberal. If you understand the principles of murti puja, you will know that this is not a contradiction, for with this path of spirituality you can be both traditional and liberal at the same time. Through this book, Bhavna didi and I are sharing what we learnt from our family, and through our reading, about why we are such proud murti pujaks.“
Author Bhavna Roy says, “We live in a time when breakdown of traditions and communities, constant noise caused by technology, and environmental instability with climate change, are all combining to create a perfect storm. We have all kinds of material comforts, but the minds are full of chaos, stress and even depression. Harking back to an ancient spiritual way of life can offer solace, hope and the possibility of respectful harmony. With this book, Amish and I want to share some of our learnings about symbolism and loving devotion. We hope it finds resonance with you.“
Poulomi Chatterjee, Publisher at HarperCollins India, says, “The practice of idol worship has incited controversy, invited intrigue and fascinated people over millennia. In IDOLS, Amish and Bhavna give readers clear-eyed perspectives on the topic while also regaling them with wonderful stories from mythologies across the world’s ancient cultures, narrated with tremendous flair. We’re delighted to be publishing a book that will be an enduring and invaluable resource for understanding more deeply the significance of different faiths and religious practices, as well as our individual inner spiritual lives.“
ABOUT IDOLS
Why do people worship idols?
Why does idol worship stubbornly persist despite many centuries of prejudice, bigotry and violence against it?
Can such worship help us find our true purpose in life and ultimately attain peace and prosperity?
In IDOLS, a companion volume to the bestselling Dharma, your favourite fictional characters are back, along with some new ones, to explore the essence and true meaning of murti puja.
In this insightful and thought-provoking book, Amish and Bhavna tackle burning questions about idol worship through simple, varied and astute interpretations of myths and religious texts. They unearth the symbolic essence of Ishta Devata, dive into the benefits of bhakti and tackle the importance of religion for people and society. In the process, they reveal the expansive philosophy behind the practice and how it can lead us to experience—intellectually, ideologically and, most importantly, in our hearts—the Oneness of God, through transformation, acceptance and love.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Amish is a 1974-born, IIM (Kolkata)-educated banker-turned-author. The success of his debut book, The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up his career in financial services to focus on writing. Besides being an author, he is also an Indian-government diplomat, a host for TV documentaries, and a film producer. Amish is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy, finding beauty and meaning in all world religions. His books have sold more than 7 million copies and have been translated into over 20 languages. His Shiva Trilogy is the fastest-selling and his Ram Chandra Series the second-fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. You can connect with Amish here:
Bhavna Roy was educated in Mussoorie, Pune and Mumbai. After graduating in psychology from Mumbai University, she qualified for the Indian Administrative Services. Having trained partly at the LBSNAA, she quit and then worked first as a volunteer in a school for special children in Malegaon, and then in an NGO in Nashik called SOS. She is the wife of the late Himanshu Roy IPS. She lives in Mumbai.
ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS INDIA
HarperCollins is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having begun publishing in India in 1992. HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian Subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live! Award, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India has won the Publisher of the Year Award four times at Tata Literature Live! in 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2016, and at Publishing Next in 2021 & 2015. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers.
For more information, please contact: Shabnam Srivastava, shabnam.srivastava@harpercollins.co.in
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News Wire
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.
Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.
Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.
Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”
Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”
The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.
About Jameson Connects
Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.
About Azadi Records
Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032
Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html
News Wire
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.
Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.
Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.
Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”
Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”
The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.
About Jameson Connects
Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.
About Azadi Records
Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032
Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html
News Wire
Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai
An intimate celebration of music, culture, and community, also featured Seedhe Maut and Shekhinah
MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Music lovers in Mumbai were treated to an unforgettable evening as Jameson Connects brought its signature global experience, Distilled Sounds, to India’s cultural capital with an electrifying night of rhythm, soul, and connection. Headlining the showcase was none other than Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee, who took over Famous Studios, Mumbai, for a high-voltage, electrifying up-close performance that brought unmatched energy to this thrilling chapter of Jameson Connects.
DJ Pee .Wee, the dynamic alter ego of Anderson .Paak, delivered a high-energy DJ set that showcased his impeccable taste and versatility behind the console. Known for his genre-blending sound that merges hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B, Anderson .Paak additionally treated audiences to an intimate live performance towards the end, captivating them with his rich musicality and vibrant presence.
Adding to the evening’s vibrant soundscape was a duo who need little introduction — Seedhe Maut. Fresh off the release of their eighth project DL91 FM, the genre-defying Delhi-based icons brought their razor-sharp lyrics and explosive live energy. Joining them was South African powerhouse Shekhinah, celebrated for her soulful vocals and signature fusion of R&B and pop. Together, they formed a thrilling trifecta of artistry that embodies Jameson’s spirit of fearless creativity and community.
With each edition, Jameson Connects continues to raise the bar in crafting immersive cultural experiences that merge music, community, and creativity. Known for spotlighting boundary-breaking talent from around the world while championing local voices, the platform has become a space where global artistry meets homegrown expression. The upcoming Mumbai showcase is set to be no different-an intimate yet high-impact gathering that celebrates the spirit of connection, the power of live performance, and the magic that unfolds when diverse creative energies come together under one roof.
More than just a music event, Jameson Connects delivered a curated celebration of culture, community, and connection. From eclectic pop-ups by homegrown brands to vibrant F&B experiences and the thoughtfully curated zones, every element is designed to spark conversations and camaraderie.
Stay tuned for what’s next from Jameson Connects.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/jameson_alwaysintomixin?igsh=eGszaTBsNTV5N2Yx
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-302472876.html
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule
Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai
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