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HarperCollins is proud to announce the publication of Sahela Re by Mrinal Pande Translated by Priyanka Sarkar
NEW DELHI, May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mrinal Pande’s Sahela Re is a heartfelt ode to an era when music was sacred. Translated masterfully by Priyanka Sarkar, it will stay with you like the unforgettable memory of a precious song.
Published under Harper Perennial
Paperback | 268 pp | INR 499
Available wherever books are sold | Releasing on May 13, 2023
“A tale finely told, where writing and music form body and soul. With a rare combination of poetic imagination, sociological insight, and historical understanding, Sahela Re is a nostalgic but unsentimental evocation of the vanished golden age of Hindustani music and a lament for its present predicament. With truly creative unconcern for political correctness, it shows that, ironically, the golden age was in a colonized feudal society and its withering has come about in democratic India. It brings to life women artistes who pursued their beloved art uncompromisingly, following their emotions and dreams at a heavy personal cost. A tale that will haunt you long after you’ve read it.“ – Geetanjali Shree, Novelist & Short Story Writer
“Mrinal Pande, well-regarded Hindi writer and mediaperson, is also a trained Hindustani classical singer. Drawing from her knowledge of the art form and its history, she explores the world of Hindustani music with deep understanding and empathy. Her narrative mixes the tragic and the comic, and reveals the grace and grandeur, the sufferings and ironies, the darings and failures of lives involved in music. Sahela Re is a human document. A rare fictional account of a lesser-known ethos, the novel is a triumph of creative imagination.” – Ashok Vajpeyi, Notable Poet, Essayist & Literary-Cultural Critic
“Like a lyrical detective, the writer takes us on a journey into a forgotten and forsaken world of music. As the book unspools, the hidden notes turn out to be as beautiful as the ones heard.” – Namita Devidayal, Author & Journalist
About the Book
When Vidya, a music scholar, sets out to write a book on the history of Hindustani classical music, she uncovers the remnants of a time and a tradition fast receding: when singers embodied the ragas in their purest forms; when patrons were worshippers, not followers.
Revealed through fascinating anecdotes, correspondence, legend and gossip are the highs and lows of the artistes’ lives, as they loved and lost, and moved on from mehfils to gramophones; we witness, too, the passion music provoked in the lives of its connoisseurs. Making our way through Benares, Calcutta, Bombay and New York, we meet Anjali Bai and Hira Bai – a mother-daughter duo known as much for their singing as for their beauty and intelligence; the gifted Allarakkhi Bi, a friend to Anjali Bai; the famous singer Husna Bai, Allarakkhi’s mother; and their descendants, who attempt to salvage what remains of the old music for new listeners on foreign shores.
Mrinal Pande’s Sahela Re is a heartfelt ode to an era when music was sacred. Translated masterfully by Priyanka Sarkar, it will stay with you like the unforgettable memory of a precious song.
According to the author, Mrinal Pande,“Sahela Re is a bit of many things, biography, a nineteenth century Hindi detective fiction, colonial and post colonial history, anthropology and reflections handed to me by many musicians and their groupies. It had to be called a novel because to hang everything together that I wanted to, I had to invent fairly large chunks of it. My role though as author, remains limited to being the eye of a camera capturing images honestly. The ultimate aim was to create through all these an artful (not arty) collage of disparate things that go to create an epoch and its music makers. Like their lives and times, the narrative is full of uncertainties, mysteries, doubts and violence. But the narrative refuses to reach out for journalistic fact and reason. This was the form the matter shaped for itself, as it proceeded, and I went with the flow. It is a novel for those curious about classical music beyond Ravi Shankar and flower children. Those who wish to locate something human to hold on to in a thicket of academic theory and exaggerated but vacuous myths created by the media.”
Priyanka Sarkar, who translated the book, says,“Translating Sahela Re was nothing short of joining the detective journalist Vidya Rani on her adventures as she tried to piece together the tantalizing mystery of Anjali Bai and Hira Bai. The major as well as minor characters come alive and each one of them is unique and interesting in their own way. For me, the novel is as much a foray into the world of Hindustani Classical music as it is about the power of music, women fighting for their autonomy and independence, the often-complicated relationship that mothers and daughters have, long-standing friendships and even the pain and confusion of being away from one’s motherland.”
About the Author
Mrinal Pande is a veteran journalist, television personality and author. She was the first woman in India to be the chief editor of a Hindi daily, Hindustan; the first woman chairperson of Prasar Bharati (2010 to 2014), the apex body of the official Indian Broadcast Media; and the founder-president of the Indian Women’s Press Corps, a national body of India’s women journalists. Pande has authored several books in Hindi and English, including The Journey of Hindi Language Journalism in India: From Raj to Swaraj and Beyond, The Other Country: Dispatches from the Mofussil, My Own Witness: A Novel, Devi: Tales of the Goddess in Our Time, Daughter’s Daughter, That Which Ram Hath Ordained or the Tale of Manna Seth and The Subject Is Woman. She has also translated into English Gathering the Ashes, written originally in Hindi by Amritlal Nagar, and 1857: The Real Story of the Great Uprising, written originally in Marathi by Vishnu Bhatt Godshe Versaikar. Pande has studied Hindustani (vocal) music from the Gandharva School, and drawing, design and the history of art and architecture at the Corcoran School of Art, Washington, DC. In 2006, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her services in the field of journalism.
About the Translator
Priyanka Sarkar is an editor, translator and writer. She has translated Shivani’s Bhairavi (2020) and Chitra Mudgal’s Giligadu (2019) into English. Her translations of short stories from Hindi to English have appeared in anthologies published by Yoda Press, OUP India, Women Unlimited, South Asian Review and Macmillan. Her translations have also featured on Scroll.in and Audible. As an editor, she has worked with Oxford University Press and Random House India and was also the head of editorial at Konark Publishers. She is currently associated with the Rama Mehta Writing Grant, which aims to encourage creativity in English, Hindi, Urdu and Rajasthani among unpublished Rajasthani women writers.
30 YEARS OF HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS INDIA
At HarperCollins, we believe in telling the best stories and finding the widest possible readership for our books in every format possible. We started publishing 30 years ago; a great deal has changed since then, but what has remained constant is the passion with which our authors write their books, the love with which readers receive them, and the sheer joy and excitement that we as publishers feel in being a part of the publishing process.
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of publishing some of the finest writing from the subcontinent and around the world, and some of the biggest bestsellers in India’s publishing history. Our books and authors have won a phenomenal range of awards, and we ourselves have been named Publisher of the Year the greatest number of times. But nothing has meant more to us than the fact that millions of people have read the books we published, and somewhere, a book of ours might have made a difference.
As we step into our fourth decade, we go back to that one word a word which has been a driving force for us all these years: Read.
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HarperCollins India Brings Global Bestseller – Designing the Mind, to Indian Readers
Modern self-mastery manual to leading great lives, by Ryan A. Bush
NEW DELHI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a world saturated with quick fixes and surface-level self-help, HarperCollins India announces the release of Designing the Mind by Ryan A. Bush – an international bestseller that offers a powerful alternative: a systematic, deeply transformative approach to mastering the mind.
Positioned at the intersection of psychology, philosophy and self-optimization, the book introduces ‘psychitecture’: a methodical practice of redesigning the mind’s internal ‘software’ to achieve greater clarity, self-control and emotional tranquillity.
At its core, Designing the Mind challenges a fundamental assumption that thoughts, emotions and behaviours are fixed. Drawing from neuropsychology and the teachings of great thinkers, such as the Buddha, Marcus Aurelius, Friedrich Nietzsche and Abraham Maslow, Bush presents a compelling framework for consciously redesigning the mental patterns that shape lives.
Rather than offering fleeting motivation or prescriptive hacks, the book equips readers with a set of principles to step outside their own thinking and examine it as a system, one that can be understood, refined and ultimately rebuilt.
Talking about the book, Ryan A. Bush says, “I’m excited to bring Designing the Mind to India and introduce these principles to a whole new group of psychitects. India has one of the richest traditions of introspective inquiry in the world, and I think this book will find a natural home here.”
Sachin Sharma, Publisher, HarperCollins India, says, “One of humanity’s most profound questions is whether it is truly possible to rewire the brain. In Designing the Mind, Ryan Bush expertly blends practical exercises, actionable insights, and theoretical concepts to empower readers in engineering their own minds. We are thrilled to bring this international bestseller to Indian readers.”
About the book:
Neuropsychology suggests that the human mind is infinitely malleable and adaptable. It is known that it is possible to rewire emotions and build deep tranquility into human minds. It is also known that the biased beliefs and self-limiting habits that hold people back from their potential can be overcome. Yet when one actually seeks to modify and master the mind, they are usually met with shallow life hacks and fleeting fixes.
Fortunately, many great ancient philosophers left behind the open-source cognitive code for altering one’s own mental patterns and becoming the ideal self. Legendary thinkers like the Buddha, Marcus Aurelius, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Abraham Maslow have revealed the insights for building a brilliant mind, and award-winning systems designer, Ryan A. Bush, weaves them into a vital theory for helping individuals scale the heights of self-mastery and lead great lives.
About the author:
Ryan A. Bush is a designer and thinker focused on building better systems, better people, and a better future. As founder of Designing the Mind, Ryan’s central purpose is to provide wisdom education and expand human potential beyond the norm. Ryan’s background is in the design of systems – he works with tech startups to design and develop everything from patented physical products, to software, to buildings, to business models. But his most relevant credential is a lifelong appetite for introspective investigation, ravenous reading, and obsessive self-optimization. For more than a decade, Ryan has been studying the insights of ancient teachers, practical philosophers, and cognitive scientists. His ideas have been featured on major platforms like Lifehack and Modern Stoicism, and he has been a guest on podcasts with topics ranging from emotions to philosophy to motivation.
About HarperCollins India
At HarperCollins Publishers India, we believe in telling the best stories and ensuring they reach the widest readership. We publish around 250 new books every year across 10 imprints, adding to a diverse catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across print and digital formats. Our authors include APJ Abdul Kalam, Agatha Christie, Amish Tripathi, Amitav Ghosh (Erasmus Prize 2024), Jhumpa Lahiri, Paulo Coelho, Raghuram Rajan, Sudha Murty, Ruskin Bond and many more.
HarperCollins India has been honoured with seven Publisher of the Year awards and proudly represents global publishers such as Harvard University Press, Lonely Planet, Oneworld, Nosy Crow, Usborne and National Geographic Children.
We have also been certified as a Great Place to Work for two consecutive years, a testament to our culture, creativity and people.
Contact
Kritika Nautiyal
Manager – Marketing
Email: kritika.nautiyal@harpercollins.co.in
Mobile: +91 7895252058
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Agoda Highlights Cool Escapes Across India to Beat the Summer Heat
NEW DELHI, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the summer approaches across India, digital travel platform Agoda highlights a selection of refreshing hill stations and highland retreats offering cooler climates and scenic landscapes. From the Nilgiri Hills to the Himalayas, these destinations provide travelers with a welcome escape from the heat while showcasing India’s geographic diversity.
Travel interest for hill destinations typically increases between April and June as travelers seek milder temperatures, fresh air, and nature-led experiences. Agoda’s latest recommendations reflect a growing preference for quick getaways and lesser-crowded alternatives to traditional summer hotspots, with travelers prioritizing accessibility, weather comfort, and cultural depth.
In southern India, Coonoor offers a quieter alternative to the more frequented Ooty. Surrounded by tea plantations and rolling hills, the town’s temperate climate and colonial-era charm make it an appealing retreat. Visitors can explore viewpoints such as Dolphin’s Nose or take scenic walks through tea estates, where the cool breeze provides relief from the summer heat.
Also in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud sits within the Shevaroy Hills and remains one of the region’s more understated summer destinations. Known for its lake, coffee plantations, and shaded forests, Yercaud attracts travelers looking for a relaxed pace without long travel times. Its relatively lower altitude still offers a noticeable drop in temperature compared to nearby cities.
Further north, Lansdowne provides a serene Himalayan foothill experience. This cantonment town is characterized by pine forests, quiet walking trails, and panoramic mountain views. It offers an unhurried atmosphere and offbeat appeal to travelers seeking a quieter alternative to busier hill stations in Uttarakhand.
For those willing to travel farther, Ladakh offers a dramatic contrast to India’s summer heat. With high-altitude deserts, expansive landscapes, and cool daytime temperatures, Ladakh has become increasingly popular during summer months. Beyond its scenery, the region’s monasteries and local culture provide a deeper travel experience.
In Karnataka, Coorg, also known as Kodagu, remains a perennial favorite. Its mist-covered hills, coffee estates, and forested terrain create a consistently cool and refreshing environment. Seasonal rainfall further enhances its greenery, making it especially appealing for nature-focused travelers.
Western India offers its own escape in Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. Surrounded by the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu provides a significant temperature drop compared to the desert plains. Attractions such as Nakki Lake and the Dilwara Temples combine natural beauty with cultural interest.
In the eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling continues to attract visitors with its cool climate and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga. Globally renowned for its premium tea, often referred to as the “Champagne of Teas,” Darjeeling holds a special appeal for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural richness. Its iconic tea gardens, heritage railways, and colonial architecture contribute to its enduring charm, while the elevation ensures comfortable temperatures even during peak summer.
Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda said, “Summer travel in India increasingly reflects a shift toward destinations that balance climate comfort with meaningful experiences. Hill stations and highland regions continue to resonate because they offer both immediate relief from the heat and a deeper connection to nature and local culture. At Agoda, we are passionate about helping travelers discover these unique places and create unforgettable memories. With our extensive range of accommodations and activities, we make it easy to plan the perfect travel experience.”
With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan and combine every part of their journey in one place. Running from 7 May to 21 May, Agoda’s 21st Birthday Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with a special flash sale of up to 70% on 19 May and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 3 May to 6 May. Discover more on Agoda’s mobile app or at Agoda.com.
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Lumina Datamatics Wins IMC RBNQA – Performance Excellence Trophy 2025 in the Service Category
MUMBAI, India, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lumina Datamatics, a strategic partner to global publishers and eCommerce retailers, has won the IMC RBNQA – Performance Excellence Trophy 2025 in the Service category. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony held at the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mumbai on 30th April 2026.
This esteemed recognition is part of the IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality (RBNQ) Awards for 2025, one of India’s most respected benchmarks for organizational excellence. The award underscores Lumina Datamatics’ unwavering commitment to business excellence, quality-driven processes, and continuous performance improvement. Notably, Lumina Datamatics Limited is the only organization recognized in the service segment this year, representing excellence across the Business Process Management spectrum.
The selection followed a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process conducted by an eminent panel of judges, assessing organizations on key parameters such as leadership, strategy, customer focus, operational effectiveness, and overall business performance.
Speaking on the achievement, Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman & CEO, TNQTech said, “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition. This achievement reflects the collective dedication, collaboration, and relentless focus on quality demonstrated by our teams across the organization. It reinforces our commitment to delivering consistent value to our clients worldwide while continuously striving for excellence in everything we do.”
The milestone highlights Lumina Datamatics’ strong foundation in operational excellence and its ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in service delivery across global markets.
About Lumina Datamatics:
Lumina Datamatics is a trusted partner in providing digital Content Services, Retail Support Services, and Technology Solutions to companies in the Publishing and Retail Industries worldwide. We are among the largest service providers in the Content space, and our customers include 8 of the top 10 academic publishers and 3 of the 5 largest Retailers and Marketplaces. Lumina Datamatics’ expert solutions combine its various in-house and client-facing platforms, partnerships with global technology leaders, and more than 7,500 professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Philippines, and India. This integrated global capability enables the company to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions to clients worldwide.
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HarperCollins India Brings Global Bestseller – Designing the Mind, to Indian Readers
Agoda Highlights Cool Escapes Across India to Beat the Summer Heat
Lumina Datamatics Wins IMC RBNQA – Performance Excellence Trophy 2025 in the Service Category
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