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HarperCollins is proud to announce the publication of ‘The Day I became a Runner’ A Women’s History of India through the Lens of Sport by Sohini Chattopadhyay

A Fourth Estate book



Hardback | 360 pp | INR 599



Releasing on 23rd October 2023



“One of the finest works of non-fiction I have read in years.”

Ramachandra Guha

NEW DELHI, Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Day I Became a Runner starts on a striking premise—that, since running is a solitary activity conducted in the public sphere, women who take up this sport pose a more direct challenge to patriarchy than those who play sports such as badminton, cricket, tennis and so on. To support this thesis, award-winning journalist Sohini Chattopadhyay presents the compelling stories of athletes spanning the entire history of independent India and involving women from a wide range of social and geographical backgrounds. Whether it is Ila Mitra, who could have been the first Indian-origin woman at the 1940 Olympics, or Mary D’Souza, who ran and played hockey for India through the 1950s, Kamaljit Sandhu, the first Indian woman to win an individual gold outside India in Bangkok in 1970, or P.T. Usha, who redefined the 1980s and the decades that followed for women in sport across the country, each of the women in this book is a remarkable figure of post-independence India.

Written with remarkable insight and poignancy, The Day I Became a Runner is an alternative account of the Indian republic chronicled through its women athletes. In that sense, it is a women’s history of India.

“I wanted to attempt a story of India through the embodied experiences of women: what it is like to inhabit this nation as a woman citizen. From the start, my ambition was that this would be a history of the republic, a history told through the lens of sport and the lives of women. This is probably why it took me a while to write it—more than eight years, to be precise. I am truly thrilled that HarperCollins shared this vision with me—that this is a story of India, seen through what is hopefully a fresh lens—and enabled me to bring this book to you.“

Sohini Chattopadhyay, Author

“Written with stunning felicity, Sohini Chattopadhyay’s The Day I Became a Runner is a brilliant work of narrative non-fiction. This is a history of modern India, seen through the unusual but very insightful lens of women’s sports, and it reveals uncanny truths about our society and culture. A book like this comes along only once in a while. We at HarperCollins are hugely excited to be able to bring Sohini’s first book to readers under our prestigious Fourth Estate imprint.“

Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher

“The Day I Became a Runner is a spectacular debut, not only because it is an extraordinary narrative, but because it brings so many diverse strands deftly together—history, gender, sports, reportage and personal experience. We publish this important work at a time when conversations around women and sport are becoming increasingly urgent and relevant.“

Swati Chopra, Associate Publisher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sohini Chattopadhyay is a journalist and National Award-winning film critic. Her work has been translated into German, Bengali, Tamil and Malayalam. She is a recipient of the New India Foundation fellowship, and has been bestowed the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award and the Human Rights Press Awards citation, among others. Her writing is archived on her website.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

Anjum Hasan says, “With curiosity, sensitivity and agility, Sohini Chattopadhyay creates a sisterhood of Indian runners.”

Jairam Ramesh says, “A hobby runner herself, the author weaves together the lives of nine notable Indian women runners to “trace the arc of citizenship in the Indian republic”. Each of them has left their imprint on not just our athletic but also our social history—one is now my colleague in Parliament. Their achievements could not have found a better chronicler and analyst. The book is delightfully written, and it has been an education to read it.”

Mukul Kesavan says, “The Day I Became a Runner isn’t just the best book ever written about Indian women in competitive sport, but it is the best book about India that you’re likely to read this year.”

Nida Kirmani says, “Sohini Chattopadhyay’s The Day I Became a Runner is a beautiful tribute to Indian women in sport. She skilfully interweaves her own relationship with running with stories of Indian women athletes from the 1940s to the present, demonstrating how women have creatively used professional sports as a way of creating space for themselves in the Indian republic. The Day I Became a Runner is a history of India told through the lives of these incredible, boundary-pushing women. It is also a touching personal story of a woman struggling to connect with her body despite the odds.”

Shobhaa Dé says, “A searing comment on the harsh realities that women athletes face as they try to make their way in the sporting world. But The Day I Became a Runner is not only about sportswomen, it is about all of us who struggle against stereotypes and the world’s expectations of how women should live.”

Sonia Faleiro says, “A beautifully written and thoroughly captivating ode to the power of dreams and the pursuit of excellence.”

Srinath Raghavan says, :This remarkable and highly readable book braids together the lives of Indian women runners and the history of sport in a deeply gendered society. In so doing, Sohini Chattopadhyay also offers us a subtle and moving account of the meanings of freedom in India since its Independence.”

Sumana Roy says, “It is possible that many of us—particularly a generation of women— have willed this book into existence. Sohini Chattopadhyay gives us a history of Indian women in a manner never attempted before, without ever letting go of an opportunity to share a joke.”

Nilanjana Roy says, “This is what the ‘Big India Book’ used to be, only better and more fascinating. Through running, Chattopadhyay traces a map of the country’s dreams, fault lines and struggles, of gender, sport and nationhood. A work of incredible research, engrossing and powerful.”

Ramachandra Guha says, “I have had the great pleasure of having read, in manuscript form, Sohini Chattopadhyay’s wonderful book on women runners in India. Sohini is both a superb reporter and a beautiful writer. While the motif of struggle and sacrifice runs through the book, each story is moving in its own distinctive way. This is one of the finest works of non-fiction I have read in years.”

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 and 2015. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers.

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://amzn.to/4530tpL 

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SPJIMR holds Annual Convocation 2025 with HUL’s Nitin Paranjpe as Chief Guest

802 graduates embark on a journey to lead with integrity, passion, and a growth mindset

MUMBAI, India, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, one of India’s leading business schools, hosted its Annual Convocation 2025 at its Mumbai campus on Saturday, 17 May. The event celebrated the achievements of over 800 graduating participants from across the Institute’s full-time and modular postgraduate programmes, including two (2) Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) scholars.

The Convocation was graced by Mr. Nitin Paranjpe, Non-Executive Chairman of Hindustan Unilever, as Chief Guest. Also, present were Mr. Deepak Parekh, Chair of SPJIMR’s Governing Council; Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR; faculty and staff; and family members of the graduating participants.

Delivering the Convocation Address, Mr. Nitin Paranjpe drew upon his decades of global business experience to urge the graduating cohort to lead with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. Speaking of India’s bold aspiration to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, he highlighted the need for a new kind of leadership—one that is ethical, compassionate, and driven by the common good.

Mr. Paranjpe shared three powerful life lessons drawn from his personal and professional journey: “There’s no such thing as a good job or a bad one — it’s the mindset you bring that shapes your experience. The real joy, and the foundation for excellence, lies in loving what you do. Don’t chase being the best in the world — strive to be the best version of yourself. Continuous self-improvement is your right, your responsibility, and your greatest opportunity. Purpose is that inner force that fuels your energy and passion. When you find what truly drives you, hold on to it — it’s the most precious gift you’ll ever have.”

In his address, Dean Dr. Varun Nagaraj shared a candid reflection on the challenges graduates face in an uncertain world—geopolitical tensions and the dual promise and peril of AI. He urged them to enter this complex landscape with confidence, guided by SPJIMR’s mission of value-based growth and wise innovation.

He reaffirmed SPJIMR’s commitment to nurturing leaders who combine knowledge with empathy and impact with purpose: “Tomorrow you will be a different and better person than today. Embrace a growth mindset—remember, you are a work in progress, not a finished product. The world offers no ready-made answers; solutions come only through hard work and wise innovation.”

Sixteen (16) top achievers across programmes were presented with Scholastic Medals by Chief Guest Mr. Nitin Paranjape, and 50 recipients from the Dean’s Honour List received their commendation certificates from the Dean. 

Diplomas were conferred across the Institute’s full-time and modular programmes, including the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), PGDM (Business Management), Post Graduate Executive Management Programme (PGEMP), Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM), Post Graduate Programme in General Management (PGPGM), and Post Graduate Programme in Marketing & Business Management (PGPMBM).

The Convocation ceremony concluded with the traditional hat throw, celebrating the graduates’ journey and the beginning of their next chapter as responsible, value-based leaders.

About SPJIMR

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is a leading postgraduate management institute, recognised by the Financial Times MiM Global Rankings as India’s #1 business school, by Business Today as one of the country’s top five business schools, and by the Positive Impact Rating as one of the top five business schools worldwide for societal impact. Known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to management education, research, and community engagement, SPJIMR aims to influence managerial practice and promote the value-based growth of its students, alumni, organisations and their leaders, and society. SPJIMR holds the international ‘triple crown’ of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA.

Visit SPJIMR.org for more information.

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12BET Brings the Aviator Craze to Players with Spribe’s Trending Games

MUMBAI, India, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 12BET, a trusted name in global iGaming since 2007, is excited to announce the addition of Spribe’s hit Crash games to its growing lineup. This new partnership introduces one of today’s fastest-growing and most engaging game formats to 12BET players, blending simple mechanics with high-stakes decision-making for a pulse-pounding experience.

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Crash Games: A New Player Favorite Now on 12BET

Spribe is widely known for pushing boundaries in casual, skill-based gaming. Its flagship title, Aviator, has quickly become one of the most buzzed-about Crash games worldwide. The format gives players full control as they decide when to cash out while multipliers climb—creating a unique mix of strategy, timing, and excitement.

By launching Spribe’s game suite, 12BET continues to expand its offerings to match the evolving interests of modern players. To mark the launch, the platform is rolling out an exclusive Daily Mission Challenge where everyone can win Rupees 488 everyday. However, one needs to have an account and be registered user to avail this exclusive offer.

Licensing Matters: Keeping the Fun Safe and Secure

With Crash-style games surging in popularity, a number of unofficial sites have begun to appear, offering deals that seem too good to be true. Even manipulating the outcomes of the crash games. 12BET encourages players to stay cautious and choose licensed platforms for the best experience.

As a fully regulated operator, 12BET works only with certified providers like Spribe. All games on the platform are thoroughly tested and certified by the regulatory body before they are integrated. Choosing a licensed platform means players can enjoy the action with peace of mind, knowing their data and winnings are protected.

A Trusted Platform for Next-Gen Gaming

Backed by nearly two decades of industry experience, 12BET remains focused on delivering innovative, secure, and player-first entertainment. The addition of Spribe’s Crash games is just the latest move in the brand’s mission to bring cutting-edge content to players worldwide in a safe and reliable environment.

About 12BET:

12BET, founded in 2007, is a pioneering igaming company with over a decade of experience delivering multilingual services across Europe and Asia. Recognized globally and ranked 17th by eGaming Review Magazine’s Annual Power 50, 12BET has become a major force in Asia’s igaming market. Built on the core values of sincerity, fairness, and kindness, 12BET provides a secure, reliable, and exceptional entertainment experience for users around the world.

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Contact Information:

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Herbalife India Releases Second Episode of Podcast Series – Live Your Best Life, Unscripted

‘Nutrition Simplified: Protein, Supplements, and Smarter Choices’ with Dr. Parag Singhal and Dr. Ratnesh Lal

BENGALURU, India, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the impactful debut episode, Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community, and platform, has released the second episode of its engaging podcast series — Live Your Best Life, Unscripted.

Titled ‘Nutrition Simplified: Protein, Supplements, and Smarter Choices,’ this episode brings together two distinguished voices from the health and wellness space:

  • Dr. Parag Singhal, a UK-based consultant physician and endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, obesity, and hormone-related disorders, and
  • Dr. Ratnesh Lal, a medical expert with Herbalife India and a leading advocate for science-backed supplementation.

In a conversation led by Mr. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, the episode explores foundational topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, protein intake, and the science behind supplements. It aims to demystify nutrition, offer practical guidance, and help individuals make smarter, more personalized dietary choices.

Commenting on the episode, Mr. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India said, “Live Your Best Life, Unscripted is our way of cutting through the noise and bringing clarity to the wellness conversation. This episode helps listeners decode their nutritional needs and highlights how simple, informed changes can drive lasting impact.”

From understanding protein requirements by age and lifestyle, to identifying safe and effective supplementation strategies, the episode offers tangible insights and a strong call for moderation, balance, and awareness.

Watch & Listen Now:

YouTube: https://shorturl.at/PlRF8

Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/Ni76S

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/7xeeP

Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/P5ulX

The journey continues — ‘Live Your Best Life, Unscripted‘ will keep spotlighting voices that inspire smarter choices, healthier living, and empowered communities.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

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