The Bulldozer - Manoj Das

I read it first as part of a collection of short stories but realized there is a full novella on it. Overall I will not consider it one of the best novels of Manoj Das. It's it's highs and lows. There are lots of satire in the piece but stories are not that well connected. I found the novella hard to read. In the end the protagonist loses his newly purchased home which is destroyed in front of him in a flash is a bit touchy in human emotion.

Overall not the master story telling we know Manoj Das for.

To the Brink and Back: india's 1991 Story - Jayaram Ramesh (2016)

Although, most changes in Indian political arena sounds slow moving, it may not be so for the tremulous period of 1989 to 1996. Many political changes significant no of prime ministers change seemed too rapid for India. In these times PVNR and his finance minister Manmohan Singh took the massive economic reforms. Jayaram Ramesh has aptly stated this in the book. Though short and easy read definitely portrays why this period is special to Indian politics and his observations in close quarters as they were taking place. A definite story to understand as the 90s is slowly moving into documented history. Overall, the book is recommended. At places there is an appreciation of ruling party in toto but expected in a book of this nature.

Journeys Through Babudom and Netaland: Governance in India - TSR Subramanian

One thing we keep thinking about the years of turmoil of 90s India really didn't get much done. But come to think of it, it brought in some of the astute public servants to limelight. They could do things which with the political stable world would have been hard to achieve. This story of an able IAS officer who managed to survive the political battles yet try to bring in changes he could bring to the society was indeed remarkable. I think a very worthwhile read to understand the changing times of India. A must read.

Seven secrets of Vishnu - Devdutt Patnaik (2011)

Breaks down Vishnu's avatars into seven important ones and tries to explain how and why they are important to mankind. Unlike Shiva and Shakti which is all about relationship of a man and woman, Vishnu avatars are about establishing culture and society at large. A very apt way to look at Hindu scriptures.

Seven Secrets of Shiva - Devdutt Patnaik (2011)

The book divides Shiva mythological experiences into 7 parts and forms we are aware of and explains the significance of it in very simple manner. The importance of Shiva and Shakti in our mythology explains the relationship between a man and woman in its most balanced approach. What is acceptable and what is not in experiences of this relationship. How the Goddess convinces a mendicant to live a householder's life. How in the marriage the God and Goddess help each other shade their extreme wilder side in establishing a social order yet continue to let the freedom be there such that the creativity needed is not eliminated. Again the myth behind the children of Shiva and Shakti and their significance is well described. If I interpret it right, the Shiva purana was a way to symbolically describe the most primal relationship of a man and woman and their need for it.

A relatively short book but filled with explanations of mythological symbolism which needs careful thinking through.

Business Sutra - Devdutt Patnaik (2013)

This expert in mythology surprises me every time he comes with a new book. While I was studying formal management education at IIMB a friend kind of asked is our Indian context to life is against business. I gave him a rhetoric reply which did not have any grounded base or explanation. But here is book that relates lots of simple stories of business with our mythological base. I have not read any other book which provides such a clear association.

Definitely, a recommended read but a bit longish book and can test your patience at times.

Seven secrets of the Goddess - Devdutt Patnaik

This is a book on the feminine forms of the Hindu Goddesses. The book is broken into 7 themes primarily focusing on one firm at a time. Definitely, a different way to look at Hindu Goddesses. Like most Devdutt Patnaik's books these are very light read and can be completed in a couple of hours. Gives a very thought provoking treatment of traditional practices of our system.