Life is, death is not compiled & edited by Satjit Wadva
Lahore Book Shop, Ludhiana. Pages: 160. Price: Rs. 300/-
Since time immemorial sages, seers, philosophers and assorted thinkers have been trying to understand the phenomenon of death and purpose of life. Hinduism and other Hindic religions look upon death as a transition period for the soul to shed its old garb and don a new one. But, this is not a definitive view as concepts of moksha, swarg, narak, rebirth and karma lend sophistication to the entire phenomenon. Most of the other religions like Islam and Christianity look upon death as final. However, death keeps us obsessed; it looms large on our subconscious. No wonder literature is full of it. John Donne remarks, ‘Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.’ Tennyson puts a pithy poser, ‘A day less or more/At sea or ashore, /We die – does it matter when?’ And, Osho has the last word, “We don’t know what life is then how can we know what death is… Life is; death is not!’
This collection summarizes various religions’ views on the subject in its first part. The second part has articles, poems and anecdotes by the likes of Ghalib, Gibran, Khushwant Singh, Amrita Pritam et al. It ends with enumeration of the last rites prescribed by different religions.
Competing with the best by Rajnish Karki
Penguin Portfolio. Pages: xi+242. Price: Rs. 450/-
When opening up of the Indian economy was being debated during Rajiv Gandhi’s regime the late Prem Bhatia had strongly advocated glasnost in the columns of The Tribune, articulating full confidence in the Indian business community’s ability to take on foreign competition successfully. Today, the Tatas, Ambanis, Birlas, Mittals et al have vindicated his stand which he had taken at a time when non-socialist utterances were still considered heresy. Today India Inc has become a respectable entity in the global corporate world thanks to its aggressive and innovative strategic management techniques. Karki seeks to evolve new strategic management approaches that are practicable and should stand our companies in good stead in the global arena. The chapters Corporate Configurations, India-Focused Configurations and others – especially the case studies provided therein – can prove rewarding to tycoons and management students alike.
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