"Survival can be summed up in three words - never give up. Just keep trying." - Bear Grylls We are thrilled to present the 75th issue of Storizen Magazine, themed "Survival - Unravelling Stories." This milestone edition celebrates the indomitable human spirit with stories of resilience, unity, and transformation. Our cover story, "Bharat Jodo Yatra Book Review Exclusive," highlights a significant journey towards national unity and societal evolution. It underscores the impact of collective action and vision. Additionally, this issue features 44 book reviews across various genres, from thrillers to literary fiction, offering something for every reader. Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback, which we've included in this issue. Immerse yourself in these stories, share them, and consider subscribing to our digital edition to support our mission of celebrating diverse, thought-provoking narratives. Thank you for being part of our journey. Embrace the resilience within us all.

Focuses on how dharma provides the foundation for a new republic—Bibek Debroy Intensely researched argument about an alternative idea of India—Salman Khurshid The year 2014 was a consequential one for the Bharatiya Janata Party and for India. Will 2024 also be so? Is this election about stopping the rise of Narendra Modi and his alleged distortion of the ‘idea of India’ as conceived by its founders, or the beginning of a dharma-inspired ‘second republic?’ In 2014, the BJP, under the leadership of Modi, won a clear majority in the Lok Sabha elections. The National Democratic Alliance’s triumph ended a nearly two-and-a-half-decade run of mostly messy coalition governments. In 2019, the BJP further improved its tally, cementing its parliamentary majority and its ability to ring in transformational laws and policies. Most of the initiatives taken by the Modi-led NDA have been aimed at positioning Bharat as a ‘Vishwa Guru’—an exemplar of moral righteousness, a pluralistic democracy led by dharma and drawing sustenance from the wellspring of an eternal Hindu universalism. But this shift towards India’s Hindu ethos has prompted the Opposition and many allied commentators to fear the rise of a second republic—a ‘Hindu Rashtra’—moored to an implacable ultra-nationalist and majoritarian dogma. The INDIA bloc has declared the 2024 election as the last opportunity to stop the rise of Modi and his idea of India. Evocative, anecdotal, argumentative and deeply researched, Modi and India: 2024 and the Battle for Bharat chronicles the emergence of, and the battle for, a new republic in the making.

The INC (Indian National Congress) by SK Nigam (Notion Press) The book unravels the various aspects of the Indian National Congress since its formation. Particularly after 2014, the Congress experienced significant organizational and structural setbacks. The book places us in the middle of a sizable tent of ideologies and convictions of one of the oldest political parties in the history of the world, the Congress, which spearheaded a massive mass movement for freedom against the colonial regime and also established the framework for a democratic, secular party in the nation, which is unquestionably currently in serious crisis. Working in a small wing of UPCC (NGO Cell, which is worthless as told by Mr. Sachin Naik, Secretary AICC at Salempur 2019 LS Candidate’s interview) of its vast organization, I deciphered the history of congress . I was deeply impressed by the power of thought, the political language of its leaders specially Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru that was behind this party. Now that the memories of the Congress fight for the country's independence are fading and the new generation specially millennials, who are being misled by modern communication technology with deep fake electoral strategies, my reaction to the Congress party may be seem sentimental to it. However, like other political parties, I do not imagine the Congress party too idealistically, and as far as possible, I avoid thinking of it even in my dreams. I would like to think of it not as an old political party, but as a nurturer of independent ideas.

Explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Baba Amte with "Baba Amte" by A.K. Gandhi, a compelling biography that celebrates the indomitable spirit of one of India's greatest humanitarians. Join A.K. Gandhi as he delves into the inspiring story of Baba Amte, a man whose compassion and courage transformed the lives of countless individuals and challenged society's attitudes towards the marginalized and disadvantaged. In "Baba Amte," you'll journey through the trials and triumphs of a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. As you immerse yourself in the pages of this powerful biography, you'll be captivated by Baba Amte's unwavering commitment to social justice and his relentless pursuit of equality and dignity for all. From his pioneering work with leprosy patients at Anandwan to his advocacy for environmental conservation and tribal rights, you'll witness the depth of Baba Amte's compassion and the breadth of his impact on society. Themes of empathy, activism, and the power of human kindness permeate the narrative of "Baba Amte," inviting readers to reflect on the potential of individuals to effect positive change in the world. Through A.K. Gandhi's meticulous research and vivid storytelling, readers gain insight into the life and character of a true humanitarian whose legacy continues to inspire generations. The overall tone of "Baba Amte" is one of reverence and admiration, with A.K. Gandhi's prose infused with respect and admiration for his subject. His writing is characterized by its clarity, sincerity, and deep appreciation for Baba Amte's tireless dedication to the service of humanity, making it a fitting tribute to a man of extraordinary courage and compassion. Since its publication, "Baba Amte" has been hailed as a definitive account of one of India's most beloved figures, revered for its insightful portrayal of Baba Amte's life and work. Its enduring popularity and continued relevance make it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of social activism and the power of individuals to make a difference. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Baba Amte or discovering his story for the first time, "Baba Amte" offers a compelling and inspiring portrait of a man who dedicated his life to serving others. Don't miss your chance to be inspired by the remarkable journey of Baba Amte. Grab your copy now and celebrate the legacy of a true hero.

This book presents a systematic analysis of the rise and decline of the Indian National Congress since 1980s, using the frame dominance to hibernation. The Indian National Congress (INC or Congress Party) originated in the national movement for India`s freedom and has since been the centerpiece of post-Independence multiparty system for nearly four decades. However, the Congress has been experiencing a phase of serious decline since the 2014 and 2019 General Elections. Analyzing years of political history and contemporary developments, this volume brings to the fore important issues and key themes such as, • Evolution of party system in India, the contemporary dynamics and movements; • Indian National Congress under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi; • Ideological and policy reorientation of the party in 1990s under P. V. Narsimha Rao; • Revival of mass membership and organizational elections in the party; • Indian National Congress in the 2000s, under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi; • The 2019 debacle and change in the leadership. A comprehensive work on the history of the Congress Party in India, this volume will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of political science, party politics, Indian politics, sociology, modern Indian history, political sociology, public administration, public policy, South Asian studies, and governance studies.

The very title of the book conveys the need of the hour. This book is purely a work based on experiences gained through the travel and not a mere imagination. The book speaks about the journey of Rahul Gandhi to eradicate the feeling of hatred spread all over the country and to sow the seeds of unity and peace. Author of the book, Kirthika Tharan had been a part of the journey and it’s her vision about the whole journey.

Present-day political discourse swings between two contrary positions on the issue of Muslims. Hindutva politics categorizes Muslims as a monolithic religious group to substantiate Hindu homogeneity. The liberals, on the other hand, claim to protect Muslims as a religious minority to defend Indian democracy (if not secularism!). In both cases, Muslim identity is envisioned as a one-dimensional phenomenon. A Brief History of the Present attempts to go beyond the obvious to rethink the role of minorities, specifically Muslims, in the ‘New India’ that has revealed itself since 2014. By diving deep into the complexities of Muslim identity and its role in everyday life while at the same time viewing the Muslim communities through a historical lens, the author attempts to provide a far more accurate picture of Indian Muslims than what is perceived currently. Through the author’s interpretation of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative sources and his long experience as an observer of the Indian political scenario for more than three decades, the book presents a deeply considered view of a burning question: the current status of Muslims in India.