Global Icons considers how highly visible public figures such as Mother Theresa become global icons capable of galvanizing intense affect and sometimes even catalyzing social change.

In the vibrant tapestry of India's economic landscape, a prominent thread weaves through the narrative of industrial prowess - the Masters of Manufacturing. These visionary leaders and iconic figures stand as beacons of innovation, resilience, and transformative growth in the realm of industry. With a legacy deeply rooted in the rich soil of India's industrial history, these titans have not only shaped the destiny of their enterprises but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economic destiny. At the helm of this illustrious group is an assembly of captains of industry who have demonstrated exceptional acumen, foresight, and determination. Their contributions span across diverse sectors, from automotive to technology, textiles to pharmaceuticals, and everything in between. Each industrial icon has carved a unique niche, defining the trajectory of their respective industries and contributing significantly to the country's overall economic development. In the automotive sector, figures like Ratan Tata, the visionary behind Tata Motors, and Anand Mahindra, the driving force behind Mahindra & Mahindra, have not only steered their companies to global recognition but have also been instrumental in positioning India as a hub for automobile manufacturing and innovation. In the technology domain, leaders such as Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, and N. R. Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, have not only transformed their companies into global IT giants but have also played a pivotal role in shaping India's identity as a technology powerhouse. Textile magnates like Aditya Birla and Ambani family, with their companies Aditya Birla Group and Reliance Industries respectively, have been instrumental in establishing India as a global textile and manufacturing hub. Their influence extends beyond the boardroom, reaching into the very fabric of India's economic landscape. In the pharmaceutical realm, figures like Dr. Reddy, founder of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, have not only pioneered breakthroughs in healthcare but have also laid the foundation for India's emergence as a pharmaceutical research and manufacturing giant. These industrial icons are not just business leaders; they are architects of change, social contributors, and nation-builders. Their stories are not only tales of corporate success but narratives of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. India's Industrial Icons, the Masters of Manufacturing, have left an indelible mark on the canvas of India's industrial history, inspiring generations to come and shaping the destiny of a nation on the rise.

Sixty glorious years of independence of India mark several milestones and immense contributions from great men and women who have become part of its history. For the first time ever, this book showcases post-Independent India's twenty greatest living personalities who have and continue to set extraordinary examples for the nation. Brilliantly orchestrated and edited by renowned author Anil Dharker, the book singularly establishes the unparalleled greatness and iconic status of these men and women, including A P J Abdul Kalam, Amartya Sen, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, M F Husain, Charles Correa and Sonia Gandhi, by some of India's best known writers - Srinivas Laxman, Prem Shankar Jha, Maithili Rao, Dom Moraes, Ranjit Hoskote, and Kumar Ketkar, among others. A fascinating saga spanning several decades, this book unfolds the charisma, exceptional destinies, talents and achievements of twenty men and women who continue to shape today's India. 'The previous evening while he (K C Pant, former defence minister) and Dr Kalam were going for a walk, the minister asked him: "What would you like me to do to celebrate the success of Agni tomorrow?" Replied Kalam, "We need 100,000 saplings at the missile research centre." Srinivas Laxman on A P J Abdul Kalam'