"The present book seeks to provide a generic introduction to the contemporary theatre scenario in different parts of India. Researched and written over a period of nearly a decade, it adopts an approach that may be best termed as quasi-academic and quasi-journalistic. Primarily, it affords understanding as well as interpretation of the trends, experiments and major works; but, in the process, it takes up serious issues for closer scrutiny. Nevertheless, the overall tone and tenor continue to be rather informal throughout. the book was born of interaction with both established and uprising exponents of the theatre arts -- playwrights, directors, performers, designers, critics, etc.; but it purposefully eschews critical or technical jargon. Ultimately, what we get is a phenomenal attempt to build a comprehensive as well as a perceptive overview of the complex and ever-growing dynamics of the contemporary theatres of India as practised in various regions, languages, cultures." -- Back cover.

An extraordinary, riveting and no-holds-barred saga studded with fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations, anecdotes and rare nuggets of lessons Anupam Kher’s life story is nothing short of a grand masala box office hit. It has drama, comedy, romance and even action! Who knew that a small-town Shimla boy would one day become one of the most recognised actors in the world and go on to win various national and international awards for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts? A powerhouse of talent with over 530 films (and counting) in his repertoire, Anupam Kher stands out not only because of his iconic bald head, but also for his forthright views and opinions, however controversial they may be. He has always been distinct and offbeat. His autobiography is, too . . . for it is not just another chronological account of his life. It is, in fact, also peppered with incredible life lessons that are bound to resonate with every aspiring artiste and, most of all, the common man. Here is a kaleidoscopic peep into the life and times of a true genius and forever entertainer.

The edited volume deals with different contours of data science with special reference to data management for the research innovation landscape. The data is becoming pervasive in all spheres of human, economic and development activity. In this context, it is important to take stock of what is being done in the data management area and begin to prioritize, consider and formulate adoption of a formal data management system including citation protocols for use by research communities in different disciplines and also address various technical research issues. The volume, thus, focuses on some of these issues drawing typical examples from various domains. The idea of this work germinated from the two day workshop on “Big and Open Data – Evolving Data Science Standards and Citation Attribution Practices”, an international workshop, led by the ICSU-CODATA and attended by over 300 domain experts. The Workshop focused on two priority areas (i) Big and Open Data: Prioritizing, Addressing and Establishing Standards and Good Practices and (ii) Big and Open Data: Data Attribution and Citation Practices. This important international event was part of a worldwide initiative led by ICSU, and the CODATA-Data Citation Task Group. In all, there are 21 chapters (with 21st Chapter addressing four different core aspects) written by eminent researchers in the field which deal with key issues of S&T, institutional, financial, sustainability, legal, IPR, data protocols, community norms and others, that need attention related to data management practices and protocols, coordinate area activities, and promote common practices and standards of the research community globally. In addition to the aspects touched above, the national / international perspectives of data and its various contours have also been portrayed through case studies in this volume.

The largest film industry in the world after Hollywood is celebrated in this updated and expanded edition of a now classic work of reference. Covering the full range of Indian film, this new revised edition of the Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema includes vastly expanded coverage of mainstream productions from the 1970s to the 1990s and, for the first time, a comprehensive name index. Illustrated throughout, there is no comparable guide to the incredible vitality and diversity of historical and contemporary Indian film.

Is the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) still the most appropriate institution to govern twenty-first-century India? Should a cadre of generalists head organizations as complex and diverse as industrial units; museums and rural development boards? If it had to be replaced; what is the best alternative? Drawing on his experience of thirty-six years in the IAS; Bhaskar Ghose addresses these and other major questions regarding the role; relevance and effectiveness of India’s long-established but often controversial system of state administration in The Service of the State. Ghose argues forcefully that the IAS is still the best option and one moreover that substantially fulfils its functions—and fulfils them well. Though its once sterling reputation has been tarnished by allegations of corruption; political subservience and declining standards of efficiency; there are still sufficient numbers of dedicated public servants. These administrators; spanning diverse social backgrounds; seniorities and regional profiles; draw on established traditions of duty and of cooperation within the service to deliver—to the best of their ability and often in the face of considerable odds—the goods of development. This reflective and luminous memoir is not only a portrait of a lifetime’s service to the state; it is also a timely and persuasive argument for a system of governance that has had a critical impact on India since Independence.