The luminous life of Chanakya.2006/Shyam Dua (ed).-Delhi: Tiny Tot publications.-2004.-96p. A Book Review by Rajashekhar Devarai.

The luminous life of Chanakya.2006/Shyam Dua (ed).-Delhi: Tiny Tot publications.-2004.-96p. A Book Review by Rajashekhar Devarai.   This book on Chanakya, also known as Kautilya a king maker par excellence published under the series, "The Luminous Life Of", by Tiny Tot Publications offers an intellectual read through.  The book is a pictorial run through of the outstanding contributions of this great scholar, author and political scientist.  By nature this timeless thinker was aloof, strict, disciplinarian and shrewd person.  As every one  knows he authored the famous works titled, "Arthashastra and Nitishastra.  The editor is successful in bringing out the essence of his teachings , philosophy and ideologies.  But unfortunately does not address the tiny tots, keeping their level and capacity to comprehend.  A more simpler exposition would have suited the younger readers.  May be a second or third reading under guidance may make tiny tots to understand what is deliberated in the book.  May be it is an useful read for those who are passing out from their high schools.  It is equally suited for general adult readers for general knowledge and understanding of Indian history and Magadh empire.   All said and done this kind of pictorial biographies raises the curiosities of readers in general to get to main texts / original texts.  This pocket book running into 96 pages is quite handy for a quick read and its cost i.3., Rs.25.00 is quite affordable to one and all.   Rajashekhar Devarai Chief Librarian – ASBM November 11, 2010   lotus5673@yahoo.co.in http://lisreviews.blogspot.com/ Librarianship is a noble profession                                                                                                                 http://indialibrarian-intl.blogspot.com/ lotus5673@yahoo.co.in 1816gbgv

Raj Librarian's musings

21/06/2010 Raj Librarian's Musings:   Beautiful thought of Anjali Mendes caught me this Monday unawares, To learn something new, everyday is a gift. You realize this only if your mind is open to the world & to life…….. I learnt that discipline & punctuality & respect for people were crucial to advancement, both in terms of career & self development……In the course of my career & travels, meeting people, exchanging ideas- that have helped me to absorb & learn, to share & spread happiness, transcending geography, culture & relationships. It is time for the Librarians to imitate this first international fashion model late Anjali Mendes(Pierre Cardin), in absorbing & learning, sharing & spreading happiness, transcending happiness, transcending geography, culture & relationships(Inspiration : : Times of India: Speaking Tree 21/06/2010).   Librarians can not afford to be uninformed of the ideas/thoughts of writers, novelists like Siddharth Dhanvant. Here he is, "Today books are in the ring with Twitter and books are defeated by 140 characters……Cinema makes me feel like I am personally going out of print" The idea of re-rendering the thoughts of Siddhartha is only to sensi-tise   librarians to come out of their narrow shells, be more responsive, be more informed, be in the fore front of ideas than being followers, cataloguers & indexers. We do  have a legacy of scholarship. Librarians should continue to be scholars. No other way seems to be more realistic & challenging & meaningful (Inspiration: Siddharths paper: Times of India 21/06/2010)., towards career growth and professionalism.     Whether in Government, or Private/Corporate sector, librarians can't afford to be their limited shells. They need to be more pragmatic, more outspoken & more relevant to real callings of work & organization. They need to be multitasking sooner or later to prove their nerves of professionalism. Have a look at what Norbert Nego wrote today with a caption "One thing at a time" (Inspiration: TOI 20/06/2010).   Times of India's clipping….."looking for company? Just rent a friend" (TOI 21/06/2010). Interesting indeed! How about saying, "Looking for information & knowledge? Just rent a Librarian!   Lbn.Raj Chief Librarian - ASBM lotus5673@yahoo.co.in blog : http://indialibrarian-intl.blogspot.com   Librarianship is a noble profession. lotus5673@yahoo.co.in 1816gbgv