Rounak Raj

The Calendar of Minds by Aditi Singh —aka your soul’s mood board for 12 months straight The Calendar of Minds is not merely a book—it is an experience, a deeply resonant state of being. Like, imagine if a journal, a therapist, a soft playlist, and your inner child went on a self-love retreat together—this is that. Aditi Singh legit snapped with this one. Each chapter’s a month, but instead of calendars filled with deadlines and doom, it’s filled with you—your reflections, your feels, your glow-up. Her prompts? So deep, they’ve got you journaling like you're in a coming-of-age indie film with rain on the window and lo-fi beats playing. It’s poetic, but not preachy. It’s gentle, but never boring. Singh knows that healing isn’t all sunshine—sometimes it's shadow work in sweatpants, crying at 2am, then rising like a freaking phoenix the next day. She’s out here reminding us: •Growth is messy, but magical. •Empathy is a flex. •Mindfulness is the new main character energy. The writing? It slaps. You’ll want to screenshot sentences and stick them on your vision board. Or tattoo them on your soul (no cap). And the best part? It doesn’t tell you who to be—it helps you unfold who you already are. Like an aesthetic bloom in soft pastels and bold truths. So yeah, The Calendar of Minds is basically your emotional Google Maps—but make it poetry, healing, and heart. Mood: cozy, chaotic good, deep af. Rating: 5 stars & a tissue box.

"I've been waiting a while now; something about the air told me you would arrive, eventually " Somewhere Around Dawn: A Collection of Poems Rooting for Love and Life by Rita Simson Fernandez is a captivating exploration of the human experience through the lens of poetry. With 100 poems composed over two years, Fernandez delves deep into the intricacies of human emotions, relationships, and our interconnectedness with the world. One of the book's standout features is its ability to make the deeply personal feel universally relatable. Fernandez draws from her own life experiences, allowing readers to connect with the poems on an emotional level. This approach makes Somewhere Around Dawn an intimate and authentic journey through the various facets of existence. The thematic diversity of this collection is also noteworthy. Fernandez covers a wide range of topics, from ancestral bonds to mental health, from contemplations on humanity to reflections on the transience of life itself. This breadth of subject matter showcases the depth of the human experience and encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. Fernandez's words resonate with sincerity, inviting readers to confront their own emotions and experiences. Through her poetry, she sheds light on the multifaceted nature of individuals, highlighting how we can be different versions of ourselves in different circumstances and phases of life, akin to iridescence. Somewhere Around Dawn is a profound collection of poems that tugs at the heartstrings and provokes introspection. Rita Simson Fernandez's ability to capture the essence of human existence and root for love, hope, and all things bright makes this book a valuable addition to the world of poetry. It is a raw and engaging testament to the complexity and beauty of life.

D. K. Ghosh's 'Higher Education: Surviving the Era of Market Forces - A Global Perspective' offers a comprehensive exploration of the critical challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions in today's rapidly evolving world. In a world increasingly driven by market forces, this book serves as an indispensable guide for universities seeking not just to survive but to thrive in this new era. Driven by the pressure of resources and the priority need to introduce New Education for students, Universities need radical changes from Board Room to Class Room, this book begins by emphasizing the urgent need for universities to reinvent themselves in response to marketization. He outlines a roadmap that includes a wide range of initiatives, measures, and processes that institutions must undertake to stay relevant and effective. This practical approach to adaptation sets the tone for the entire book. A central theme throughout the book is the formidable demands that universities face today. These demands encompass the heightened expectations of students who seek not just education but competitive facilities and experiences. Ghosh aptly points out that students today are discerning consumers, and universities must rise to meet their expectations. Furthermore, the book underscores the necessity for universities to adopt active and adaptable learning approaches to cater to the evolving needs of the labor market. With automation and emerging technologies reshaping industries, higher education must prepare students for an uncertain future. Ghosh's global perspective is a notable strength of the book. He delves into the state of funding for higher education across the world, shedding light on the challenges institutions face. Importantly, he doesn't stop at highlighting the issues but offers forward-thinking solutions in the form of future funding models. By presenting these innovative ideas, Ghosh equips readers with the tools to envision a sustainable financial future for higher education. In essence, 'Higher Education: Surviving the Era of Market Forces - A Global Perspective' is a timely and vital contribution to the discourse on higher education's future. Ghosh's meticulous research and insightful analysis provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the forces at play in the sector. The book offers actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and university leaders to navigate the tumultuous waters of marketization successfully. ERM is an emerging need for all universities which has been discussed in chapter 4. It needs to be read thoroughly to know in depth about it. Overall, D. K. Ghosh's book is a must-read for anyone concerned with the future of higher education. It paints a clear picture of the challenges universities face, the evolving demands of students and the job market, and offers a hopeful vision for how institutions can not only survive but thrive in the era of market forces. Ghosh's work is a beacon of guidance in a rapidly changing educational landscape.