Books, deep thinking, reflection, and relationship-building

Brewing Knowledge: A conversation between Sneha and Aftab Seth, focusing on his latest book, “Indonesia,” and another titled “A Diplomat’s Garden.” Aftab Seth shared reflections from his extensive diplomatic career, detailing his experiences in Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, Greece, Vietnam, and Japan. 

Aftab emphasised the importance of understanding diverse cultures, learning languages, and building relationships through personal engagement. He also discussed the value of reading, advocating books as essential tools for deep thinking, reflection, and relationship-building, rather than relying solely on digital tools like AI. He highlighted the role of books in preserving memories, sharing knowledge, and fostering meaningful connections. The session concluded with gratitude for the opportunity to share his insights and experiences.

Aftab shared his latest book, “Indonesia,” and his previous book, “The Diplomat’s Garden”. The discussion was focused on how these books connect through the theme of the value of reading. 

Aftab shared reflections from his diplomatic career and discussed his latest book, describing his experiences serving in multiple countries, including Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, Greece, Vietnam, and Japan. He emphasised the importance of reading books rather than relying solely on digital tools like ChatGPT, explaining that books allow for deeper reflection and help build meaningful relationships that cannot be formed through AI.

Sneha asked about the role of reading in developing thoughtful citizens, to which Aftab responded that reading should have a central place in young people’s lives, recommending handwritten notes and limited use of digital devices to enhance learning and cognitive development.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

Educated: The international bestselling memoir by Tara Westover 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

A BETWEEN THE COVERS PICK

Selected as a book of the year by AMAZON, TIMES, GUARDIAN, NEW YORK TIMES, ECONOMIST, NEW STATESMAN, VOGUE, IRISH TIMES, IRISH EXAMINER and RED MAGAZINE
'One of the best books I have ever read . . . unbelievably moving' Elizabeth Day
'An extraordinary story, beautifully told' Louise O'Neill
'A memoir to stand alongside the classics . . . compelling and joyous' Sunday Times
Tara Westover grew up preparing for the end of the world. She was never put in school, never taken to the doctor. She did not even have a birth certificate until she was nine years old.
At sixteen, to escape her father's radicalism and a violent older brother, Tara left home. What followed was a struggle for self-invention, a journey that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one's life through new eyes, and the will to change it.
'It will make your heart soar' Guardian
'Jaw-dropping and inspiring, everyone should read this book' Stylist
'Absolutely superb . . . so gripping I could hardly breathe' Sophie Hannah

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Westover was born in rural Idaho. She studied history at Brigham Young University and upon graduation was awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. She received an MPhil in intellectual history from Trinity College, Cambridge in 2009, and a PhD in the same subject in 2014.

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BOOKS OF THE WEEK

The Discovery of India

by Jawaharlal Nehru 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A timeless exploration of India's history, culture and civilisational identity by one of its foremost nation-builders.

Nehru was an erudite—his knowledge of India’s traditions, history and culture made him one of the greatest leaders in the nation’s history.

The Discovery of India was written by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru during his imprisonment from 1942 to 1945 at Ahmednagar Fort in present-day Maharashtra by British colonial authorities, when India was at the threshold of independence. First published in 1946, this book remains a modern classic written by India’s first and longest-serving Prime Minister.

The Discovery of India traces the journey of India from the ancient history of her invaders to the final years of exploitation at the hands of the British. Drawing on his knowledge of the Upanishads, Vedas and historical texts, Nehru presents the development of India, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation and continuing through the socio-political transformations introduced by successive foreign powers, culminating in the contemporary period of his time.

Imprisoned alongside other freedom fighters such as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Govind Ballabh Pant, Narendra Deva and Asaf Ali, Nehru used this period of confinement and intellectual exchange to document his reflections on India's diverse past. Providing a rich narrative of Indian history, philosophy and culture from the perspective of a leader striving for independence, this book reflects his personal and intellectual exploration of the idea of India.

This book was a successful attempt at capturing our nation’s lasting spirit—with a hope for a brighter future.

Part history, part philosophy and part personal reflection, The Discovery of India remains an essential work for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Indian civilisation and the ideas that shaped a modern nation.

The Index Series by The Bombay Circle Press brings you a curated collection of stories from and about the history of India. From the speeches of Netaji to the empires that shaped Bharat, each volume is thoughtfully compiled and edited by The Bombay Circle Press team.

The Discovery of India is the second volume in The Index Series and presents one of the most influential interpretations of India's past, written by a statesman whose vision helped shape its future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jawaharlal Nehru Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

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Our mail order service ships books in India and Overseas

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