OCTOBER RELEASES

Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism

By Ramachandra Guha

(Price: Rs 799, Pages: 440)

In Speaking with Nature, published by Fourth Estate India, Ramachandra Guha challenges the conventional view that countries like India lack environmental consciousness due to poverty. This meticulously researched work uncovers a largely overlooked prehistory of environmentalism, showcasing the insights of ten remarkable Indian thinkers long before the modern environmental movement gained traction. Figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, J.C. Kumarappa, and Mira articulated profound concerns about environmental degradation, addressing issues like urbanisation, industrialisation and the sanctity of nature. By contrasting ‘livelihood environmentalism’ with the ‘full-stomach environmentalism’ of wealthier nations, Guha illustrates how these pioneers significantly shaped global discussions on humanity’s relationship with nature. This book serves as a vital resource for understanding the current climate crisis through an Indian lens.

Freedom Lost in Rights

By Smriti Sinha

(Price: Rs 395, Pages: 204)

Freedom Lost in Rights, published by Niyogi Books and translated by Ramlal Sinha, is Smriti Sinha’s poignant second collection of short fiction that delves into the Bishnupriya Manipuri saga. Through a series of heartfelt stories, Sinha explores themes of belonging and identity, capturing the struggles of characters as they navigate a world of tradition and modernity. Readers will encounter a nostalgic old man longing for his village, lovers caught in cultural conflict, a revolutionary village, and children dreaming in their mother tongue. Ramlal Sinha’s sensitive translation enhances the lyrical quality of the prose, beautifully representing the resistance, community, and spiritual joy of the Bishnupriya Manipuri culture. This collection weaves the vibrant tapestry of Northeast India’s syncretic culture, making it a noteworthy contribution to the Indian literary landscape.