This week, we asked Anamika Mehta, chief operating officer, Lodestar UM to share her weekend reading recommendations. This is what she had to say:
An all time favourite:
The Art of Living – The Classic Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness by Epictetus, Sharon Rebell (retold)
By putting into practice the 93 witty, wise and razor sharp instructions that make up this book truly help navigate the challenges of everyday life and face inevitable losses and disappointments with grace. Simply put the 100 odd pages tell you “Stick with your own business”. It’s a splendid down-to-earth rendition and the best primer for living the best possible life for all! A anytime read; truly a treasure for a happy and purposeful life. The best gift to give
Currently reading:
Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson
Another touching and inspiring book from the author of Three Cups of Tea. This is a story a determined humanitarian's efforts to promote peace through education. It reads like a sequel to his earlier book and he splendidly, recounts his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders even as he was dodging shootouts with feuding Afghan warlords and surviving an eight-day armed abduction by the Taliban.
What really stands out in today’s troubled times is his vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women all woven together with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort.
Guys, a must read!
