R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Hinduja Group

R Seshasayee, Vice Chairman, Hinduja Group

1) Physics of the future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 by Michio Kaku

One of my favourite scientist writers, Michio Kaku presents a lucid picture of where science will take humanity in the next century. This is not sci-fi, not wild speculations, but real work being done in global labs.

While exciting opportunities lie ahead of us such as nanomachines in human bodies and robot chefs, the book also provokes thought on the humongous challenges that mankind needs to confront, as the relentless march of science and technology goes on.

2) False Allies: India’s Maharajahs in the Age of Ravi Verma by Manu S. Pillai

In these days when history is being rewritten, here’s a well-researched one that opens up a new perspective on the history of Indian princes, put together in an objective manner, with no evident agenda.

It’s some consolation that at least some princely states did not offer the British the country on a platter, but made every attempt to resist the colonisers with the interest of their people in mind. I am also partial to Ravi Varma, the painter king, who dominates the narrative.

3) A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

This is a non-threatening, non-high-brow, spiritual book. You can read it in parts, as I did. You can relate to almost all that’s discussed with personal experiences and that enables you to understand yourself – and others - better, even if incompletely.

4) Indomitable: A working woman’s notes on Work, Life and Leadership by Arundathi Bhattacharya

I like stories of women, who have made their mark in a men’s world, by being true to themselves. I’ve watched Arundathi rise up the ladder in the State Bank of India and blaze new trails. That she has turned out to be a highly readable author is commendable.

5) Sancharam by S Ramakrishnan

This Sahitya Academy award-winning novel in Tamil is about the life of Nadaswaram vidwans (savant). I love the author’s style of story-telling. It flows like a majestic river, with many tributaries, rivulets, and canals. It’s also a sad commentary on the ills of a caste-ridden society.

Shyam Srinivasan, MD and CEO, Federal Bank

Shyam Srinivasan, MD and CEO, Federal Bank

1) Ganbatte: The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward by Liebermann

Maybe no other language has expressions that give life lessons in just one word ! Ganbatte is one such word and this book by Liebermann is replete with lovely examples and stories that talk of giving it all and going forward, whatever the odds.

2) The heart of business: Leadership principles for the next era of Capitalism by Hubert Joly

A practitioner’s view on leadership using the philosophy of refreshing a business with a people focuses and learning from frontliners. To be inspired by a noble purpose as one’s True North is the central plot of this interesting read.

3) Invent & Wander: The collected writings of Jeff Bezos

A rich collection of writings by Jeff Bezos. Each insight is instructive and when you thread them all, a clear pattern emerges and one can tell how he powered Amazon to be the giant organisation it is.

4) The Wit of Cricket by Barry Johnston

A must-read for the diehard cricket fan! Hilarious anecdotes and dressing room wit/gaffes/sledges gives an insight into what goes on outside of the field in the lives of legends ( not just the players ) of the game. A fun read indeed.

Courtesy: HBL