General – Vakils Publication https://vakilspublications.com Vakils Publication Website Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:04:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://vakilspublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-FAV-Icon-32x32.png General – Vakils Publication https://vakilspublications.com 32 32 THE MOMENT OF THE BANYAN https://vakilspublications.com/product/the-moment-of-the-banyan/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:23:50 +0000 https://vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=12876

Author : Armin Wandrewala

THE MOMENT OF THE BANYAN is the story of a multi-generational family: their lives, loves, hates, betrayals, trials, and triumphs – glimpses into the Parsee / Irani Zoroastrian way of life in the villages, towns, the then Bombay, the diaspora abroad – insights into the Zoroastrian culture, rituals, reet-rivaaj, the cuisine, the colourful language. A human story, which could be the story of any family - weaving into the fictional narrative the special stories of this minuscule community, which have been crying out to be documented and preserved, and now are! A repository for generations to come - for posterity! Written by an author acclaimed for  her use of language, with what has been described as `Arminesque’ humour bubbling throughout the Novel.
Specifications
6" x 9" Portrait
Type of Book:
Paperback
]]> THE MOMENT OF THE BANYAN is the story of a multi-generational family: their lives, loves, hates, betrayals, trials, and triumphs – glimpses into the Parsee / Irani Zoroastrian way of life in the villages, towns, the then Bombay, the diaspora abroad – insights into the Zoroastrian culture, rituals, reet-rivaaj, the cuisine, the colourful language. A human story, which could be the story of any family – weaving into the fictional narrative the special stories of this minuscule community, which have been crying out to be documented and preserved, and now are!
A repository for generations to come – for posterity!
Written by an author acclaimed for  her use of language, with what has been described as `Arminesque’ humour bubbling throughout the Novel.

]]> Lotus of Bahapur https://vakilspublications.com/product/lotus-of-bahapur/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:33:24 +0000 https://vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=12819 Kamal Mandir, is the Bahá’í House of Worship, whose portals daily welcome... Specifications 6" x 8.75" Portrait 252 pages Type of Book Soft Bound]]> The magnificent white lotus, glowing in ethereal grandeur, over the South Delhi horizon, popularly called Kamal Mandir, is the Bahá’í House of Worship, whose portals daily welcome thousands of visitors and worshippers from all backgrounds of nationality, race and religion. That iconic building represents the fruition, in 1986, of the aspiration of Indian Bahá’ís who petitioned Abdu’l-Bahá in 1920 for permission to raise a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The prophetic response of Abdu’l-Bahá was that a majestic Mashriqu’l-Adhkár would be erected in one of the central cities of India in the future. The amazing story of the fulfillment of the cherished aspiration of succeeding generations, and first ever casting in concrete of a natural creation, a lotus blossom, on an estate found to be part of an ancient Moghul township named Bahapur, is recounted in Lotus of Bahapur, by Mr. Sheriar Nooreyezdan, a member of the construction team.

The book traces the growth of the Lotus from the architect’s fascinating narrative of how he chose the lotus concept for his Temple design to its completion, despite the constraints of the early eighties when scarcity of cement and steel had brought the construction industry to a standstill, but providentially benefitted the Temple project in terms of cost and time saving. The Lotus of Bahapur describes how the Divine Hand removed all hindrances, minimized costs and accelerated blossoming of the lotus.

Also highlighted in Lotus of Bahapur is the inspiring saga of sacrifice of Bahá’ís who financed their multi‑crore project with munificent donations. Also recorded is account of the interesting reaction of visitors who enjoyed the serenity of the Temple ambience, and felt spiritually uplifted after their experience of participating in prayer services without clergy or rituals, moved by the recitation and chanting of verses from the Bhagavad Gita, Dhamapada, Avesta, Bible, Quran and Bahá’í Holy Writings. Visitors are impressed that admission to the Temple is free, nor are donations accepted.

]]> 6 METROS https://vakilspublications.com/product/6-metros/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:28:32 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=9658 $295 in other countries

In any large city, what are the constituents of careful planning and implementation, and good management thereafter? What should we do to make a person’s functioning in the city effortless and the city a joy to live in, for all classes of citizens? Every city is beset with its own particular problems. It may deal with these in a variety of ways. There can be varying degrees of success or outright failure. Either way there is surely something for others to learn from that experience. The book looks at the six metropolitan cities of London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Delhi and Mumbai. Each of our six chosen cities functions within a democratic framework, with a periodically elected political leadership. The book compares and analyses different aspects of the city: governance, land acquisition, transit, housing, open spaces, other amenities including health and education, urban density, urban form and neighbourhood plans which decades later produce what we call the urban fabric of a locality. We are told that in the coming decades there will be massive urbanization and most of this will be in developing countries which can expect a doubling or more of their existing urban settlements. The book concludes with a set of recommendations that could be used while planning city extensions or new cities, focusing on India, but possibly relevant to other countries as well.
 
Specifications 8.25’’ x 10.5’’ Portrait Volume 1: 324 pages Volume 2: 364 pages
 
Type of Book Hard Bound
]]> In any large city, what are the constituents of careful planning and implementation, and good management thereafter? What should we do to make a person’s functioning in the city effortless and the city a joy to live in, for all classes of citizens?
Every city is beset with its own particular problems. It may deal with these in a variety of ways. There can be varying degrees of success or outright failure. Either way there is surely something for others to learn from that experience. The book looks at the six metropolitan cities of London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Delhi and Mumbai. Each of our six chosen cities functions within a democratic framework, with a periodically elected political leadership. The book compares and analyses different aspects of the city: governance, and acquisition, transit, housing, open spaces, other amenities including health and education, urban density, urban form and neighbourhood plans which decades later produce what we call the urban fabric of a locality. We are told that in the coming decades there will be massive urbanisation and most of this will be in developing countries which can expect a doubling or more of their existing urban settlements. The book concludes with a set of recommendations that could be used while planning city extensions or new cities, focusing on India, but possibly relevant to other countries as well.

]]> ONE DAY AT A TIME https://vakilspublications.com/product/one-day-at-a-time/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:15:00 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=7868 Specifications 5.5’’ x 7.5’’ Portrait 232 pages Type of Book Hardcover]]> “One day at a Time” adds perspective to the task of navigating life’s daily challenges. Vivek’s reflections elucidate topics ranging from love and listening, to compassion, regret, stress, anger and resilience. Each reflection is short, simply written, and enriched with examples and anecdotes. The collection enables us to accept the ups and downs of life. As Vivek says, once you internalise the ‘circle of life’ you can thrive in every situation- and lead a joyful life filled with love and laughter instead of merely surviving problems or striving to overcome them. This book is a great companion when we need a perspective, a wonderful gift to share with friends and has also served as a powerful training tool for inter-personal and leadership development.

]]> JAI HIND https://vakilspublications.com/product/jai-hind/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:02:43 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=7854 Specifications 6’’ x 8.75’’ Portrait 116 pages Type of Book Paper Back ]]> She joined Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj in 1943 at the age of 17 in Rangoon for the Freedom of India. Today Rama Khandwala at the age of 91 is an active tourist guide in Mumbai. She speaks Japanese fluently and in her spare time teaches Japanese. She has been the most sought after guide specially by the Japanese tour operators who always make a special request that she be available when Japanese tourists visit Mumbai. Her energy and enthusiasm has enthused the tour guides in India.
In 2016, on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Manch honoured her with the Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar – lifetime achievement award. In the same year she was also felicitated by the Pan India Guide Body – The Tourist Guide Federation of India (TGFI) for being the most senior and excellent tourist guide .

]]> WONDERWORLD OF TROPICAL BONSAI https://vakilspublications.com/product/wonderworld-of-tropical-bonsai/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:18:57 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=6945 Specifications 6.75’’ x 9’’ Portrait 174 pages Type of Book Paper Back]]> Wonderworld of Tropical Bonsai is a practical guide for those making their first tentative forays into the world of bonsai cultivation, as well as for those who are actively growing miniature plants. There are chapters that study every aspect of bonsai, from soil selection, potting, watering and manuring to grafting and pruning.

With a detailed analysis of fruit-giving and flowering miniature plants, and colour photographs that serve to guide the reader, the book is an essential handbook for those who love diminutive plants.

]]> A RESPITE BEFORE INFINITY https://vakilspublications.com/product/a-respite-before-infinity/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:18:05 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=6944 Specifications 6’’ x 8.75’’ Portrait 600 pages Type of Book Paper Back]]> Deep in the middle of the Arabian desert, in a cave on a mountain outside Mecca, an unlettered and unknown merchant began receiving messages from God.
This was the Revelation brought by Gabriel, the foremost angel of the Angelic Realm, to Muhammad, the receptacle who received the divine message. Submission to God (Islam), taught the Prophet, required no clergy, imagery or elaborate ceremonies. The Quran (or the Recitation) was the final reminder. The Prophet’s mission was to teach the five foundational pillars of the faith. He was the Chosen One; the guide to mankind on how to lead a life to benefit oneself in this world and in the Hereafter.

Using a distinctive format, the writer vividly presents the Quranic verses in stages, relating them with the chronological life of the Prophet Muhammad. It is said that “the character of the Prophet was that of the Quran” (Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawud).

For seekers of the Truth as well as for those wishing to learn more about the faith of Islam, this is an essential book.

]]> THE TORCHBEARERS https://vakilspublications.com/product/the-torchbearers/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:17:06 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=6940 Specifications 8.5’’ x 11’’ Portrait 260 pages Type of Book Paper Back]]> Musician and music enthusiast, Harsh Meswani documents the world of contemporary Indian classical music with interviews of over 24 diverse and talented musicians.

The Torchbearers is a tribute to the extraordinary talent and genius of our master musicians of today who are also the flag bearers of the rich music tradition of India. Populated by a plethora of different voices and experiences, the narratives will illuminate the readers about this rich art form and encourage them to keep the flame of Indian classical music alive.

]]> THE MAHATMA & THE DOCTOR https://vakilspublications.com/product/the-mahatma-the-doctor/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:20:58 +0000 http://staging.vakilspublications.com/?post_type=product&p=6895 Specifications 6’’ x 9’’ Portrait 660 pages Type of Book Hard Bound]]> This is the hitherto-untold story of Gandhi’s greatest friend and benefactor, Dr Pranjivan Mehta (1864-1932). It was to Mehta that Gandhi first revealed his newly-found philosophy of life in a London hotel in July-September 1909. According to Gandhi’s own admission, his seminal work, Hind Swaraj was a faithful record of the conversation he had with Mehta earlier in the year, recollected and recorded in the tranquility of the voyage back to South Africa, between 19 and 22 November 1909.
Mehta was the first person who recognized in Gandhi both the mahatma and the future liberator of India. He encouraged and enabled Gandhi to return to his native land in January 1915. Himself a versatile man, Mehta, throughout his life, provided Gandhi with great material and moral support. Gandhi said in 1925 that Mehta’s was a personality which deserved to be widely known. This book is a belated and modest attempt to fulfil Gandhi’s wish.

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