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Touch the Sky: The inspiring stories of women from across India who are writing their own destiny
The inspiring stories of women from across India who are writing their own destiny I’ve got the Power. The power to change my world. To speak up. To stand out. Leap forward. And break out. Give me a football, give me a pen. I can take on a roomful of men. This book is a tribute to the courage and confidence of the Indian woman, from Korba to Kashmir. In each personal triumph lies a larger story. Of boldness, of transformation. Of women rising, to take their place in the sun.
- GenresNonfictionShort Stories
214 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2018
45 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Rashmi Bansal
47 books533 followersRashmi Bansal is a writer, entrepreneur and youth expert.She is the author of two bestselling books on entrepreneurship. ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’ features the stories of 25 MBAs who left lucrative jobs to follow the rough road of entrepreneurship. The book created a new record in Indian publishing by selling over 300,000 copies and has been translated into 8 languages.
Rashmi’s second book, ‘Connect the Dots’ focuses on non-MBA entrepreneurs. It has also been a bestseller, selling over 100,000 copies.
Her third book ‘I Have a Dream’, on social entrepreneurs, is releasing in May 2011.
Rashmi is co-founder and editor of JAM (Just Another Magazine), India’s leading youth magazine. She writes extensively on youth, careers and entrepreneurship on her popular blog: Youth Curry.
Rashmi is a columnist on popular Indian news portal Rediff.com. She has been Consulting Editor with Businessworld magazine and Bloomberg UTV, where she hosted India’s first interactive show on careers.
Rashmi is a consultant for international youth research agencies such as The Futures Company (a division of WPP, London ) and Flamingo Research (Singapore ).A guest lecturer at various business schools of repute including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, ISB, S P Jain among others, Rashmi mentors numerous students and young entrepreneurs. She also conducts motivational talks and youth insight seminars for corporates.
Rashmi’s second book, ‘Connect the Dots’ focuses on non-MBA entrepreneurs. It has also been a bestseller, selling over 100,000 copies.
Her third book ‘I Have a Dream’, on social entrepreneurs, is releasing in May 2011.
Rashmi is co-founder and editor of JAM (Just Another Magazine), India’s leading youth magazine. She writes extensively on youth, careers and entrepreneurship on her popular blog: Youth Curry.
Rashmi is a columnist on popular Indian news portal Rediff.com. She has been Consulting Editor with Businessworld magazine and Bloomberg UTV, where she hosted India’s first interactive show on careers.
Rashmi is a consultant for international youth research agencies such as The Futures Company (a division of WPP, London ) and Flamingo Research (Singapore ).A guest lecturer at various business schools of repute including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, ISB, S P Jain among others, Rashmi mentors numerous students and young entrepreneurs. She also conducts motivational talks and youth insight seminars for corporates.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 33 reviews
March 24, 2020
This book was gifted to us by our Company Corporate HR on International Women's Day!!
It was wonderful reading the inspiring stories of Women. It is a must read for Women. I liked the following ideas and sentences from the book.
1. Chapter : Having a Ball- Franz chose an unusual way to pick the team. He asked the girls to rank each other on five values: Positivity, Honesty, Caring, Selflessness and Team Unity.
2. Page 23 : With determination, she could overcome any hurdle.
3. Page 33 : Main padh ke kya karoonga? Didi ke saath aap meri bhi shaadi karwa do.
4. Page 67 : For no problem is bigger than you, your spirit, your commitment and confidence!
5. Page 123 : Kudrat ne mardon ko jismaani taakat di hai aur auratonko ko ruhaani taakat di hai.
6. Page 191 : Just set a goal. Then work hard to achieve it!
7. Page 203 : An analogy between my inner world and my current reality...Nobody can help me but myself.
It was wonderful reading the inspiring stories of Women. It is a must read for Women. I liked the following ideas and sentences from the book.
1. Chapter : Having a Ball- Franz chose an unusual way to pick the team. He asked the girls to rank each other on five values: Positivity, Honesty, Caring, Selflessness and Team Unity.
2. Page 23 : With determination, she could overcome any hurdle.
3. Page 33 : Main padh ke kya karoonga? Didi ke saath aap meri bhi shaadi karwa do.
4. Page 67 : For no problem is bigger than you, your spirit, your commitment and confidence!
5. Page 123 : Kudrat ne mardon ko jismaani taakat di hai aur auratonko ko ruhaani taakat di hai.
6. Page 191 : Just set a goal. Then work hard to achieve it!
7. Page 203 : An analogy between my inner world and my current reality...Nobody can help me but myself.
January 23, 2019
It had multiple stories of many women achievers across India, fighting different battle from the " ghoogat pratha (covering face) " to making up to the bakery to support other . It was inspiring but only problem i had with this book was most of it's dialogues and conversations were in Hindi without any translation. i think when the book was written in English it's better to have a translation of Hindi sentences too so that it can reach and useful for more audience .
February 4, 2018
It's always pleasure to read Rashmi Bansal's books. Reason being the true stories told in a manner that made me hook to the book despite the challenges the persons in the stories face. This book is no exception. This book is about women across India. The book is in three parts tell about stories of women who tried to change their destiny despite facing challenges.
April 10, 2018
If you are reading a Rashmi Bansal book, then be rest assured that by the time you are going to finish the book, you will be charged up and raring to go.
Touch the Sky, her latest book, is no different. This time she has compiled stories from different parts of the country about women who in spite of all difficulties, showed that if you go behind something you want, you will get it anyhow.
The book has different stories, some are inspiring, some are impressive, some which will make you salute the women, some which will make you experience Goosebumps as you are reading her saga.
The vocabulary is simple, easy to read and stories are short and to the point. It must have been hard work for Rashmi to collect and compile these stories from all over the country. But, we are glad that she did. Because, otherwise there was no way we would have known these great stories of unknown people who stood above the world and conquered it in their own unique way.
There is this very inspiring story of Rabiya, from Indore, the blind girl who has done so much for the society. She teaches at Devi Ahilyabai University computers to the blind, has translated the holy Quran into Arabic Braille.
Then there is a heart breaking story of Shital Bhatkar whose child is diagnosed with a rare terminal disease and how she went through her trauma, it will surely give you Goosebumps and even make you cry, you will end up saluting her to having passed this phase with courage and appreciating her work that she is doing to please her heart and her child who might be looking from up there.
Then, Wow, what an idea, Sirjee…is what comes to mind when you read the story of Aditi Gupta, who is educating girls about menstruation through comic books and how along with her husband crowd funded their project so that they could print thousands of these comic books.
An impressive story of Padma, who became a widow before she reached the age of 30, how she brought her kids up by working as a clerk and also studying simultaneously to become a certified cost accountant. It was not stopping there; she also helped women in dire situations start their own catering business. She now at the age of 80 runs an old age home and a children home combo.
An inspiring story of Apeksha Shah who was once 130kg and now she has completed 2 marathons of 42 km each and is now aspiring to be a certified fitness trainer.
All these and many more stories will make you lose your sleep and look at your problems and consider them to be miniscule in front of these great stories about normal women.
Full marks to Rashmi, once again a great inspiring book to read, would recommend to each and every one, especially women, go grab a book now and literally you can Touch the Sky!
Touch the Sky, her latest book, is no different. This time she has compiled stories from different parts of the country about women who in spite of all difficulties, showed that if you go behind something you want, you will get it anyhow.
The book has different stories, some are inspiring, some are impressive, some which will make you salute the women, some which will make you experience Goosebumps as you are reading her saga.
The vocabulary is simple, easy to read and stories are short and to the point. It must have been hard work for Rashmi to collect and compile these stories from all over the country. But, we are glad that she did. Because, otherwise there was no way we would have known these great stories of unknown people who stood above the world and conquered it in their own unique way.
There is this very inspiring story of Rabiya, from Indore, the blind girl who has done so much for the society. She teaches at Devi Ahilyabai University computers to the blind, has translated the holy Quran into Arabic Braille.
Then there is a heart breaking story of Shital Bhatkar whose child is diagnosed with a rare terminal disease and how she went through her trauma, it will surely give you Goosebumps and even make you cry, you will end up saluting her to having passed this phase with courage and appreciating her work that she is doing to please her heart and her child who might be looking from up there.
Then, Wow, what an idea, Sirjee…is what comes to mind when you read the story of Aditi Gupta, who is educating girls about menstruation through comic books and how along with her husband crowd funded their project so that they could print thousands of these comic books.
An impressive story of Padma, who became a widow before she reached the age of 30, how she brought her kids up by working as a clerk and also studying simultaneously to become a certified cost accountant. It was not stopping there; she also helped women in dire situations start their own catering business. She now at the age of 80 runs an old age home and a children home combo.
An inspiring story of Apeksha Shah who was once 130kg and now she has completed 2 marathons of 42 km each and is now aspiring to be a certified fitness trainer.
All these and many more stories will make you lose your sleep and look at your problems and consider them to be miniscule in front of these great stories about normal women.
Full marks to Rashmi, once again a great inspiring book to read, would recommend to each and every one, especially women, go grab a book now and literally you can Touch the Sky!
July 3, 2018
Rashmi Bansal is one author whom I have followed devotedly in the last decade. She knows exactly what it needs to motivate people through words and she has been doing this continuously. The best part about the authoress is that she does not repeat herself with the same kind of stories in each book but tries to share different dimensions of human spirit every time she comes with a new book. This time I have read one of her latest books named “Touch The Sky” which is about different women in India who did not get demotivated and depressed with what people said to and about them but did something which became an example for all the other ladies around them to follow and become a leader.
In a country like India where women have been dominated since thousand of years, it’s very necessary to uplift them with such motivating stories where common and next-door women and girls have done something which is termed as impossible for the girls in our country. Rashmi Bansal ensures that she shares such unique stories and present them in her own way with a wonderful way of narration which makes even the non-fictional attempt sound like fiction. The stories has been divided into the three segments: Ziddi, Besharam and Bindaas. The Ziddi section discusses how the women/girls are adamant about getting things done what they have perceived in their mind. The Besharam section discusses about the girls doing things which are considered as taboo in the society and did not shy away with what society thought of them. And the last section, Bindaas discusses about simple real stories where the women did things freely without thinking about what is right or wrong, they just did what they thought of doing.
Rashmi Bansal has given quite Indian touch to all the stories to make it sound like something happening just around you. Talking about the drawbacks of the book I felt that Rashmi did not elaborate the whole process of transformation of these stories in her trademark style but kept it very short and simple. The stories seem like newspaper articles as they are finished as soon as they start. There is too much usage of local languages too with no translation in English. Except that this book is very inspiring and motivational which should be read by girls who are low in confidence and belief. I give this book 3.75* out of 5. This is a light read which can be finished in a single sitting or while traveling.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA!!!
In a country like India where women have been dominated since thousand of years, it’s very necessary to uplift them with such motivating stories where common and next-door women and girls have done something which is termed as impossible for the girls in our country. Rashmi Bansal ensures that she shares such unique stories and present them in her own way with a wonderful way of narration which makes even the non-fictional attempt sound like fiction. The stories has been divided into the three segments: Ziddi, Besharam and Bindaas. The Ziddi section discusses how the women/girls are adamant about getting things done what they have perceived in their mind. The Besharam section discusses about the girls doing things which are considered as taboo in the society and did not shy away with what society thought of them. And the last section, Bindaas discusses about simple real stories where the women did things freely without thinking about what is right or wrong, they just did what they thought of doing.
Rashmi Bansal has given quite Indian touch to all the stories to make it sound like something happening just around you. Talking about the drawbacks of the book I felt that Rashmi did not elaborate the whole process of transformation of these stories in her trademark style but kept it very short and simple. The stories seem like newspaper articles as they are finished as soon as they start. There is too much usage of local languages too with no translation in English. Except that this book is very inspiring and motivational which should be read by girls who are low in confidence and belief. I give this book 3.75* out of 5. This is a light read which can be finished in a single sitting or while traveling.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA!!!
December 18, 2018
After reading every book of Rashmi Bansal all I feel is that I can't get enough of her !! The stories she brings to the table are just so inspiring.
About the women that she has written in this book, I am filled with awe after reading every single story. These are the women that we come across on a daily basis and we are so unaware of their strengths and courage.
Every single story introduces to a different kind of difficulty that women face in their lives, specially in India and brings us closer to reality. After reading about these women and how they overcame their struggles and came out victorious, I am filled with so much hope.
Though the writing style is very basic, the content is good. I read her books more so for the realities of life they bring along.
About the women that she has written in this book, I am filled with awe after reading every single story. These are the women that we come across on a daily basis and we are so unaware of their strengths and courage.
Every single story introduces to a different kind of difficulty that women face in their lives, specially in India and brings us closer to reality. After reading about these women and how they overcame their struggles and came out victorious, I am filled with so much hope.
Though the writing style is very basic, the content is good. I read her books more so for the realities of life they bring along.
February 13, 2019
This is a collection of stories about some absolutely inspiring women. There are stories about all sorts of women - housewives, entrepreneurs, social workers, students, professionals, retirees. And stories of women overcoming all sorts of odds. Fighting stifling traditions or fighting a cheating husband. From empowering oneself to empowering entire communities. This book basically has something for everyone.
Some stories did make me want to look for more in-depth biographies. But that might be harder to find.
PS: if shoddy writing, substandard editing are a deal-breaker for you, don't pick this book up.
Some stories did make me want to look for more in-depth biographies. But that might be harder to find.
PS: if shoddy writing, substandard editing are a deal-breaker for you, don't pick this book up.
March 19, 2019
It's a book compiling the true stories of the women of this time. I was reading this book side by side (per story) along with other book , as it contains separate, little 15 stories under three headings "Ziddi", "Besharam" & "Bindas",the titles by which women were laden with when they just try to be themselves, to speak up, stand out or break out from the age-old mould in this patriarchal society. The stories told are in simple language & not in very literary mode, but I loved them for the fact that they were true depicting life steps taken by these spirited women, that can be a good example too- for many such other women tolerating the similar nonsense. So, 03 stars👍
February 4, 2018
Stories with which every woman of our country would connect. Not only woman, but even the men will draw inspiration from it. As Rashmi Bansal's every book and writing are unique but stories very familiar to each person who want to write their own destiny without caring about what people got to say. For every girl, rather for every person who want to write their own destiny by being bindass, besharam and ziddi!!!
June 8, 2018
Inspiring book with stories of Indian women who have broken off their shackles and have spread their wings. Was a quick read.
At the end, I could vividly remember only few of the stories and not all.
Use of Hindi in English script was a bit overwhelming. Although, I understand it could have been done by the author to give an authentic Indian feel and emotion, at least if translation was provided in those places, the book could have had wider reach.
At the end, I could vividly remember only few of the stories and not all.
Use of Hindi in English script was a bit overwhelming. Although, I understand it could have been done by the author to give an authentic Indian feel and emotion, at least if translation was provided in those places, the book could have had wider reach.
December 30, 2018
Rashmi Bansal books always have full of life and amazing stories, that stay on your mind and make you salute the people, who turned their ordinary life into truly extraordinary. Author Rashmi Bansal in this book mentions some inspiring true life stories of women from across India who have fought against all odds with their courage and confidence and literally touched the sky! All the stories are awesome, however my personal favorites among them are Pizza Granny, Meri Mom and Biker Bhavana.
August 11, 2019
This is very inspirational book that everyone should read it .
This book is has only 203 pages which are not so many and that is one of the reasons ,why it's a must read.
This book is a collection of many stories about inspirational woman from India who survived through every sorrow they got.
The writer of this book is Rashmi Bansal who is an Indian best-selling author and she had also written best-selling books like Arise , Awake and God's own kitchen
This book is has only 203 pages which are not so many and that is one of the reasons ,why it's a must read.
This book is a collection of many stories about inspirational woman from India who survived through every sorrow they got.
The writer of this book is Rashmi Bansal who is an Indian best-selling author and she had also written best-selling books like Arise , Awake and God's own kitchen
Read
December 13, 2021Lovely piece, a collection of short stories about women who have faced unimaginable struggles and how they overcame them.
Great style of writing by the Author - simple and engrossing and not too complicated. The focus is equally on the story telling aspect as well as on allowing the reader to sense the emotion behind the author's words.
A feel good one time read which one can recommend to friends and family.
Great style of writing by the Author - simple and engrossing and not too complicated. The focus is equally on the story telling aspect as well as on allowing the reader to sense the emotion behind the author's words.
A feel good one time read which one can recommend to friends and family.
May 20, 2024
I had not thought of how hard it was to learn to pump on a swing until this book came along to enchant me. I love how picture books can help you learn, overcome fears and obstacles, and generate celebration and kindness, which is exactly what this book does - helped immensely by Chris Park's wonderful, lively illustrations.
June 4, 2025
To all the women u need to read once in your life , the book gives all over the stories about women from india who face the problem we women face and how they overcome these and it all from real life stories which they shared from our strong women.
March 26, 2018
A collection of true stories of Indian women, some inspiring and some not so much but just like any other Rashmi Bansal book, makes for a quick read.
April 5, 2018
A very inspiring book
Stories of women you might not have heard but very inspiring. They show that where there is a will there is a way.
Stories of women you might not have heard but very inspiring. They show that where there is a will there is a way.
June 20, 2018
Dazzling Stars
Inspiring tales to feel content, happy and all smiling. Boosting up the morale for humanity being on equal bars !!
Inspiring tales to feel content, happy and all smiling. Boosting up the morale for humanity being on equal bars !!
August 21, 2018
Nice content
Ms. Bansal books cover small stories that keep the reader glued to contents. Book is good as usual. Looking forward for more such books in future
Ms. Bansal books cover small stories that keep the reader glued to contents. Book is good as usual. Looking forward for more such books in future
October 29, 2018
This book gives a lot of inspiration.I think every girl should read this book to motivate themselves!.
May 8, 2019
Very inspiring. True stories. It shows women's Power in every field.
August 1, 2019
Great book
Inspiring stories. Amazes one how many stei g people are there around you. Every one has a story to inspire.
Inspiring stories. Amazes one how many stei g people are there around you. Every one has a story to inspire.
August 15, 2019
*3.5 stars.
It was really inspiring to read about all the stories in this book. The women in the stories are strong, bold and break boundaries. A good inspirational book.
It was really inspiring to read about all the stories in this book. The women in the stories are strong, bold and break boundaries. A good inspirational book.
April 9, 2020
Each story is inspiring ❤️
January 5, 2021
Great inspirational stories. I loved it 😍😍.
February 1, 2021
Interesting and motivating real life stories.
May 1, 2021
This book is very inspiring and has many motivating stories of people.
Please visit my blog for reviews and ratings for many other books- https://bookguru-bookreviews.blogspot...
Please visit my blog for reviews and ratings for many other books- https://bookguru-bookreviews.blogspot...
March 30, 2022
Very inspiring stories of women entrepreneur.
December 15, 2019
The book was gifted to me by a collegue . The stories were really inspiring and good to read however the HINGLISH was very annoying ( inspite of being a fluent hindi speaking person) ! One reason I dont pick up much of Indian authors (though I do not want to generalise everyone) !
Displaying 1 - 29 of 33 reviews