Powerful: The Indian Woman's Guide to Unlocking Her Full Potential

by Nirupama Subramanian

a word that's as dissociated from women in real life as it's seen to be embodied by them through ideas of Shakti. Reduced to mere tropes in Indian mythology - the innocent Kanya, seductive Apsara, warrior-like Veera, the noble Rani, nurturing Maa, the wise Rishika - the images of feminine mystique are reservoirs of power. Changing the conversation from how these stereotypes shackle women to how they can enable them, Nirupama Subramanian uses the wisdom of archetypes to provide practical advice to women to claim the powers they need to achieve their goals. In a world where biases precede their entry into every space, Powerful helps modern women understand their sources of power and embark on a path of transformation and growth.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2021

Reviews

[Bhawana Somaaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book, the author asks what is the image that comes to your mind when you think of power and I was thinking about the number of times I have read books about power and women or have watched the films about power and women but this one is truly different and something I wasn’t prepared for. To begin with, Nirupama Subramanian starts to define the four Ds that take away the power from a woman i.e. 1) Diminish 2) Decorate 3) Deter 4) Divide after that she defines the 6 sources of power. So the 6 sources, the architype are Kanya, Apsara, Veera, Rani, Maa and Rishika. Then she explains the 6 rules /sources in detail in specific chapters with case studies and also a celebrity example and all the examples are wonderful. After that she clarifies their journey and their efforts in trying to associate the power and then finally comes the epilogue which I think is the best part of the book, where she says, “This is not a self-help book and nothing that I have said is carved in stone.” That is the most modest thing I have ever read from any author and just for that I am willing to take this book carved in stone. I liked this book very much and I would recommend that if you are having any false notions about power or have cob-webs in your mind about what real power is, then read this book. It’s not a self-help book but it’s definitely going to make you not only understand yourself better but also understand how in what context it is meant.

[Ruchi Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tagline of the book is “The Indian women’s guide to unlock her full potential” so I was curious to read it. And I am goad that I picked it up. It’s a book of non fiction genre. Author has started the story with “My story of power” and I liked that. Author has included examples such as Goddess Laxmi and Durga. Cover with Bindi symbol is quite intelligent. Author has also included recent scenarios. As we know, the recent international political situation is in highlight due to same topic. So it was an anticipated read for me. Author has taken references and examples from Manusmriti , Ayodhya kand, etc. I liked that. Author has explained six sources of power and later on explained each one differently in individual chapters. Like for example in rise and shine, the example of Smriti Irani is quoted. In rebel warrior, example of Mamata Benarjee is given. I liked the suggestions given for such as Yogasanas, affirmations, etc. Author has explained everything with charts, data, examples and body practices. I liked the way of thinking and the entire idea about the book. This is the first book that captured my idea about feminism, so I loved that. Author has covered all aspects that touches women from being feminine to warrior, I liked that part. Author has written the book in captivating manner. The language of the book is lucid so that everyone can read it. Overall good one. Recommended from my side.

[Bibliophile Talks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author began the story with "My story of power", which I believe is the best way to begin the book. The author included examples of the goddess Laxmi and Durga. Cover with Bindi symbol is quite intelligent. The author has also included recent scenarios. She used references and examples of Manusmriti, Ayodhya kand, etc. The author explained six sources of power and then explained each in different chapters. For example, in rising and shining, the example of Smriti Irani is quoted. In the rebellious warrior, an example from Mamata Banerjee is given.

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄:
https://www.bibliophiletalks.in/book-...