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Highway to Swades
IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INDIAN? In 2014, when Bhairavi Jani got into a car with three friends and drove 18,181 km across India, from the remote districts of Nagaland to the villages of Rann of Kutch and from the Kashmir Valley to the interiors of India's Deccan she was searching for the threads that weave the people of the world's largest democracy together. What she discovered from the many highways she took to swades form the beating heart of this book. Highway to Swades is a quest to explore and rediscover the inherent civilizational powers shared by all Indians. Jani identifies twelve such superpowers and maps out how these can be called to action for the future of the republic and its citizens. In 'Power of Enterprise', for instance, she explores the values that connect India's street vendors and tech entrepreneurs of Bengaluru. In 'Power of Nature', she shares the unlikely bonds that bind the Changpa people of the cold desert wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, the Khasis of Meghalaya and an Oxford-returned young woman in Kumaon. And, in 'Power of Creativity' she throws light on how our inherent superpower of creativity can help us build a thriving creative economy using new-age tech and AI. Through an amalgamation of data, travel anecdotes and stories of people from different corners of India, Jani intertwines the country's past, present and future seamlessly.
- GenresNonfictionIndia
412 pages, Hardcover
Published November 25, 2022
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140 people want to read
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December 22, 2022“Diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breaths a common set of values.”
In 2014 when Bhairavi Jani got into a car with three friends and drove 18,181 km across India. From the Eastern Ghats of India to the discontinuous mountain ranges of Kashmir, and from remote district villages of Nagaland to Rann of Kutch, Tamilnadu and Odisha. What she discovered was beyond her apprehension as she understood the diversity yet the unity in the world's largest population. The powerful force nudging her to discover India and truly understand her own people drove her to the creaks and nooks of the country and she found true connection with the people there. They named the journey 'Highway to Swades'. This book is a quest to discover India as a nation and a civilization and to explore India's inherent but hidden superpowers.
'Highway to Swades' came as a fresh gust of wind, and I woke up from a deep slumber. A slumber that put me on hold from learning and imagining. It hinders my creative thinking yet this book has the capability to pull me out of it and think out of the box. I had completely different expectations from this book. What I had in my mind was a book that will simply talk facts and data. To my utter surprise this book gave me sense of longing, deep connection, gratitude, motivation and faith. While discovering India through the eyes of the author I discovered my self and although a fellow Indian, I felt a deep sense of purpose and Identity of being an Indian. The whole magic was happening because of the way the author has weaved each individual story with the collective mindset of people, always keeping the backdrop of culture and heritage.
This book showed me a different perspective and I'm grateful for that. Writing style is exemplary, it invokes emotions and nudges the feelings while providing knowledge and information. Recommended to everyone.
In 2014 when Bhairavi Jani got into a car with three friends and drove 18,181 km across India. From the Eastern Ghats of India to the discontinuous mountain ranges of Kashmir, and from remote district villages of Nagaland to Rann of Kutch, Tamilnadu and Odisha. What she discovered was beyond her apprehension as she understood the diversity yet the unity in the world's largest population. The powerful force nudging her to discover India and truly understand her own people drove her to the creaks and nooks of the country and she found true connection with the people there. They named the journey 'Highway to Swades'. This book is a quest to discover India as a nation and a civilization and to explore India's inherent but hidden superpowers.
'Highway to Swades' came as a fresh gust of wind, and I woke up from a deep slumber. A slumber that put me on hold from learning and imagining. It hinders my creative thinking yet this book has the capability to pull me out of it and think out of the box. I had completely different expectations from this book. What I had in my mind was a book that will simply talk facts and data. To my utter surprise this book gave me sense of longing, deep connection, gratitude, motivation and faith. While discovering India through the eyes of the author I discovered my self and although a fellow Indian, I felt a deep sense of purpose and Identity of being an Indian. The whole magic was happening because of the way the author has weaved each individual story with the collective mindset of people, always keeping the backdrop of culture and heritage.
This book showed me a different perspective and I'm grateful for that. Writing style is exemplary, it invokes emotions and nudges the feelings while providing knowledge and information. Recommended to everyone.
December 23, 2022
I'm surprised by the novelty of thought and the brilliant setup of this book!
For the non-fiction noob in me, it's one great book to cherish and read non stop.
The moment i read the blurb i knew this book is meant to create an impact!
That unique concept of weaving 12 superpowers of India into Stories from around the country so the youth of India feels belonged to its country and can be tied to one common rope of nationalism, is so powerful that I'm thankful to the author for bringing it to us!
For the non-fiction noob in me, it's one great book to cherish and read non stop.
The moment i read the blurb i knew this book is meant to create an impact!
That unique concept of weaving 12 superpowers of India into Stories from around the country so the youth of India feels belonged to its country and can be tied to one common rope of nationalism, is so powerful that I'm thankful to the author for bringing it to us!
December 15, 2023
This book is written as a travel memoir and definitely left an impact on me and it also let me think in a different perspective. This book effectively communicates the purpose of the journey from the very first page. And I'm in love with the author's ability to share her thoughts without any restriction.
The writing is so engaging, informative, and well-structured. Question and Answer type conversations with her friends made it so relatable to understand the author's perspective. The narration is clear and straightforward which adds authenticity to her perspective.
I loved the Superpower Concept in this book. The author introduces the concept of "superpowers" shared by all Indians, offering a unique angle to explore and understand the strengths and values of the nation's diverse communities.
I felt a personal connection with the author while reading the book. I would recommend everyone to read this book to play their part proudly as an Indian for the propelling future of our nation.
The writing is so engaging, informative, and well-structured. Question and Answer type conversations with her friends made it so relatable to understand the author's perspective. The narration is clear and straightforward which adds authenticity to her perspective.
I loved the Superpower Concept in this book. The author introduces the concept of "superpowers" shared by all Indians, offering a unique angle to explore and understand the strengths and values of the nation's diverse communities.
I felt a personal connection with the author while reading the book. I would recommend everyone to read this book to play their part proudly as an Indian for the propelling future of our nation.
December 19, 2022
"India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great-grandmother of tradition.” Mark Twain
This book proves that these lines are true. India is an enormous country, filled with incredible people and an amazing diversity of traditions, cuisines and religions. Bhairavi Jani in this book shares her experiences while she traveled through the states of India with her friends way back in 2014. Various topics such as Indian heritage, cultural diversity, values, traditions etc has been discussed .
The book captures stories , of people from different places in India, along with their culture, lifestyle etc. The author's skillful narration transforms us to the places she is describing hence letting us experience this journey of rediscovery and optimism along with her.
I liked the power of creativity where the author explores Art and Artisans of India. She discusses about the traditional dance forms, Tank arts of Punjab, weaving etc.
The cover is attractive with Warli art on it. The language is lucid and easy to understand. Overall an Informative read.
This book proves that these lines are true. India is an enormous country, filled with incredible people and an amazing diversity of traditions, cuisines and religions. Bhairavi Jani in this book shares her experiences while she traveled through the states of India with her friends way back in 2014. Various topics such as Indian heritage, cultural diversity, values, traditions etc has been discussed .
The book captures stories , of people from different places in India, along with their culture, lifestyle etc. The author's skillful narration transforms us to the places she is describing hence letting us experience this journey of rediscovery and optimism along with her.
I liked the power of creativity where the author explores Art and Artisans of India. She discusses about the traditional dance forms, Tank arts of Punjab, weaving etc.
The cover is attractive with Warli art on it. The language is lucid and easy to understand. Overall an Informative read.
December 25, 2022
Before one actually starts the book, its metadata (the multitude of praises on the first few pages, the foreword, the acknowledgements) helps to form an image of the author. What came across to me from the start and only got reinforced further and deeper was this author's inquisitive and evolving spirit that led her on a journey across India and, ultimately, to the creation of this book. There are snippets of her learnings from all the people and elements around her, which clearly indicate she was constantly a scholar, even when no one around her was actively teaching.
In her last section of "Call to Action," the author states the questions she wanted to find answers to, which set her on this path of (re)discovery.
The author's love for her country shines through in her words. The book expounds on all the superpowers that Indians possess (we may not know it, but we call upon them constantly in times of need). These are the powers of community (exemplified by various efforts in Mizoram and Dholavira in Gujarat and others in the book); the power of food to bring us all together; the power of creativity; and several others. "...the ability to be both at ease with the unknown and to welcome it with open arms was ubiquitous across India..." My favourite passages were from the chapter on the power of heritage. So much detail from various parts of our nation (the Festival of Festivals from Nagaland, the forts and Manganiar people from Rajasthan, the Ziro valley from Arunachal, and many others) has been captured so elegantly, it made me fall in love all over again.
Like any other non-fiction work of this nature, this book also suffers from the monotone effect, which maybe I am more sensitive to as a customarily fiction reader. The content is beautifully compiled and expertly edited; I have zero complaints there. It just became a tad unvarying (maybe some images for a visual variety could have helped?), especially when the same instances were used across sections.
In her last section of "Call to Action," the author states the questions she wanted to find answers to, which set her on this path of (re)discovery.
1. What does it mean to be an Indian?
2. What are the bonds that tie us Indians together despite our diverse identities and moorings?
3. Despite these differences, how can we work as ONE?
The author's love for her country shines through in her words. The book expounds on all the superpowers that Indians possess (we may not know it, but we call upon them constantly in times of need). These are the powers of community (exemplified by various efforts in Mizoram and Dholavira in Gujarat and others in the book); the power of food to bring us all together; the power of creativity; and several others. "...the ability to be both at ease with the unknown and to welcome it with open arms was ubiquitous across India..." My favourite passages were from the chapter on the power of heritage. So much detail from various parts of our nation (the Festival of Festivals from Nagaland, the forts and Manganiar people from Rajasthan, the Ziro valley from Arunachal, and many others) has been captured so elegantly, it made me fall in love all over again.
Like any other non-fiction work of this nature, this book also suffers from the monotone effect, which maybe I am more sensitive to as a customarily fiction reader. The content is beautifully compiled and expertly edited; I have zero complaints there. It just became a tad unvarying (maybe some images for a visual variety could have helped?), especially when the same instances were used across sections.
December 26, 2022
Highway to Swades by Bhairavi Jani
the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page
This book explores more than half of india,
wise man said if you start travelling you will learn new language much faster by communicating to locals using hand gestures, facial expression
Bhairavi Jani took a car and 3 of her friends drove 18,181 km across india.
where she explore almost all major parts of india like Kashmir, Nagaland, Rann of Kutch, Odisha, Tamilnadu and many more.
How india is unite in diveristy it connect the dots when we read this book about
Food, weather , nature , traditions, heritage , cultural , political values.
Bhairavi Jani is a successful logistics and supply-chainentrepreneur, a social-development enthusiast, a nature conservationist and acommitted philanthropist.
Bhairavi has been listed among ‘India's 25 PowerWomen' by India Today, and has been featured in Stree Shakti by CNBCAwaaz and Young Turks by CNBC TV18.
She was recognized as a ‘SupplyChain Maven' by Business Today.
Each chapter of the book start with name of Power of ... and it explores in terms may it be food , power , cultural heritage, Rich history likewise.
The Thali concept is unique to india. it comes from the idea that your food plate must be diverse for it to be balanced and nutritious meal.
Ayurveda espouses the idea that you are what you eat. hence a huge amount of focus and work has gone into defining what should be eaten with what,
and when and how the item should be prepared, served and consumed.
The traditional science identifies six tastes or rasas.
Mahdhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), lavana (Salty), katu (pingent), tikta(bitter), kashaya (Astringent)
according to ayurveda each of this play a role in physiology, helath and well being.
She conculde the book with call in action
the author states the questions she wanted to find answers to, which set her on this path of Re- discovery.
Highway to swades provides a fresh prespective on how our great nation nas managed to manintain a close bond between
its past and future as Jani has experienced during her travels.
A Must read book on travelogue , readers will enjoy the ride acrosss india.
i must say this to this book
Wow what a book !
the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page
This book explores more than half of india,
wise man said if you start travelling you will learn new language much faster by communicating to locals using hand gestures, facial expression
Bhairavi Jani took a car and 3 of her friends drove 18,181 km across india.
where she explore almost all major parts of india like Kashmir, Nagaland, Rann of Kutch, Odisha, Tamilnadu and many more.
How india is unite in diveristy it connect the dots when we read this book about
Food, weather , nature , traditions, heritage , cultural , political values.
Bhairavi Jani is a successful logistics and supply-chainentrepreneur, a social-development enthusiast, a nature conservationist and acommitted philanthropist.
Bhairavi has been listed among ‘India's 25 PowerWomen' by India Today, and has been featured in Stree Shakti by CNBCAwaaz and Young Turks by CNBC TV18.
She was recognized as a ‘SupplyChain Maven' by Business Today.
Each chapter of the book start with name of Power of ... and it explores in terms may it be food , power , cultural heritage, Rich history likewise.
The Thali concept is unique to india. it comes from the idea that your food plate must be diverse for it to be balanced and nutritious meal.
Ayurveda espouses the idea that you are what you eat. hence a huge amount of focus and work has gone into defining what should be eaten with what,
and when and how the item should be prepared, served and consumed.
The traditional science identifies six tastes or rasas.
Mahdhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), lavana (Salty), katu (pingent), tikta(bitter), kashaya (Astringent)
according to ayurveda each of this play a role in physiology, helath and well being.
She conculde the book with call in action
the author states the questions she wanted to find answers to, which set her on this path of Re- discovery.
Highway to swades provides a fresh prespective on how our great nation nas managed to manintain a close bond between
its past and future as Jani has experienced during her travels.
A Must read book on travelogue , readers will enjoy the ride acrosss india.
i must say this to this book
Wow what a book !
November 29, 2023
This is a life-changing book.
Aside from the wanderlust element, the author will make you fall back in love with your civilization. She shares stories of inspirational Indians from every corner of the country and tries to find commonalities between them. The narrative of finding pride among our countrymen is similar to that of the book Connect the Dots by Rashmi Bansal.
As a geopolitical enthusiast, I like reading books about my country. It's fun to revisit the topography of our map's plateaus, mountains, and plains years after school days. My favourite anecdote is the Rishikesh one.
It's motivating to read about Indians passionately working towards inclusion and development to realise the vision of an Indian superpower. Given the current tense geopolitical climate, this book resonates even more.
Non-fiction readers, especially nationalists who don't typically read nonfiction, must read it. It'll be more impactful if you read it as a young person.
Aside from the wanderlust element, the author will make you fall back in love with your civilization. She shares stories of inspirational Indians from every corner of the country and tries to find commonalities between them. The narrative of finding pride among our countrymen is similar to that of the book Connect the Dots by Rashmi Bansal.
As a geopolitical enthusiast, I like reading books about my country. It's fun to revisit the topography of our map's plateaus, mountains, and plains years after school days. My favourite anecdote is the Rishikesh one.
It's motivating to read about Indians passionately working towards inclusion and development to realise the vision of an Indian superpower. Given the current tense geopolitical climate, this book resonates even more.
Non-fiction readers, especially nationalists who don't typically read nonfiction, must read it. It'll be more impactful if you read it as a young person.
December 24, 2022
Highway of Swades explores the magical journey of Super powers to rediscover the beautiful country, India. It has touched upon the talks like diversity, traditions, culture & values.
Author has gotten chance to go on a trip with her friends and explore the unravel truths and powers of India. The whole discovery of food, truth, beauty, wellness, nature etc. were demonstrated In this book. Being citizen we are not aware much about our country and seems uninterested to know the finer details of it.
I really felt proud that author has given a chance to know our country well and closely from the eyes of her & respect each power and truth which is prevailing in India. Everyone should read this book not just for knowledge but to diversify their thoughts for their own country.
Author has gotten chance to go on a trip with her friends and explore the unravel truths and powers of India. The whole discovery of food, truth, beauty, wellness, nature etc. were demonstrated In this book. Being citizen we are not aware much about our country and seems uninterested to know the finer details of it.
I really felt proud that author has given a chance to know our country well and closely from the eyes of her & respect each power and truth which is prevailing in India. Everyone should read this book not just for knowledge but to diversify their thoughts for their own country.
March 18, 2024
The book is a pleasant journey to the hidden soul of India. It weaves together inspiring stories from jungles of Nagaland to the villages of Rajasthan. Although I liked the concept of this book but I found it quite repetitive in parts. Also, I couldn't resonate with authors views on solving some of the fundamental issues of our people. But that's my personal opinion. Overall its a good read
May 14, 2023
Just finished reading this amazing book and I am thoroughly impressed. The book takes the reader on a journey through India, exploring its diverse culture and heritage. Jani’s writing is engaging and her firsthand account of her travels is both informative and heartwarming. I highly recommend this book for every Indian to read atleast once.
December 16, 2022
"The diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breathes a common set of values."
Indeed, there is something common that ties the people of this land of variety into one single thread. Something that screams that behind the curtains of differences, we are one, we are Indians. And, beyond everything, there is definitely something that intertwines our past, present and future, binding them into an unbreakable bond.
According to author Bhairavi Jani, it's our core values that defines us and some hidden superpowers, which every single Indian is born with, that binds us all together into one beautiful entity called Indians.
With this thought we are welcomed into the journey of "Highway to Swades", a unique attempt by author Bhairavi Jani to rediscover India's hidden superpowers and reinvent the ways to employ these powers to create a brighter and most amazing future for our country.
The book began as a journey, a quest and an adventurous road-trip into the deepest corners of India. It began as a search for the thread that binds the Indians together. It began as a trip to better understand the country and form an even deeper connection with it. And with "Highway to Swades", the readers get to do the same: know, understand and connect with the country in a way that they never imagined.
"There was something-- unidentified and nameless, a bond that connected them."
Impregnated with vibrant anecdotes, personal experiences and stories of people from different corners of India, the book takes the readers on an innovative journey across the country where we discover a new facet of India and develop a admiration for our country and its people.
The book not only points out the reasons for us to feel proud as Indians but also draws our attention to the areas where the country has huge scope for improvements and innovations. It leaves nothing to doubt but a lot to ponder about, something that stays long after we have finished reading.
"The river of civilization continues to flow through the ravines of time. This is our superpower."
Author Bhairavi Jani employs a remarkable style of introducing a topic in a light-hearted manner, capturing the readers' attention with an interesting anecdote and then slowly leading them into the more serious aspects, delving into the deeper crevices of the topic that needs intense pondering. The shift is so smooth that the readers wouldn't even notice when the mood changed and they began to ponder!
"Highway to Swades" identifies 12 hidden superpowers shared by every single individual which can be called to action to create a future. As an Indian, all we need to do is to ignite our power of Enterprise, Nature, Heritage, Creativity, Knowledge, Food, Beauty, Wellness, Assimilation, Inclusion, Individual and Community, and combine them in a way that redefines our stance as the true citizen of the country.
As a admirer of art and creativity, the chapter that resonated strongly with me is "Power of Creativity". In this chapter, the author links back our creative potential to the various art and designs that adorn the trucks which run on the roads of the country and the water tanks above Indian houses that comes in innovative styles and designs of an aeroplane, football, eagle, rocket and even a pressure cooker! Such kind of creative expressions can be seen on every corner of the country and is a pure work of art that people use to nourish their sense of creativity by expressing it through their homes and professions.
"It is through these creative pursuits that we are able to discard the mundane and access the realm of divinity."
Author Bhairavi Jani believes that India can ignite this inherent power of creativity to build a thriving creative economy where no one ever have to suppress their creative urges to opt for a profession that pays, for people would be able to use their creative talent to earn their living.
The book "Highway to Swades" by author Bhairavi Jani conspires to resurrect our pride and faith in our country. It lights a fire in the heart with its inspiring tales and motivates us to step out into the wild unknown world and do something for ourselves and our country. The book is a call to the youths to rise, act and strive to do their duty towards their beloved country and feel proud to be an Indian. It's a call to ignite the power within.
"Never underestimate the small steps we take for that major milestone."
Indeed, there is something common that ties the people of this land of variety into one single thread. Something that screams that behind the curtains of differences, we are one, we are Indians. And, beyond everything, there is definitely something that intertwines our past, present and future, binding them into an unbreakable bond.
According to author Bhairavi Jani, it's our core values that defines us and some hidden superpowers, which every single Indian is born with, that binds us all together into one beautiful entity called Indians.
With this thought we are welcomed into the journey of "Highway to Swades", a unique attempt by author Bhairavi Jani to rediscover India's hidden superpowers and reinvent the ways to employ these powers to create a brighter and most amazing future for our country.
The book began as a journey, a quest and an adventurous road-trip into the deepest corners of India. It began as a search for the thread that binds the Indians together. It began as a trip to better understand the country and form an even deeper connection with it. And with "Highway to Swades", the readers get to do the same: know, understand and connect with the country in a way that they never imagined.
"There was something-- unidentified and nameless, a bond that connected them."
Impregnated with vibrant anecdotes, personal experiences and stories of people from different corners of India, the book takes the readers on an innovative journey across the country where we discover a new facet of India and develop a admiration for our country and its people.
The book not only points out the reasons for us to feel proud as Indians but also draws our attention to the areas where the country has huge scope for improvements and innovations. It leaves nothing to doubt but a lot to ponder about, something that stays long after we have finished reading.
"The river of civilization continues to flow through the ravines of time. This is our superpower."
Author Bhairavi Jani employs a remarkable style of introducing a topic in a light-hearted manner, capturing the readers' attention with an interesting anecdote and then slowly leading them into the more serious aspects, delving into the deeper crevices of the topic that needs intense pondering. The shift is so smooth that the readers wouldn't even notice when the mood changed and they began to ponder!
"Highway to Swades" identifies 12 hidden superpowers shared by every single individual which can be called to action to create a future. As an Indian, all we need to do is to ignite our power of Enterprise, Nature, Heritage, Creativity, Knowledge, Food, Beauty, Wellness, Assimilation, Inclusion, Individual and Community, and combine them in a way that redefines our stance as the true citizen of the country.
As a admirer of art and creativity, the chapter that resonated strongly with me is "Power of Creativity". In this chapter, the author links back our creative potential to the various art and designs that adorn the trucks which run on the roads of the country and the water tanks above Indian houses that comes in innovative styles and designs of an aeroplane, football, eagle, rocket and even a pressure cooker! Such kind of creative expressions can be seen on every corner of the country and is a pure work of art that people use to nourish their sense of creativity by expressing it through their homes and professions.
"It is through these creative pursuits that we are able to discard the mundane and access the realm of divinity."
Author Bhairavi Jani believes that India can ignite this inherent power of creativity to build a thriving creative economy where no one ever have to suppress their creative urges to opt for a profession that pays, for people would be able to use their creative talent to earn their living.
The book "Highway to Swades" by author Bhairavi Jani conspires to resurrect our pride and faith in our country. It lights a fire in the heart with its inspiring tales and motivates us to step out into the wild unknown world and do something for ourselves and our country. The book is a call to the youths to rise, act and strive to do their duty towards their beloved country and feel proud to be an Indian. It's a call to ignite the power within.
"Never underestimate the small steps we take for that major milestone."
February 27, 2024
Bhairavi Jani's
HIGHWAY TO SWADES: Rediscovering India's Superpowers.
nonfiction
Can you strive to make life better/ grow & be content at the same time?
Can one be happy despite being poor?
-a story of the many highways the author took to 'Swades' & what she learnt from those travels about India & Indians.
-there are a total of 14 chapters (around 365 pages), other than notes, acknowledgements etc.
- This book really took me by surprise. I was taken by the author's zeal to discover & convey her inferences to a mass audience with the intention of collectively making India a superpower. It took her 3years to bring this book, her efforts to culmination.
- She emphasises on the role that young Indians could play in the country's developmental journey.
- I liked her story-telling narrative with excerpts from her own experience, in addition to inspiring stories of real life people.
- Her sharing of her Rishikesh, river rafting experience, made me remember mine & brought back memories. Her analysis of the experience & correlating it with the Republic of India, made me look at my memory from a fresh perspective.
- She believes the 12 chapters/ superpowers she shared, contain the tools to bring Indians across the length & breadth of the country together, towards a shared ambition for our nation like a mosaic allows for each individual piece to have it's own presence whilst being part of a larger picture.
- I totally adored the chapter, The Power Of Enterprise. The excerpt on Rewaj Chettri was amazing showcasing the clarity of purpose he had about his venture. His 'chillar wisdom' taught him to spot a market opportunity, explore it, take risks & find innovative ways to explore it.
- The section on Bhumia, Paroja & Gond reiterated that entrepreneurship is not just about start-ups & unicorns, but also about individual initiative & enterprise, a universal force present in great abundance across the country.
- It was fun to know that the Oxford English Dictionary has officially accepted the word 'jugaad' as a noun.
- The section on Pahale India with 3 scenarios, Atakta Bharat, Bollyworld & Pahale India was really enriching.
- I was totally engrossed in this bundle of fresh, innovative wisdom & approach. The language is pretty simple, easily comprehendible by even beginner readers.
I liked the author's take on the said topic, it's something new to read & contemplate.
___
🧳IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INDIAN?
In 2014, when Bhairavi Jani got into a car with three friends and drove 18,181 km across India,
from the remote districts of Nagaland to the villages of Rann of Kutch and from the Kashmir
Valley to the interiors of India's Deccan she was searching for the threads that weave the people
of the world's largest democracy together. What she discovered from the many highways she took to swades form the beating heart of this book.
Highway to Swades is a quest to explore and rediscover the inherent civilizational powers
shared by all Indians. Jani identifies twelve such superpowers and maps out how these can be
called to action for the future of the republic and its citizens. In 'Power of Enterprise', for instance, she explores the values that connect India's street vendors and tech entrepreneurs of Bengaluru. In 'Power of Nature', she shares the unlikely bonds that bind the Changpa people of the cold desert wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, the Khasis of Meghalaya and an Oxford-returned young woman in Kumaon. And, in 'Power of Creativity' she throws light on how our inherent superpower of creativity can help us build a thriving creative economy using new-age tech and AI.
Through an amalgamation of data, travel anecdotes and stories of people from different corners of India, Jani intertwines the country's past, present and future seamlessly.
HIGHWAY TO SWADES: Rediscovering India's Superpowers.
nonfiction
Can you strive to make life better/ grow & be content at the same time?
Can one be happy despite being poor?
-a story of the many highways the author took to 'Swades' & what she learnt from those travels about India & Indians.
-there are a total of 14 chapters (around 365 pages), other than notes, acknowledgements etc.
- This book really took me by surprise. I was taken by the author's zeal to discover & convey her inferences to a mass audience with the intention of collectively making India a superpower. It took her 3years to bring this book, her efforts to culmination.
- She emphasises on the role that young Indians could play in the country's developmental journey.
- I liked her story-telling narrative with excerpts from her own experience, in addition to inspiring stories of real life people.
- Her sharing of her Rishikesh, river rafting experience, made me remember mine & brought back memories. Her analysis of the experience & correlating it with the Republic of India, made me look at my memory from a fresh perspective.
- She believes the 12 chapters/ superpowers she shared, contain the tools to bring Indians across the length & breadth of the country together, towards a shared ambition for our nation like a mosaic allows for each individual piece to have it's own presence whilst being part of a larger picture.
- I totally adored the chapter, The Power Of Enterprise. The excerpt on Rewaj Chettri was amazing showcasing the clarity of purpose he had about his venture. His 'chillar wisdom' taught him to spot a market opportunity, explore it, take risks & find innovative ways to explore it.
- The section on Bhumia, Paroja & Gond reiterated that entrepreneurship is not just about start-ups & unicorns, but also about individual initiative & enterprise, a universal force present in great abundance across the country.
- It was fun to know that the Oxford English Dictionary has officially accepted the word 'jugaad' as a noun.
- The section on Pahale India with 3 scenarios, Atakta Bharat, Bollyworld & Pahale India was really enriching.
- I was totally engrossed in this bundle of fresh, innovative wisdom & approach. The language is pretty simple, easily comprehendible by even beginner readers.
I liked the author's take on the said topic, it's something new to read & contemplate.
___
🧳IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INDIAN?
In 2014, when Bhairavi Jani got into a car with three friends and drove 18,181 km across India,
from the remote districts of Nagaland to the villages of Rann of Kutch and from the Kashmir
Valley to the interiors of India's Deccan she was searching for the threads that weave the people
of the world's largest democracy together. What she discovered from the many highways she took to swades form the beating heart of this book.
Highway to Swades is a quest to explore and rediscover the inherent civilizational powers
shared by all Indians. Jani identifies twelve such superpowers and maps out how these can be
called to action for the future of the republic and its citizens. In 'Power of Enterprise', for instance, she explores the values that connect India's street vendors and tech entrepreneurs of Bengaluru. In 'Power of Nature', she shares the unlikely bonds that bind the Changpa people of the cold desert wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, the Khasis of Meghalaya and an Oxford-returned young woman in Kumaon. And, in 'Power of Creativity' she throws light on how our inherent superpower of creativity can help us build a thriving creative economy using new-age tech and AI.
Through an amalgamation of data, travel anecdotes and stories of people from different corners of India, Jani intertwines the country's past, present and future seamlessly.
December 23, 2022
The book "Highway To Swades" began as the journey of the author to find an answer to the question "What it means to be an Indian", which in turn enabled her to rediscover India's superpowers. She has travelled to almost all the states of India to understand the country better and to know what binds all the Indians together irrespective of their religions, cultures, languages, faiths and beliefs. She has also interviewed people she met across this journey.
The author has captured the grandeur of India - its rich culture and heritage, history, democracy and politics. In the first chapter, I loved reading descriptions of the river "Ganga" and the rafting trip that paved the path to this insightful journey of rediscovery. In the next twelve chapters, the author extensively discusses 12 superpowers that contain the tools to bring Indians across the length and breadth of the country together.
Although all of them are interesting and insightful to read, I am sharing a few which intrigued me the most. In the chapter "Power Of Nature", the author mentions "Hemis" where one of the most remote communities created a way of life in partnership with nature, the importance of nature in the Indian way of life and how it is both personal and integral to the life of Indians. "Power Of Heritage" describes India's most significant empires and dynasties, how much we value our personal heritage and establish a deep connection with it. This chapter will surely take you down memory lane. If you are a person who appreciates and cherishes art and creativity, the chapter "Power Of Creativity" will be a treat for you. I don't want to disclose any topics from this chapter and spoil your experience. How could there not be at least a chapter for "Food" when the book is about India? The chapter "Power Of Food" tells us that food is a source of emotion, comfort and celebration for Indians. It also describes Thali - one of the most delicious and nutritious meals, Annapurna and Annadaata, reimagining the food system and the need to make use of technology in agriculture.
The author crafted all the chapters meticulously. First, giving the reader a little introduction and history of that topic and then deep insights. Posing questions that may have occurred to us but ignored and at last, reminding us of our responsibilities and urging the readers to take action. This book not only talks of all the aspects or facets of India that make us proud but also makes us aware of the things that need to be improved by our collective and individual actions.
With the unique and engaging narration style, personal experiences and stories of people from different states of India, this book is a complete package.
The author has captured the grandeur of India - its rich culture and heritage, history, democracy and politics. In the first chapter, I loved reading descriptions of the river "Ganga" and the rafting trip that paved the path to this insightful journey of rediscovery. In the next twelve chapters, the author extensively discusses 12 superpowers that contain the tools to bring Indians across the length and breadth of the country together.
Although all of them are interesting and insightful to read, I am sharing a few which intrigued me the most. In the chapter "Power Of Nature", the author mentions "Hemis" where one of the most remote communities created a way of life in partnership with nature, the importance of nature in the Indian way of life and how it is both personal and integral to the life of Indians. "Power Of Heritage" describes India's most significant empires and dynasties, how much we value our personal heritage and establish a deep connection with it. This chapter will surely take you down memory lane. If you are a person who appreciates and cherishes art and creativity, the chapter "Power Of Creativity" will be a treat for you. I don't want to disclose any topics from this chapter and spoil your experience. How could there not be at least a chapter for "Food" when the book is about India? The chapter "Power Of Food" tells us that food is a source of emotion, comfort and celebration for Indians. It also describes Thali - one of the most delicious and nutritious meals, Annapurna and Annadaata, reimagining the food system and the need to make use of technology in agriculture.
The author crafted all the chapters meticulously. First, giving the reader a little introduction and history of that topic and then deep insights. Posing questions that may have occurred to us but ignored and at last, reminding us of our responsibilities and urging the readers to take action. This book not only talks of all the aspects or facets of India that make us proud but also makes us aware of the things that need to be improved by our collective and individual actions.
With the unique and engaging narration style, personal experiences and stories of people from different states of India, this book is a complete package.
December 24, 2022
I don’t usually read a lot of non-fiction and limit myself to fiction but this book was absolutely phenomenal. It tells a true story of a woman who, along with her friends, took a journey around India. The book documents her various observations at different parts of India, and highlights the beauty of our wonderful land. In such a diverse country as India where driving for a few hours could completely change the cultures of a place, it is not easy to truly capture the essence of India but this book just manages to do that.
Bhairavi Jani is a woman committed to rediscovering India’s superpowers and watching India grow into its full potential. In this book she outlines the key aspects or ‘superpowers’ that India is rich in, and how we can improve these as a nation to lead India to glory. She narrates stories of people from all walks of life who have contributed to India’s propsperity and inspire people to work towards the betterment of the nation. Through these stories and by enlightening readers on the history of this nation, Bhairavi ensures that after reading this book, people are much more motivated to appreciate the country more.
Of the twelve superpowers, my favorite has to be the power of enterprise and creativity. As a writer with a vast imagination who also likes grabbing every opportunity I can, both of those really spoke to me and I loved reading the stories of Rewaj and Aditya Patwardhan. When people with a lack of resources are able to do so much and make the best of what they have, why can’t we? I also greatly enjoyed reading the power of knowledge part, because I strongly believe our education system must be reformed. Currently they focus predominantly only on science or commerce and completely neglect the arts or humanities side of learning. The other parts of the book were also exceptional and I especially loved learning about new cultures like the Naga Hornbill festival or innovative initiatives like The Ugly Indian.
Bhairavi Jani’s work is inspiring and she continues to work everyday for the betterment of our country. The people she writes about in this book are equally inspiring and they definitely motivated me to appreciate India a lot more. However she does bring up many important things to ponder. To take our country to a better level all of us must work harder and come together as a community to care for our nation. India has to improve in a lot of aspects and this can only be achieved through a communal effort.
I firmly believe every person, especially Indians, must read this book. Indian or not, the stories will inspire you to improve yourself while also boosting your nation. This book opened my eyes and I hope it does the same for you.
Bhairavi Jani is a woman committed to rediscovering India’s superpowers and watching India grow into its full potential. In this book she outlines the key aspects or ‘superpowers’ that India is rich in, and how we can improve these as a nation to lead India to glory. She narrates stories of people from all walks of life who have contributed to India’s propsperity and inspire people to work towards the betterment of the nation. Through these stories and by enlightening readers on the history of this nation, Bhairavi ensures that after reading this book, people are much more motivated to appreciate the country more.
Of the twelve superpowers, my favorite has to be the power of enterprise and creativity. As a writer with a vast imagination who also likes grabbing every opportunity I can, both of those really spoke to me and I loved reading the stories of Rewaj and Aditya Patwardhan. When people with a lack of resources are able to do so much and make the best of what they have, why can’t we? I also greatly enjoyed reading the power of knowledge part, because I strongly believe our education system must be reformed. Currently they focus predominantly only on science or commerce and completely neglect the arts or humanities side of learning. The other parts of the book were also exceptional and I especially loved learning about new cultures like the Naga Hornbill festival or innovative initiatives like The Ugly Indian.
Bhairavi Jani’s work is inspiring and she continues to work everyday for the betterment of our country. The people she writes about in this book are equally inspiring and they definitely motivated me to appreciate India a lot more. However she does bring up many important things to ponder. To take our country to a better level all of us must work harder and come together as a community to care for our nation. India has to improve in a lot of aspects and this can only be achieved through a communal effort.
I firmly believe every person, especially Indians, must read this book. Indian or not, the stories will inspire you to improve yourself while also boosting your nation. This book opened my eyes and I hope it does the same for you.
March 19, 2023
Highway to Swades is a journey of a woman through the diverse nation of India, but to call it a mere travelogue would be a farce. A multi-faceted journal Highway to Swades is a repository of rich knowledge combined with travel experiences that warms the soul. Bhairavi Jani, the author of the book, writes a firsthand account as she embarks on the most important journey that we can only hope to get on, the journey to understand what it means to be an Indian and how despite the cultural and political diversity, India continues to strive. But as is evident from the different chapters, it is not an easy task to untangle the knots that have formed over the years, of communal differences and the mentalities of people who for better or worse, have their perception of what it means to be Indian.
Highway to Swades leaves you mesmerized as stories of different people, along with different places emerge within the text. As a North-Eastern reader, I can say that while people in the NE have a vast knowledge of the other parts of India, the same cannot be said of the majority of people in the other corners of the country. I say this not only from reading the book but from my own experiences that have allowed me to form some derived conclusions of my own. It was refreshing to have the NE represented in a book that is about India as a whole. I have traveled (and stayed for long durations) to places like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc. But I have fallen incredibly short in doing anything for my country. Jani, on the other hand, has traveled with a purpose. To learn and to teach. It is extremely humbling to know the different ways one can go about helping the nation.
Jani writes about twelve strengths that India has/accumulated that can help uplift the well-being of the country. From enterprises to the natural beauty to the diverse food culture and the strength of the youth, India is well on its way to becoming a reckoning force. For India to become an integral part of the world, in terms of say, power, and economy, India must become whole. But how can this be when in parts of the country, people are led to feel like they are not Indians? How may all Indians join hands when the political values are confusing and at times misleading? The book partially answers these questions but also raises a whole lot more. As long as there are different cultures, ethnic groups, different tribes, and different languages, there will always be differences. But as Jani says “Diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breaths a common set of values.” Once every Indian understands this, Highway to Swades shall definitely convert to Highway to Paradise.
Highway to Swades leaves you mesmerized as stories of different people, along with different places emerge within the text. As a North-Eastern reader, I can say that while people in the NE have a vast knowledge of the other parts of India, the same cannot be said of the majority of people in the other corners of the country. I say this not only from reading the book but from my own experiences that have allowed me to form some derived conclusions of my own. It was refreshing to have the NE represented in a book that is about India as a whole. I have traveled (and stayed for long durations) to places like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc. But I have fallen incredibly short in doing anything for my country. Jani, on the other hand, has traveled with a purpose. To learn and to teach. It is extremely humbling to know the different ways one can go about helping the nation.
Jani writes about twelve strengths that India has/accumulated that can help uplift the well-being of the country. From enterprises to the natural beauty to the diverse food culture and the strength of the youth, India is well on its way to becoming a reckoning force. For India to become an integral part of the world, in terms of say, power, and economy, India must become whole. But how can this be when in parts of the country, people are led to feel like they are not Indians? How may all Indians join hands when the political values are confusing and at times misleading? The book partially answers these questions but also raises a whole lot more. As long as there are different cultures, ethnic groups, different tribes, and different languages, there will always be differences. But as Jani says “Diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breaths a common set of values.” Once every Indian understands this, Highway to Swades shall definitely convert to Highway to Paradise.
November 30, 2023
“Highway to Swades” is a captivating journey through the multifaceted landscape of India, penned by Bhairavi Jani. This non-fiction gem encapsulates the essence of India’s diversity, uncovering its myriad strengths and fostering a profound appreciation for the nation.
Jani’s narrative style beautifully chronicles her exploration of India, embarking on a transformative journey that seeks to understand what it truly means to be Indian. Her inquisitive spirit and relentless quest for answers to fundamental questions about India’s identity permeate the pages, making it a compelling read right from the start.
Divided into meticulously crafted chapters, each segment of the book unravels a distinct “superpower” that resonates deeply within the Indian ethos. From the power of community that thrives amidst varied cultures in places like Mizoram and Gujarat, to the significance of heritage showcased through the splendor of empires and dynasties across the nation, the book is a tapestry of diverse narratives.
What sets this book apart is its ability to intertwine personal experiences with profound insights. Jani weaves her encounters with individuals from different corners of India into a rich tapestry of storytelling. These stories, whether about the Naga Hornbill festival or the innovative initiatives like The Ugly Indian, serve as poignant examples illustrating the resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit of the Indian people.
The author’s impassioned prose isn’t limited to highlighting India’s strengths alone; it fearlessly addresses the areas that demand improvement. Through thought-provoking discussions on education, the call for a reformed system that embraces the arts and humanities echoes a plea for holistic learning.
“Highway to Swades” is not merely a book; it’s a call to action. It inspires readers, both Indian and non-Indian, to appreciate the beauty and richness of India while igniting a desire for collective progress. The meticulous research, engaging narrative, and insightful analysis make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into India’s cultural tapestry and its potential for growth.
Recommendation: I highly recommend “Highway to Swades” to anyone passionate about understanding the cultural nuances and societal strengths of India. This book is an eye-opener, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for positive change, inviting readers on a transformative journey through the heart and soul of a diverse nation. Whether you’re a lover of travel, history, or simply seeking inspiration, this book is a must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your perspective of India
Jani’s narrative style beautifully chronicles her exploration of India, embarking on a transformative journey that seeks to understand what it truly means to be Indian. Her inquisitive spirit and relentless quest for answers to fundamental questions about India’s identity permeate the pages, making it a compelling read right from the start.
Divided into meticulously crafted chapters, each segment of the book unravels a distinct “superpower” that resonates deeply within the Indian ethos. From the power of community that thrives amidst varied cultures in places like Mizoram and Gujarat, to the significance of heritage showcased through the splendor of empires and dynasties across the nation, the book is a tapestry of diverse narratives.
What sets this book apart is its ability to intertwine personal experiences with profound insights. Jani weaves her encounters with individuals from different corners of India into a rich tapestry of storytelling. These stories, whether about the Naga Hornbill festival or the innovative initiatives like The Ugly Indian, serve as poignant examples illustrating the resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit of the Indian people.
The author’s impassioned prose isn’t limited to highlighting India’s strengths alone; it fearlessly addresses the areas that demand improvement. Through thought-provoking discussions on education, the call for a reformed system that embraces the arts and humanities echoes a plea for holistic learning.
“Highway to Swades” is not merely a book; it’s a call to action. It inspires readers, both Indian and non-Indian, to appreciate the beauty and richness of India while igniting a desire for collective progress. The meticulous research, engaging narrative, and insightful analysis make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into India’s cultural tapestry and its potential for growth.
Recommendation: I highly recommend “Highway to Swades” to anyone passionate about understanding the cultural nuances and societal strengths of India. This book is an eye-opener, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for positive change, inviting readers on a transformative journey through the heart and soul of a diverse nation. Whether you’re a lover of travel, history, or simply seeking inspiration, this book is a must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your perspective of India
March 20, 2023
Highway to Swades: Rediscovering INDIA'S Superpowers
Author- Bhairavi Jani
My Rating-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review-
India is an emotion for me and for every Indian. When I came across this book , I was completely moved by the question " IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INDIAN???. This single question made me excited to pick up this book and read what it says. And to my knowledge this is something that I've least heard about but very important things to learn. This book is written with years of experience, research and knowledge to know What does it mean to be an Indian.
This book contains 14 Chapters discussing 12 superpowers of India, which are used wisely and can make our country a place where every Indian aspires. Author has travelled throughout India and we can see some people, tribes , traditions and customs in different places which we might know very little like Nagas of Nagaland, Gonds, Bhumia, Paroja, etc.
We can get a great positive vibe from the first chapter itself, which starts with a journey of knowing the divine Ganga and understanding her as a guide,an eternal being for sharing the superpowers of India. India as a country with lots of diversities all around the India we can see how the author questioned herself about what can make us bring together. Her travelling across India and sharing the superpowers makes us feel that experience and understand every detail and ideals mentioned. The blurb of this book can give a better idea of the book, so no spoilers ahead as it's one of the best nonfiction books I've ever read.
This book had a great flow that made it difficult to put it down. I must appreciate the author's writing style for such a beautiful and unique writing style that can make the readers lose in the pages of wisdom and make us feel pride about our country.
“Diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breathes a common set of values.”
As it's begin with holy Ganga river and continued to make us travel different parts of India just by sitting on the couch and understand every detail mentioned and it's ended with a excerpt from Holy Bhagavad Gita,
"Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshou Kada Chana: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you aren't entitled to the fruits of action."
I highly recommend this book for all my bookish friends to know about India of the 21st century and its greatness. Happy Reading 😊❤️…
Author- Bhairavi Jani
My Rating-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review-
India is an emotion for me and for every Indian. When I came across this book , I was completely moved by the question " IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN INDIAN???. This single question made me excited to pick up this book and read what it says. And to my knowledge this is something that I've least heard about but very important things to learn. This book is written with years of experience, research and knowledge to know What does it mean to be an Indian.
This book contains 14 Chapters discussing 12 superpowers of India, which are used wisely and can make our country a place where every Indian aspires. Author has travelled throughout India and we can see some people, tribes , traditions and customs in different places which we might know very little like Nagas of Nagaland, Gonds, Bhumia, Paroja, etc.
We can get a great positive vibe from the first chapter itself, which starts with a journey of knowing the divine Ganga and understanding her as a guide,an eternal being for sharing the superpowers of India. India as a country with lots of diversities all around the India we can see how the author questioned herself about what can make us bring together. Her travelling across India and sharing the superpowers makes us feel that experience and understand every detail and ideals mentioned. The blurb of this book can give a better idea of the book, so no spoilers ahead as it's one of the best nonfiction books I've ever read.
This book had a great flow that made it difficult to put it down. I must appreciate the author's writing style for such a beautiful and unique writing style that can make the readers lose in the pages of wisdom and make us feel pride about our country.
“Diversity is the blood in India's veins but as a country, India breathes a common set of values.”
As it's begin with holy Ganga river and continued to make us travel different parts of India just by sitting on the couch and understand every detail mentioned and it's ended with a excerpt from Holy Bhagavad Gita,
"Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshou Kada Chana: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you aren't entitled to the fruits of action."
I highly recommend this book for all my bookish friends to know about India of the 21st century and its greatness. Happy Reading 😊❤️…
February 1, 2024
In her book "Highway to Swades: Rediscovering India's Superpowers," Bhairavi Jani takes readers on a captivating journey across India, exploring its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Through her personal anecdotes and encounters with people from all walks of life, author paints a vivid picture of a nation brimming with resilience, innovation, and untapped potential. The book serves as a wake-up call for Indians, urging them to recognize their nation's immense potential and contribute to its progress.
The book's title, "Highway to Swades," aptly captures the essence of author's quest. Swades, a Hindi word meaning "one's own country," represents the author's desire to reconnect with her roots and rediscover the true spirit of India. As she travels across the country, she delves into the heart of communities, engaging with locals and immersing herself in their traditions and way of life.
Author's journey begins in 2014 when she embarks on a road trip with three friends, traversing 18,181 kilometers across India. Along the way, author uncovers the hidden gems of India, highlighting the country's entrepreneurial spirit, its vibrant arts and crafts scene, and its deep-rooted spiritual traditions. She encounters individuals who are making a difference in their communities, from farmers reviving traditional agricultural practices to social workers empowering marginalized groups.
One of the most striking aspects of Jani's writing is her ability to weave together personal experiences with historical context and data-driven insights. She seamlessly blends anecdotes from her travels with historical references, economic data, and sociological observations, creating a comprehensive and well-rounded narrative. Through this she highlights India's potential to become a global superpower, not through military might or economic dominance, but through its unique strengths in areas such as spirituality, community, and resilience.
In conclusion it is not just a travelogue; it is a love letter to India, a celebration of its diversity, resilience, and untapped potential. Author's writing is both informative and inspiring, leaving the reader with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and beauty of this extraordinary nation. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of India, its people, its culture, its position on the global stage and its potential to shape the future.
The book's title, "Highway to Swades," aptly captures the essence of author's quest. Swades, a Hindi word meaning "one's own country," represents the author's desire to reconnect with her roots and rediscover the true spirit of India. As she travels across the country, she delves into the heart of communities, engaging with locals and immersing herself in their traditions and way of life.
Author's journey begins in 2014 when she embarks on a road trip with three friends, traversing 18,181 kilometers across India. Along the way, author uncovers the hidden gems of India, highlighting the country's entrepreneurial spirit, its vibrant arts and crafts scene, and its deep-rooted spiritual traditions. She encounters individuals who are making a difference in their communities, from farmers reviving traditional agricultural practices to social workers empowering marginalized groups.
One of the most striking aspects of Jani's writing is her ability to weave together personal experiences with historical context and data-driven insights. She seamlessly blends anecdotes from her travels with historical references, economic data, and sociological observations, creating a comprehensive and well-rounded narrative. Through this she highlights India's potential to become a global superpower, not through military might or economic dominance, but through its unique strengths in areas such as spirituality, community, and resilience.
In conclusion it is not just a travelogue; it is a love letter to India, a celebration of its diversity, resilience, and untapped potential. Author's writing is both informative and inspiring, leaving the reader with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and beauty of this extraordinary nation. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of India, its people, its culture, its position on the global stage and its potential to shape the future.
March 19, 2023
Highway To Swades is the story of 51 day long and over 18k KM long drive taken by Bhairavi ji and her friends across the country during which she met thousands of Indians from every sector of life, took their interviews, shared her experiences and penned all of them down in this beautiful book. It explores twelve of India's potential superpowers observed by author in her road trip.
This book is a treasure. Not just because it's hard to remove eyes from it or it looks cute in pictures and bookshelf. It's because of the experience it holds between the pages. Author has poured her heart out here. She's written in such a beautiful manner that I felt as if I had joined them too in the journey. A Bharat Darshan through pages.From Hemis National Park of Ladakh to Hampi in Karnataka, from Dholavira Harappan Site in Gujarat, Indore city of Madhya Pradesh to Mawphlang village of Meghalaya and Majuli river island of Assam it covers entire length and breadth of the country.
The book is bulky. Yes. But before counting it out as a negative aspect it should be considered that the book covers the entire country of India, which has a lot of diversities like cultural, traditional linguistic and geographical etc. No doubt we've differences but we've similarities too, the feeling of being an Indian connects all of us and keeps us together. There's some information and data also given wherever necessary but it doesn't feel overwhelming or slowing down the pace of the book showing how well author has managed everything.
Another aspect i liked is that author also hold a mirror to herself and showed how she experienced these superpowers in her own life. Not just this, she asks some uncomfortable but necessary questions to us like (these are from my favourite chapter 𝐏𝐎𝗪𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄) 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦? 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 (𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?). It ultimately lies on us to recognise and utilise them in their full potential. Thank You so much Bhairavi Jani for teaching this wonderful lesson.
Highway To Swades is an unforgettable experience, a journey worth embarking upon. I wholeheartedly RECOMMEND it.
This book is a treasure. Not just because it's hard to remove eyes from it or it looks cute in pictures and bookshelf. It's because of the experience it holds between the pages. Author has poured her heart out here. She's written in such a beautiful manner that I felt as if I had joined them too in the journey. A Bharat Darshan through pages.From Hemis National Park of Ladakh to Hampi in Karnataka, from Dholavira Harappan Site in Gujarat, Indore city of Madhya Pradesh to Mawphlang village of Meghalaya and Majuli river island of Assam it covers entire length and breadth of the country.
The book is bulky. Yes. But before counting it out as a negative aspect it should be considered that the book covers the entire country of India, which has a lot of diversities like cultural, traditional linguistic and geographical etc. No doubt we've differences but we've similarities too, the feeling of being an Indian connects all of us and keeps us together. There's some information and data also given wherever necessary but it doesn't feel overwhelming or slowing down the pace of the book showing how well author has managed everything.
Another aspect i liked is that author also hold a mirror to herself and showed how she experienced these superpowers in her own life. Not just this, she asks some uncomfortable but necessary questions to us like (these are from my favourite chapter 𝐏𝐎𝗪𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄) 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦? 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 (𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?). It ultimately lies on us to recognise and utilise them in their full potential. Thank You so much Bhairavi Jani for teaching this wonderful lesson.
Highway To Swades is an unforgettable experience, a journey worth embarking upon. I wholeheartedly RECOMMEND it.
December 20, 2022
"I don't have the exact answer but I feel India is too complex, too vast and to a large extent misunderstood by her own. It is hard to ask people to contribute to something in a sustained manner when they don't understand it too well."
In this book, Bhairavi identifies 12 hidden superpowers of India that can help the country prosper further. Her book is well-researched, and she has personally traveled around the country to make this book enlightening and knowledgeable for everyone. Via this book, you can explore and learn more about India from perspectives you had not thought of earlier.
The book started as a quest, a voyage, and an exciting road trip into India's most remote regions. Finding the commonality among Indians was the initial goal of the investigation. It started as a journey to comprehend the nation and develop a stronger bond with it. The book takes readers on an unusual journey across the country, where we discover a new dimension of India and grow in admiration for our country and its people. It is filled with vivid tales, personal experiences, and stories of individuals from all parts of India.
The 12 hidden superpowers of India that Bhairavi identified are:
Power of Enterprise
Power of Nature
Power of Heritage
Power of Creativity
Power of Knowledge
Power of food
Power of Beauty
Power of Wellness
Power of Assimilation
Power of Inclusion
Power of Individual
Power of Community
I personally felt a connection to the power of Enterprise, Nature, Creativity, and Food. As I continued to read the book, I felt like I was a part of their journey. There are so many amazing people in our country that we don't know about, and so many initiatives are doing fabulous work to help the growth right from the grassroots level of the country. Bharavi has offered enough solutions to the country's current situation, and we can choose to work on it. Towards the end of the book, I was left with this feeling of pride and inspiration for our county; and I highly recommend you all to read this book. Kudos to Bhairavi Jani for coming up with such a fantastic read!
Now the ball is in your court, how are you going bring the change that you want to see in the country?
In this book, Bhairavi identifies 12 hidden superpowers of India that can help the country prosper further. Her book is well-researched, and she has personally traveled around the country to make this book enlightening and knowledgeable for everyone. Via this book, you can explore and learn more about India from perspectives you had not thought of earlier.
The book started as a quest, a voyage, and an exciting road trip into India's most remote regions. Finding the commonality among Indians was the initial goal of the investigation. It started as a journey to comprehend the nation and develop a stronger bond with it. The book takes readers on an unusual journey across the country, where we discover a new dimension of India and grow in admiration for our country and its people. It is filled with vivid tales, personal experiences, and stories of individuals from all parts of India.
The 12 hidden superpowers of India that Bhairavi identified are:
Power of Enterprise
Power of Nature
Power of Heritage
Power of Creativity
Power of Knowledge
Power of food
Power of Beauty
Power of Wellness
Power of Assimilation
Power of Inclusion
Power of Individual
Power of Community
I personally felt a connection to the power of Enterprise, Nature, Creativity, and Food. As I continued to read the book, I felt like I was a part of their journey. There are so many amazing people in our country that we don't know about, and so many initiatives are doing fabulous work to help the growth right from the grassroots level of the country. Bharavi has offered enough solutions to the country's current situation, and we can choose to work on it. Towards the end of the book, I was left with this feeling of pride and inspiration for our county; and I highly recommend you all to read this book. Kudos to Bhairavi Jani for coming up with such a fantastic read!
Now the ball is in your court, how are you going bring the change that you want to see in the country?
March 21, 2023
"Highway to Swades" by Bhairavi Jani is written based on her tour with her three friends in a car through the every part of India, from the remote districts of Nagaland to the villages of the Rann of Kutch, from kashmir Valley to the interiors of India's deccan, she explored all this place, just to found out one answer that one thread that weave the people of the world's largest demo eracy together. What is the secret behind our unity?
India is a country of various cultures, various religion, various lifestyle, various dreams. Despite all those things, the Indians are united and also individually free about their own culture at the same time. This book captures stories, facts, information about different places in India. She wrote all this things through her experience after interacting with a lot of individual which gave her the raw material for her book. The book in divided 12 chapters. Bhairavi Jani talked about the power of Nature, Heritage, food, beauty, individuals, creativity etc. From all of this chapters I liked, the most are power of food and power of beauty. In the chapter of "power of food" she shared the concept of "Thali" that is unique India and the practice of annadan in various temples, Gurudwaras, dargahs In India, which depicts the power of food, food can unite people irrespective of religion. In the chapter of "power of beauty", Bhairavi Jani shared about her experience during her tour to Ajanta, her experience in Kalasadan Mumbai ete.
Personal insight :-
I am not a lover of non-fiction books but this book made me fall in love with it. This book shared out the reasons for us to feel proud as an Indian. The writing style is good which emphasizes the reader's understanding. The book showed many different points of view about our Indian culture and society and also gave the solution for innovation. It lights a fire in the heart with its inspiring tales and motivates us to step out into the wild unknown world and do something for ourselves and our country. The author crafted all the chapters meticulously. First, she gives a little introduction about the topic and then the brief description. Overall
Highly recommended for all types of readers.
India is a country of various cultures, various religion, various lifestyle, various dreams. Despite all those things, the Indians are united and also individually free about their own culture at the same time. This book captures stories, facts, information about different places in India. She wrote all this things through her experience after interacting with a lot of individual which gave her the raw material for her book. The book in divided 12 chapters. Bhairavi Jani talked about the power of Nature, Heritage, food, beauty, individuals, creativity etc. From all of this chapters I liked, the most are power of food and power of beauty. In the chapter of "power of food" she shared the concept of "Thali" that is unique India and the practice of annadan in various temples, Gurudwaras, dargahs In India, which depicts the power of food, food can unite people irrespective of religion. In the chapter of "power of beauty", Bhairavi Jani shared about her experience during her tour to Ajanta, her experience in Kalasadan Mumbai ete.
Personal insight :-
I am not a lover of non-fiction books but this book made me fall in love with it. This book shared out the reasons for us to feel proud as an Indian. The writing style is good which emphasizes the reader's understanding. The book showed many different points of view about our Indian culture and society and also gave the solution for innovation. It lights a fire in the heart with its inspiring tales and motivates us to step out into the wild unknown world and do something for ourselves and our country. The author crafted all the chapters meticulously. First, she gives a little introduction about the topic and then the brief description. Overall
Highly recommended for all types of readers.
December 29, 2023
We all delve into the world of books to escape reality & enter a new magical world but seldom comes a book that takes you on a journey to real locations & unravels some interesting & unheard aspects about something personal, in this case, our country, Bharat.
‘Highway to Swades’ provides you with a narrative that will not only tell you delightful tales about the country but will also make you feel proud. What exactly binds us together as Indians? What does it mean to be an Indian in the present century? These are some of the questions that Bhairavi tries to answer through her experience. Penned with a lot of love & passion, this 350+ pages of enthralling adventure covers the encounters & experiences the author & three of her friends had when they drove around & covered a journey of 18,181 km. A lot of dedication, commitment & labour went into this project & the quality of narration & the unheard stories bear a testament to that. The author tells you real-life tales highlighting the virtues of wellness, creativity, enterprise, nature, knowledge, food, inclusion, assimilation, individuality & community. The book touches upon globalisation, the penetration of Government schemes & tells you about interesting things ranging from which family brought momos to Sikkim, to stories about entrepreneurship happening at the grassroots level. The book explores the soul of this great nation & feels like a breath of fresh air.
The exposition nature & the detailed stories might appear stretched at a few places but they exist for a reason & on multiple readings, add depth to the powerful narrative
The thing that I dislike the most about non-fictional books is that they focus a lot on exposition & spend a lot of time in narration. Bhairavi deviates from that methodology & instead concludes the book with a solid Call to Action thereby highlighting her action plans & vision. This ties up the journey well, making the reader feel as if they have reached the destination and it is time to bid farewell. Highly recommended for the novelty associated with the way the book is written & for the heartfelt stories & narrations.
‘Highway to Swades’ provides you with a narrative that will not only tell you delightful tales about the country but will also make you feel proud. What exactly binds us together as Indians? What does it mean to be an Indian in the present century? These are some of the questions that Bhairavi tries to answer through her experience. Penned with a lot of love & passion, this 350+ pages of enthralling adventure covers the encounters & experiences the author & three of her friends had when they drove around & covered a journey of 18,181 km. A lot of dedication, commitment & labour went into this project & the quality of narration & the unheard stories bear a testament to that. The author tells you real-life tales highlighting the virtues of wellness, creativity, enterprise, nature, knowledge, food, inclusion, assimilation, individuality & community. The book touches upon globalisation, the penetration of Government schemes & tells you about interesting things ranging from which family brought momos to Sikkim, to stories about entrepreneurship happening at the grassroots level. The book explores the soul of this great nation & feels like a breath of fresh air.
The exposition nature & the detailed stories might appear stretched at a few places but they exist for a reason & on multiple readings, add depth to the powerful narrative
The thing that I dislike the most about non-fictional books is that they focus a lot on exposition & spend a lot of time in narration. Bhairavi deviates from that methodology & instead concludes the book with a solid Call to Action thereby highlighting her action plans & vision. This ties up the journey well, making the reader feel as if they have reached the destination and it is time to bid farewell. Highly recommended for the novelty associated with the way the book is written & for the heartfelt stories & narrations.
January 2, 2024
Dr. Bhairavi Jani along with her two friends has traveled all across the country by road to unleash the potential and power of India and Indians. She cracked the 12 superpowers that the country possesses. Such as the power of wellness Power ofenterprise of beauty, the Power of heritage, andpower off nowledge, etc. She met people from different sects and strata to conclude what the country lacks and what strengths need to be enhanced. She wrote not only the current scenario but also about the relevance of rich history and civilization which was easy to lead a harmonious and peaceful existence despite diversity. So this book can help to give people a new perspective which was lost with time. Our culture was so tolerant. She has also touched on a few specific aspects of the traditions, and rituals how it is pertinent, and the thought process that goes behind them.
The purpose of the book is to give a new direction to the people of the country, showing them their strengths and helping them work towards their weaknesses. It is very difficult for a layman to understand the essence of the culture and the varieties of resources and talents that are present in this country but the author has successfully covered all these aspects in simple and easy language. All the topics are covered with real-life examples.
A must-read for the youth of India to give them guidance for a better future and this book should also be read by parents as that will help them to understand the youth better so that they can support them to try new things.
This book will pave the path for the younger generation to a better and more secure future. This book can be a great medium for the growth of the country. Indeed a great book.
I was quite amazed to see the extensive research and study that goes behind writing this book.
Grab this book if you are a young Indian, it will shape your career and fire your passion, grab this book if you are a parent as it will help you to understand your children's careers better. Grab this book if you are a foreigner as you get to know a rich country with a richer heritage and civilization.
The purpose of the book is to give a new direction to the people of the country, showing them their strengths and helping them work towards their weaknesses. It is very difficult for a layman to understand the essence of the culture and the varieties of resources and talents that are present in this country but the author has successfully covered all these aspects in simple and easy language. All the topics are covered with real-life examples.
A must-read for the youth of India to give them guidance for a better future and this book should also be read by parents as that will help them to understand the youth better so that they can support them to try new things.
This book will pave the path for the younger generation to a better and more secure future. This book can be a great medium for the growth of the country. Indeed a great book.
I was quite amazed to see the extensive research and study that goes behind writing this book.
Grab this book if you are a young Indian, it will shape your career and fire your passion, grab this book if you are a parent as it will help you to understand your children's careers better. Grab this book if you are a foreigner as you get to know a rich country with a richer heritage and civilization.
![Profile Image for Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1716366774i%2F12703387._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 13, 2022
Book #137 of 2022
In this book, the author has captured the magnificence of this country, traveling across the length and breadth of this vast land and interviewing hundreds of people from diverse groups all the while learning the simple facts about Indians.
She not only talks about the rich and cultural heritage of this beautiful land but also the political scenarios as well the history and the geographical background of each of the regions she has visited.
Reading about the places she visited with her friends and also the insights provided by the people she met during her travels was very interesting.
From the author’s observation, it is evident that India’s youth have enormous talent and are being under-utilized or not taken full advantage of. If these talents are harvested India will surely reach greater heights.
The tiles start with ‘The power of….’ Followed by the topic. I was interested in reading about the power of food, where topics like – Reimagining the Food system where she mentioned that our people are welcoming back the age-old eating habits and popularizing the concept of eating fresh and local foods. Reading through ‘Annapurna’s hungry’ points out the problems in our food distribution system and how it affects the nutrition of the whole country. Aman’s thoughts on agriculture and ‘Gau’ were insightful. One thing that made me smile was the availably of cow dung cake online which is especially to cater to the Tier 1 cities that have less livestock.
This is just a hint of what the book talks about!
In all, this book is a wonderful amalgamation of a travelogue, and inspirational stories about diverse people across the globe, focussing on our rich assets in all aspects and ways to rectify the problem in the different areas we are facing.
Hopefully, the Yi’s throughout this country take note of all the things mentioned in her book and lead this nation into an era that will amplify its glory in multitudes.
Last but not least, the vibrant colors of the cover add to the appeal of this book.
A 5/5 stared engaging and insightful read.
In this book, the author has captured the magnificence of this country, traveling across the length and breadth of this vast land and interviewing hundreds of people from diverse groups all the while learning the simple facts about Indians.
She not only talks about the rich and cultural heritage of this beautiful land but also the political scenarios as well the history and the geographical background of each of the regions she has visited.
Reading about the places she visited with her friends and also the insights provided by the people she met during her travels was very interesting.
From the author’s observation, it is evident that India’s youth have enormous talent and are being under-utilized or not taken full advantage of. If these talents are harvested India will surely reach greater heights.
The tiles start with ‘The power of….’ Followed by the topic. I was interested in reading about the power of food, where topics like – Reimagining the Food system where she mentioned that our people are welcoming back the age-old eating habits and popularizing the concept of eating fresh and local foods. Reading through ‘Annapurna’s hungry’ points out the problems in our food distribution system and how it affects the nutrition of the whole country. Aman’s thoughts on agriculture and ‘Gau’ were insightful. One thing that made me smile was the availably of cow dung cake online which is especially to cater to the Tier 1 cities that have less livestock.
This is just a hint of what the book talks about!
In all, this book is a wonderful amalgamation of a travelogue, and inspirational stories about diverse people across the globe, focussing on our rich assets in all aspects and ways to rectify the problem in the different areas we are facing.
Hopefully, the Yi’s throughout this country take note of all the things mentioned in her book and lead this nation into an era that will amplify its glory in multitudes.
Last but not least, the vibrant colors of the cover add to the appeal of this book.
A 5/5 stared engaging and insightful read.
December 19, 2022
Highway to Swades; how fascinating the title is. I don't know what thoughts or how much time did it take for Bhairavi Jani to frame this title it's a great outcome.
Now let's talk about how I couldn't let the book go and would never. India is a country rich in culture, traditions, and food and most importantly India in itself is a combination of all.
The author with three of her friends decides to drive kilometres across India from the outskirts of Nagaland to the core of Kashmir. Her search remains to how people weave themselves together while still being apart for miles. It's their culture, customs, beliefs, works, food and so on which keep them grounded. She bonded her journey into cursive typing which basically includes your and mine like general people questions regarding our nation.
She found and classified 12 such powers through her quest of exploring and rediscovering India from this generation. She distinctly chalks out those maps of powers gracefully and treasures them for the upcoming generations to witness and bring to action.
The first power states how street vendors of the mere villages are united with corporate tech-savvies of IT capital Bangalore. The second power is about Nature which embraces the scorching heat of lonely deserts to the first blink of rain, the empty roads filled with nature in Ladakh, and the wildlife. The next power describes the authenticity of our Country’s food which definitely would cross boundaries. The core foundation of such recipes, Ahh! I had the best read from this chapter. Creativity is the in build power which crafts a Nation and its future.
This book is a non-fiction read, a compilation of such amazing experiences and teachings, stories of people from ages- their failures, success and so on. The empty/filled streets, the houses-people living in it, the gardens of nature and so on craft us. Simple good built handwriting made it more presentable without a single error to be found.
Couldn't make it short, cause a lot had to write basically type... Excused!
Now let's talk about how I couldn't let the book go and would never. India is a country rich in culture, traditions, and food and most importantly India in itself is a combination of all.
The author with three of her friends decides to drive kilometres across India from the outskirts of Nagaland to the core of Kashmir. Her search remains to how people weave themselves together while still being apart for miles. It's their culture, customs, beliefs, works, food and so on which keep them grounded. She bonded her journey into cursive typing which basically includes your and mine like general people questions regarding our nation.
She found and classified 12 such powers through her quest of exploring and rediscovering India from this generation. She distinctly chalks out those maps of powers gracefully and treasures them for the upcoming generations to witness and bring to action.
The first power states how street vendors of the mere villages are united with corporate tech-savvies of IT capital Bangalore. The second power is about Nature which embraces the scorching heat of lonely deserts to the first blink of rain, the empty roads filled with nature in Ladakh, and the wildlife. The next power describes the authenticity of our Country’s food which definitely would cross boundaries. The core foundation of such recipes, Ahh! I had the best read from this chapter. Creativity is the in build power which crafts a Nation and its future.
This book is a non-fiction read, a compilation of such amazing experiences and teachings, stories of people from ages- their failures, success and so on. The empty/filled streets, the houses-people living in it, the gardens of nature and so on craft us. Simple good built handwriting made it more presentable without a single error to be found.
Couldn't make it short, cause a lot had to write basically type... Excused!
March 18, 2023
One thing I must say is that this book is meant to create an impact! The title Highway To Swades is perfect for the content in the book. I must say if you are an Indian or want to know about the cultures of India, then this is a must-read for you .
💫Book -Highway to Swades
💫Author - @bhairavijani
💫Publisher - @harpercollinsin
💫Genre - Non-fiction(Travelogue)
💫Pages - 432
💫Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨ SUMMARY
💫This book cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity in a spectacular way . The author, Bhairavi Jain, along with her three friends, decided to travel and drove 18k km from Nagaland to Rann of Kutch to Kashmir. The experiences and journey made her write this amazing book.She did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity .The author talked about the necessities needed for India to emerge for the betterment of the nation and how Yi could drive the country's development journey which involves the youth to contribute their time and energy to the cause of the nation.e, very engaging and fascinating.
💫The author has done a commendable job in describing India's superpowers which can be found in each and every Individual, in every single Indian.
The hardcover is so eye catching and reflects the book's theme. I would highly recommend this to every reader, fiction or non fiction.The writing style of the author is brilliant. She takes us on a journey through India and makes it come alive for us.The narration and the story are so compelling that there is seriously no way that a reader can refrain from continuing reading.
The narration is breezy and the language is very easy to comprehend.
💫The book compiles above mentioned Powers and a call to action towards them, in order to work on social development.
I would highly recommend this book to every reader as it is very informative and most importantly a page turner. Do grab a copy of this book . Happy reading ❤️.
💫Book -Highway to Swades
💫Author - @bhairavijani
💫Publisher - @harpercollinsin
💫Genre - Non-fiction(Travelogue)
💫Pages - 432
💫Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨ SUMMARY
💫This book cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity in a spectacular way . The author, Bhairavi Jain, along with her three friends, decided to travel and drove 18k km from Nagaland to Rann of Kutch to Kashmir. The experiences and journey made her write this amazing book.She did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity .The author talked about the necessities needed for India to emerge for the betterment of the nation and how Yi could drive the country's development journey which involves the youth to contribute their time and energy to the cause of the nation.e, very engaging and fascinating.
💫The author has done a commendable job in describing India's superpowers which can be found in each and every Individual, in every single Indian.
The hardcover is so eye catching and reflects the book's theme. I would highly recommend this to every reader, fiction or non fiction.The writing style of the author is brilliant. She takes us on a journey through India and makes it come alive for us.The narration and the story are so compelling that there is seriously no way that a reader can refrain from continuing reading.
The narration is breezy and the language is very easy to comprehend.
💫The book compiles above mentioned Powers and a call to action towards them, in order to work on social development.
I would highly recommend this book to every reader as it is very informative and most importantly a page turner. Do grab a copy of this book . Happy reading ❤️.
November 20, 2023
"Highway to Swades" by Bhairavi Jani unfolds a captivating exploration of India's rich diversity, delving into the essence of being Indian in the twenty-first century. Author's extensive journey across the nation, spanning over 18,000 km, serves as a backdrop for unraveling the connections that bind the people of this vast country.
The book intricately examines twelve inherent civilizational powers that Author believes unite all Indians. From the 'Power of Enterprise' linking street vendors to tech entrepreneurs, to the 'Power of Nature' revealing bonds across diverse communities, and the 'Power of Creativity' showcasing India's potential in building a thriving creative economy through technology and AI, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
"Highway to Swades" effectively blends data, travel anecdotes, and real-life stories, seamlessly intertwining India's past, present, and future. The narrative immerses readers in the lived experiences of people encountered on this extraordinary journey, offering a nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic, and creative dynamics shaping India.
The book adeptly captures the complexity of India's diversity, showcasing how a few hours of travel can bring about profound shifts in cultures. Jani's storytelling prowess documents the beauty, resilience, and creativity characterizing different corners of the country. It transcends the typical travelogue, emerging as a celebration of the collective strength and potential of the Indian people.
All-in-all, "Highway to Swades" transcends being a mere travel memoir, standing as a testament to the unity in diversity defining India. Bhairavi Jani's narrative inspires introspection about shared civilizational powers that bind Indians, offering a vision for the future. The book serves as a compelling reminder of the richness embedded in the Indian landscape and its people, urging readers to appreciate and celebrate the incredible diversity that makes India truly unique.
The book intricately examines twelve inherent civilizational powers that Author believes unite all Indians. From the 'Power of Enterprise' linking street vendors to tech entrepreneurs, to the 'Power of Nature' revealing bonds across diverse communities, and the 'Power of Creativity' showcasing India's potential in building a thriving creative economy through technology and AI, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
"Highway to Swades" effectively blends data, travel anecdotes, and real-life stories, seamlessly intertwining India's past, present, and future. The narrative immerses readers in the lived experiences of people encountered on this extraordinary journey, offering a nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic, and creative dynamics shaping India.
The book adeptly captures the complexity of India's diversity, showcasing how a few hours of travel can bring about profound shifts in cultures. Jani's storytelling prowess documents the beauty, resilience, and creativity characterizing different corners of the country. It transcends the typical travelogue, emerging as a celebration of the collective strength and potential of the Indian people.
All-in-all, "Highway to Swades" transcends being a mere travel memoir, standing as a testament to the unity in diversity defining India. Bhairavi Jani's narrative inspires introspection about shared civilizational powers that bind Indians, offering a vision for the future. The book serves as a compelling reminder of the richness embedded in the Indian landscape and its people, urging readers to appreciate and celebrate the incredible diversity that makes India truly unique.
December 18, 2023
India is diverse and overwhelmingly complex to understand. However, a unifying element exists among the diverse population of this land, linking them together as Indians despite their differences. Moreover, there undeniably exists a force connecting our history, current times, and the future, weaving them together into an inseparable and enduring connection.
In her distinctive endeavor titled “Highway to Swades,” author Bhairavi Jani embarks on a voyage to unearth the revolutionary strengths of India. This exploration aims to harness these powers creatively, paving the way for a remarkable future for our nation.
The book originates from an expedition—an explorative and adventurous excursion across the farthest reaches of India. It initiated as a pursuit to uncover the element that unites all Indians, evolving into an expedition aimed at comprehending the nation more profoundly, forging an even stronger bond with it. Through “Highway to Swades,” readers are invited to embark on a similar journey—to discover, fathom, and establish an unparalleled connection with the country beyond their wildest imagination.
The book is filled with lively narratives, anecdotes, and stories around India. It embarks readers on an expedition throughout the nation to open the eyes and instill a profound appreciation for our unity in diversity. Moreover, the book doesn’t solely highlight the aspects that evoke pride in our Indian identity; it also directs our focus towards areas holding immense potential for change. It leaves an indelible mark for contemplation, lingering in our thoughts.
This book uncovers 12 abilities inherent in every individual, collectively termed as hidden superpowers, which when activated, can be instrumental in shaping a promising future. The ‘powers’ that resonated with me the most were, ‘Power of nature”, “Power of heritage”, “Power of creativity” and “Power of knowledge”.
The author intricately developed each chapter. Beginning with a brief overview and historical context of the subject matter, the book delves into profound insights. It raises pertinent questions that might have crossed our minds but were disregarded, concluding by emphasizing our duties and encouraging readers to initiate action.
The book adopts a conversational and approachable tone, making it easily understandable to a wide range of readers. The author’s writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring smooth comprehension. Organizing the content into chapters, each dedicated to exploring a specific aspect, stands out as a brilliant concept on its own.
In her distinctive endeavor titled “Highway to Swades,” author Bhairavi Jani embarks on a voyage to unearth the revolutionary strengths of India. This exploration aims to harness these powers creatively, paving the way for a remarkable future for our nation.
The book originates from an expedition—an explorative and adventurous excursion across the farthest reaches of India. It initiated as a pursuit to uncover the element that unites all Indians, evolving into an expedition aimed at comprehending the nation more profoundly, forging an even stronger bond with it. Through “Highway to Swades,” readers are invited to embark on a similar journey—to discover, fathom, and establish an unparalleled connection with the country beyond their wildest imagination.
The book is filled with lively narratives, anecdotes, and stories around India. It embarks readers on an expedition throughout the nation to open the eyes and instill a profound appreciation for our unity in diversity. Moreover, the book doesn’t solely highlight the aspects that evoke pride in our Indian identity; it also directs our focus towards areas holding immense potential for change. It leaves an indelible mark for contemplation, lingering in our thoughts.
This book uncovers 12 abilities inherent in every individual, collectively termed as hidden superpowers, which when activated, can be instrumental in shaping a promising future. The ‘powers’ that resonated with me the most were, ‘Power of nature”, “Power of heritage”, “Power of creativity” and “Power of knowledge”.
The author intricately developed each chapter. Beginning with a brief overview and historical context of the subject matter, the book delves into profound insights. It raises pertinent questions that might have crossed our minds but were disregarded, concluding by emphasizing our duties and encouraging readers to initiate action.
The book adopts a conversational and approachable tone, making it easily understandable to a wide range of readers. The author’s writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring smooth comprehension. Organizing the content into chapters, each dedicated to exploring a specific aspect, stands out as a brilliant concept on its own.
December 23, 2022
Highway to Swades is about Bhairavi Jain, along with her three friends, decided to travel and drove 18k km from Nagaland to Rann of Kutch to Kashmir.
I am happy to read a book that cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity & definitely author did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity.
Overall, reading this book felt like watching an incredible documentary on Netflix, My favourite chapter from this book turns out to be the power of food (also because I belong from this field so it resembles and is relatable to me) While reading this chapter I learnt so much about Thali, I did not know Thali is meant to balance the 6 taste and feed us nutrients in the appropriate amount. There were so many things that were new to me and I am pretty sure if you pick this book up you will learn something new.
Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Some books are prime examples of not only beautiful covers, but also great books on the inside out.
Highway to Swadesh is a nonfiction book, In 2014 author, Bhairavi Jain, along with her three friends, decided to travel and drove 18k km from Nagaland to Rann of Kutch to Kashmir.
I am happy to read a book that cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity & definitely author did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity.
Overall, reading this book felt like watching an incredible documentary on Netflix, My favourite chapter from this book turns out to be the power of food (also because I belong from this field so it resembles and is relatable to me) While reading this chapter I learnt so much about Thali, I did not know Thali is meant to balance the 6 taste and feed us nutrients in the appropriate amount. There were so many things that were new to me and I am pretty sure if you pick this book up you will learn something new.
Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Some books are prime examples of not only beautiful covers, but also great books on the inside out.
I am happy to read a book that cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity & definitely author did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity.
Overall, reading this book felt like watching an incredible documentary on Netflix, My favourite chapter from this book turns out to be the power of food (also because I belong from this field so it resembles and is relatable to me) While reading this chapter I learnt so much about Thali, I did not know Thali is meant to balance the 6 taste and feed us nutrients in the appropriate amount. There were so many things that were new to me and I am pretty sure if you pick this book up you will learn something new.
Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Some books are prime examples of not only beautiful covers, but also great books on the inside out.
Highway to Swadesh is a nonfiction book, In 2014 author, Bhairavi Jain, along with her three friends, decided to travel and drove 18k km from Nagaland to Rann of Kutch to Kashmir.
I am happy to read a book that cherishes Indian heritage, culture and diversity & definitely author did a very fine job and penned this book down very beautifully covering major aspects like democracy, food, tradition, and cultural diversity.
Overall, reading this book felt like watching an incredible documentary on Netflix, My favourite chapter from this book turns out to be the power of food (also because I belong from this field so it resembles and is relatable to me) While reading this chapter I learnt so much about Thali, I did not know Thali is meant to balance the 6 taste and feed us nutrients in the appropriate amount. There were so many things that were new to me and I am pretty sure if you pick this book up you will learn something new.
Overall I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Some books are prime examples of not only beautiful covers, but also great books on the inside out.
March 8, 2023
The question in Bhairavi's mind has become increasingly complex as India undergoes rapid economic, social, and cultural changes. Bhairavi Jani, an Indian author, entrepreneur, and social activist, embarked on a journey to explore this question in her book, 'Highway to Swades'. Through her travels across the country, she identified twelve inherent civilizational powers that bind all Indians together.
One of the superpowers that Jani identified is the 'Power of Enterprise' through which she identified the shared qualities of resilience, hard work, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which are crucial for success in any field. Jani also recognized the importance of recognizing and supporting the small businesses that form the backbone of India's economy.
Jani also delved into the 'Power of Nature', which she discovered in the unlikely bonds that bind the Changpa people of the cold desert wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, the Khasis of Meghalaya, and an Oxford-returned young woman in Kumaon. Through her travels, she recognized the importance of preserving India's natural heritage and the vital role that indigenous communities play in maintaining the balance between humans and nature.
In addition, Jani explored the 'Power of Creativity', which she believes can help India build a thriving creative economy using new-age tech and AI. She shared inspiring stories of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who are using their creative skills to transform industries and drive innovation in the country. Through her writing, she seamlessly weaves together India's past, present, and future, showcasing the country's diversity, complexity, and potential. To be an Indian in the twenty-first century, according to Jani, means recognizing and tapping into the inherent civilizational powers that bind all Indians together, and using them to create a brighter future for the nation and its people. It was a really interesting read about India. Loved it.
One of the superpowers that Jani identified is the 'Power of Enterprise' through which she identified the shared qualities of resilience, hard work, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which are crucial for success in any field. Jani also recognized the importance of recognizing and supporting the small businesses that form the backbone of India's economy.
Jani also delved into the 'Power of Nature', which she discovered in the unlikely bonds that bind the Changpa people of the cold desert wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, the Khasis of Meghalaya, and an Oxford-returned young woman in Kumaon. Through her travels, she recognized the importance of preserving India's natural heritage and the vital role that indigenous communities play in maintaining the balance between humans and nature.
In addition, Jani explored the 'Power of Creativity', which she believes can help India build a thriving creative economy using new-age tech and AI. She shared inspiring stories of artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who are using their creative skills to transform industries and drive innovation in the country. Through her writing, she seamlessly weaves together India's past, present, and future, showcasing the country's diversity, complexity, and potential. To be an Indian in the twenty-first century, according to Jani, means recognizing and tapping into the inherent civilizational powers that bind all Indians together, and using them to create a brighter future for the nation and its people. It was a really interesting read about India. Loved it.
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