Book Release

Completing Vyasa’s Mahabharata: 67 Upakathas for the Modern Reader ā€“ Abhinav Agarwal, PGP 2005

About the Book

Embedded within the primary narrative of the Mahabharata lie numerous sub-tales known as upakhyaanas or upakathas. These lesser-known stories play a vital role in completing the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata, thus giving this book its apt title. Unlike verse translations found in unabridged versions, the 67 upakathas presented here serve a different purpose. While they may appear as diversions, these narratives serve as vital threads, connecting the text and offering answers to lingering questions that readers may have. For instance, why did Ambaa, the princess of Kaashi, become the catalyst for Bheeshmas demise in a later life? The Ambaa upakhyaana holds the answers.

Similarly, the stories of Sage Parashuraama reveal why a brahmana like him possessed warrior-like qualities. Two upakhyaanas shed light on this enigma. Additionally, the Yayaati upakhyaana elucidates the reasons behind the Kurus descending from Puru, Yayaatis youngest son, rather than the eldest. Moreover, the intriguing dialogue between Duryodhana and Shalya, where Duryodhana persuades Shalya to become Karnas charioteer, is also explored in these Upakathas.

About the Author

Abhinav Agarwal lives in Bangalore with his wife and two children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Mumbai University and is a gold medallist from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He is the author of a fiction thriller, Predators and Prey. Completing the Vyasa Mahabharata is his second book.

Book now available onĀ Amazon.


Sunama-Sarit: Ten Thousand Sanskrit Names ā€“ Nityanand Misra, PGP 2007

About the Book

The ocean of Sanskrit names is unfathomable. Hundreds of thousands of Sanskrit names are attested in Sanātana, Bauddha and Jaina texts. Sunāma-Sarit (ā€œthe river of good namesā€) is an authentic collection of 10,000 short (one-, two-, or three-syllable) Sanskrit names chosen from the authorā€™s curated collection of more than 200,000 names from around 150 Sanskrit texts. In an age where the Internet is full of misinformation on Sanskrit names, this book is a ready reference for parents or entrepreneurs seeking a short Sanskrit name for their child or business. The book has 5,000 masculine names and 5,000 feminine names, with an equal number of masculine and feminine names beginning with each Sanskrit letter. There are more than 20,000 citations from various Sanskrit texts like Vedic texts, Rāmāyaį¹‡a, Mahābhārata, Purāį¹‡as, Nāmastotras and many more (including Bauddha and Jaina texts) for the names. About the author: Nityānanda Miśra, an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, is an investment banker, author of ten books, and an onomastician based in Mumbai. He has offered more than 1,200 consultations on Sanskrit names to parents and entrepreneurs over four years. This is his second book on Sanskrit names; the first being ā€˜Sunāma: Beautiful Sanskrit Namesā€™ (2020).

About the Author

Nityanand Misra, based in Mumbai, is a multifaceted individual with a strong foundation in finance, editorial work, and authorship. As an esteemed alumnus of IIM Bangalore, he actively contributes to the investment banking sector. Beyond his financial expertise, Nityanand’s passion for literature, arts, and music shines through his diverse pursuits. His insightful writings delve into Indian literature, arts, and music, reflecting a deep appreciation and understanding of these subjects. Notably, he has authored eleven books, showcasing his commitment to the written word and his ability to craft captivating narratives across various genres. Nityanand Misra’s profile harmoniously blends financial acumen, creative expression, and literary accomplishment, epitomizing a well-rounded individual who seamlessly connects finance, literature, and the arts.

Book now available onĀ Amazon.