Woman has many parts to play. She is a life-partner of her husband (ardhangini), an affectionate mother, a sister and a member of society. No religious performance is considered perfect in the absence of wife (better-half). Rather women are preferred to man. In our shastras and Indian literature woman's name is prefixed to man (Sita-Ram, Gauri-Shankar, Radhey-Shyam). Woman has also been reward. Only with the fall of human values and as a result of foreign invaders, has Indian woman been relegated to the background. Medieval times in Indian history have witnessed moral degradation. Still women seers like Madalsa, Gargi and Maitraiyee will continue to enjoy a uniques place in the field of philosophy. In the field of administration and social service even women have made mark. Here is a biographical sketch of Indian women who have left an indelible mark on the sands of time. Anne Besant, a more Indian than an Indian himself, had struggled all her life to imbibe among Indians a true spirit of patriotism and Indian culture. Sarojini Naidu with a burning zeal for bringing about Hindu-Muslim unity contributed much during her life-time. In her official capacity and as a patriotic poetess her sacrifice is unique. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit and Indira Gandhi have brought credit to Nehru family by serving the nation during freedom struggle and in the post-independence period of Indian history. Mother Teressa, a foreign missionary, a recipient of various prestigious awards is still working untiringly to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ. She is infact, mercy incarnate. This brief biographical sketch of five eminent women is a glimpse of anew-prominent facets of their personality. In these troubles times students and general readers can learn from this book to live harmoniously and can rise above communalism, and narrow mindedness.

Painstakingly spun over the years, these stories, including folk-tales and historical tales, are bound to exercise a charm over people of all ages, even as the beautiful locate of Kashmir does. Bringing an assorted collection together in this prestigious volume-Prof. Somnath Dhar calls it his magnum opus-the learned author shares very interesting vignettes of the Valley, including the chequerred annals, with the reader. The historical tales, starting with an apt reverle on the Jhelum, the historic, serpentine river, recall telling episodes of ancient history, culled from Kalhana's Rajatarangini. The follow tales dealing with Mughal and other rulers, right down to Dogra Maharajas. The last tale recounts the exploits of Mujahid Sherwani, the martyr of 'New Kashmir,. The story of "Robin Hood of Kashmir", had appeared in 108 countries, as one of 'The World's Strangest Stories', syndicated by a London daily, in 1957-58. Jammu and Kashmir State has an in exhaustible fund of folk-tales-well glimpsed in the representative tales retold by the author. Their common denominator is an exotic admixture of the miraculous and the familiar, the myth and the reality. The short stories deal with the people, portraying them in diverse moods and situations, and depicting their deep-set superstitions as well as their struggles with wild animals and untamed nature in some her fiercest moods. Altogether, the Tales of Kashmir is guaranteed to entertain the readers, young and old.

This volume attempts to examine the various dimensions of Nepal's Foreign policy both at the global and regional level. The wave of globalization is blowing all over the world and Nepal is no exception to this. As such, Nepal not only has tried to maintain its friendly relations with the neighbours particularly India and China, its effort is also directed towards developing new relations with the United States, Europe and Japan. At regional level, Nepal is trying to play significant role in the SAARC and is trying to consolidate its relations with Pakistan, Sri lanka and Bangladesh. The present volume will certainly prove helpful for the scholars working on South Asia in general and Nepal in particular.

Right from the time immemorial many prophets, saints and thinkers had expressed their views on Man and Spirituality. So much complex had been written that it is difficult to comprehend without specialized knowledge. Scientific thought had come late on the scene but a lot of serious work has already been done in this regards. We are at the moment in need of such works in which all their ideas are not just restated, rather made easily understood so that people acquire a comprehensive view of all important things around. Here is an attempt in this direction. This work would help those who are trying to know about themselves as well as the world around. The book contains no secrets of increasing incomes. It suggests no formulae for augment means for growing rich quickly. It is just an effort that should help the readers to learn a few things for right thinking and correct actions. It would generate a new awareness. Well, these things are not sold in the market. These are to be explored, discovered, tried and improved upon. A good book is a staff to lean on; It is a mother to consult. It helps to be wise. It provides strength. It enlightens and may at time warm. It questions beliefs and opinions and helps to examine what is prohibited. This book would benefit the readers. They would go through unusual details and may even experience new emotions. They must, of course, demonstrate required intelligence, skill, taste, proportion, knowledge, discipline and above all will to understand.