BLOG 1: LESSON LEARNT FROM MY FAVOURITE BOOK

Reading the book Chava was more than just experiencing a story—it was a journey that left a deep impression on my heart and mind. This powerful novel, based on a character from the Maratha Empire, offered valuable life lessons that continue to guide me.

Chava tells the story of Sambhaji, the son of the great Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. Through its pages, I saw the struggles of a brave prince who was often misunderstood, judged harshly, and yet stayed committed to his values and responsibilities. One of the biggest lessons I learned from the book was the importance of resilience. Despite political conspiracies and personal pain, Sambhaji never gave up. He remained firm in his loyalty to his people and his beliefs.

Another key takeaway for me was the power of knowledge and learning. Sambhaji was not only a warrior but also a scholar. He believed in the strength of the pen as much as the sword. This taught me that true strength comes from a balance of intellect and courage.

The book also highlights the importance of standing for what is right, even when the whole world seems against you. Sambhaji’s sacrifice reminded me that sometimes, doing the right thing may cost everything—but it leaves behind a legacy that inspires generations.

Reading Chava has changed the way I look at life. It reminded me to be strong, to learn continuously, and to stand firm in my values. It’s more than just a book—it’s a guide for anyone who wants to live with purpose and courage.

Chaitanya Theurkar

FY BSc CS

JSPM University Pune 

BLOG 2: What alchemy happened with me : Lessons from the Alchemist.

Not every book speaks to your soul, but a person who holds a good book holds the power. The Alchemist is the book which whispered. Whispered like wind across the dunes - soft and unforgettable. Here is what I listened to and learned from the journey of Santiago.

Lesson 1: Follow Your DREAM

“The possibility of having a dream come true makes life interesting”

This line hit me hard. The book constantly reminded me that each of us has a “Dream”—a purpose we’re meant to fulfill. It made me reflect on my goals and realize that the fear of failure was holding me back more than any real obstacle. The author says - "Fear of failure makes the dream impossible to achieve.”

Lesson 2: It's about a journey not the destination

Santiago travels across deserts, faces thieves, works hard, and even falls in love—yet his treasure isn't where he expected. The real growth was in the journey, not the gold. He kept learning throughout the journey. This made me appreciate every step in my own process instead of rushing to the “end goal". I heard,"if you ask God to win the marathon he will send you a pair of shoes not medal". It's because the journey is more worthwhile than the destination.

Lesson 3: Listen to Your Heart

Throughout the book, Santiago learns to quiet the noise and trust his instincts. It’s a reminder to slow down and listen—to that gut feeling, to our inner voice—especially when life gets confusing or overwhelming.

Lesson 4: Treasure is never just a gold

He chased gold. He found wisdom. I am trying the same chasing marks, praise, milestones—only to find money, but the friends and experiences are making me a better person. The Alchemist reminds me: sometimes, the gold is the person you become, not what you find.

Lesson 5: Everything is Connected

The Alchemist touches deeply on the “Soul of the World”—a spiritual thread connecting everything. This reminded me that we’re part of something bigger, and every person, event, or hardship can teach us something if we pay attention. That's the reason we should never give up.

Conclusion:
The Alchemist isn't just a novel it's a map for anyone chasing a dream, fighting self-doubt, or searching for deeper meaning. It made me stop, reflect, and trust the process. If you're feeling stuck or lost, I can’t recommend this book enough. Also the philosophy and quotes by the author are just amazing.

What’s a book that changed the way you see life? Let me know—I’d love to read it.

Sanchita Wagh

DSY B.Tech CSE

JSPM University Pune 

BLOG 3: FOOD FOR THOUGHT: THE VEGETARIAN BY HAN KANG

Being a reader, it is rather difficult to pick a favorite book but the last book I happened to have read, is indeed a great read, and definitely calls for introspection and critical thinking. It is The Vegetarian by Han Kang. The plot deals with a woman named Yeong Hye and her decision to permanently shift to a vegetarian diet and how it eventually leads to a huge change in her life.

Sounds like a simple story but it is not. Kang intelligently has woven the story to highlight the

complexity of human nature and how a woman’s personal choice affects her relationship with her own family.

The greatest takeaway from the book would be its comment on the fleeting nature of human relationships as well as its opposite, the strength of an attachment, and how it is able to bind people together. Yeong Hye’s story is presented from three different voices, the first her husband, second, her brother in law, and finally her own sister, In Hye, all navigating their lives in close connection with Yeong Hye. I believe Kang, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024, wanted to showcase the fragility of societal standards of human life, its absolute denial of nonconformity and change. However, the most interesting aspect of the novel lies in dissecting the fact that ‘The Vegetarian’ is not about vegetarianism at all but about human agency and choice. Yeong Hye’s decision could have been any other and it is nothing but the assertion of self in an attempt to defy these very cultural and traditional norms of society which always seemed to confine and bound her. In acts of choosing comfort in her choice of clothing or biting her mouth shut as a piece of pork is forced upon her, she was criticized, marked as ‘hysterical.’

It simply comes down to a story about a woman who chose for herself, and how her choices

deeply impacted and unnerved the social insistence to obedience. French feminist and author, Simone de Beauvoir in her seminal work, The Second Sex, mentions that one is not simply born a woman, rather she ‘becomes one.’ I think Yeong Hye traverses a similar route of becoming a woman and finding herself through defiance and individual acts of resistance.

It is still very intriguing to understand how Kang has portrayed the lives she has borne through her pen, providing a deep insight into the human psyche and behaviour. Titled as ‘The Vegetarian’, the novel indeed is a food for thought if not about vegetarianism.

Adrija Saha

Assistant Professor, FEU

School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

JSPM University Pune