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Footprints of history

Gurdial Singh’s Parsa: A Semiotic Outlook
by Harjit Singh Dhaliwal.
Unistar.
Pages112. Rs 295.

Parsa is the result of an excellent craftsmanship of Gurdial Singh in which he depicts the hardships of peasantry of Punjab and how, despite being one among the ordinary peasants, the protagonist of the novel Parsa manages to turn the situations favourable to him with his uncommon will power, self control and single mindedness. The tale reminds us of the legendary heroes of Punjab who, though it was not expected from them earlier by society, from time-to-time changed the situations with their outstanding courage and bravery. I t also proposes different modes of being like the colours of a rainbow but, as the narration progresses, only one colour, of stoicism and intrepidity, which Parsa takes up for him, manages to sustain its preeminence. Parsa sticks to the dualities by excelling in fatherhood on the one hand while keeping himself emotionally detached from his children on the other; likewise, promising his mortal relations with his fellow beings on the one hand while creating his personal space in the shadow of Sufism on the other. At many occasions in the story, the readers feel themselves to be involved in face-to-face arguments with its characters and get astonished by and convinced with the ways they select for leading their lives. Parsa, therefore, does not tell what life is but how to create and sustain it.

How the Paper Fish Learned to Swim
by Jonathon A. Flaum.
Indra Publishing House.
Pages 146. Rs 125.

In a remote fishing village in Japan, an origami master named Daishinji creates a beautiful fish from one flat sheet of paper. But the fish says heis lonely, so Daishinji creates a whole paper world for him — ocean, seaweed, an octopus, and many other creatures. Still, the paper fish begs to be set free in a real ocean, to know the feel of water and understand the mysteries of the dep.

Reluctantly, Daishinji sets her creation free, even though she is sure that the paper fish will be destroyed and that " imaginary things must stay in imaginary places". But amazingly, to the origami master’s surprise, the fish becomes real, and a part of something much bigger than Daishinji could ever have imagined, proving that real ideas outgrow their creators and take on lives of their own.

How thepaper fish learned to swim presents this beautiful and unique fable as a springboard to unlocking creativity and innovation in the workplace. Illustrating the point that what’s created on paper, if authentic enough, can never just stay on paper — it has to go out and be tested in the real world.

This simple yet powerful book gives you an effective process for encouraging and harnessing ideas in your organization.

The book gives a proven structure to encourage innovation in others, and to discover the wonder of creating something that truly comes to life. The book is both an enveloping read and a powerful workplace tool. As beautifully illustrated as it is gracefully told, the book gives you the key to unlocking your greatest resource `85 the minds of people. "

Inclusive Education Across Cultures
Eds Mithu Alur and Vianne Timmons.
Sage.
Pages 468. Rs 795.

This comprehensive collection provides a global perspective on inclusive education. The existing literature delves into whether inclusive practice is about educating children with disabilities or children from diverse backgrounds. The articles in this compilation assert that it is both.

Inclusive Education Across Cultures: Crossing Boundaries, Sharing Ideas brings together multiple perspectives to present a compelling case for inclusive practice in different areas of inclusive education, ranging from policy initiatives to practices on the ground level, and advocating and creating awareness. The articles present examples that are explicitly disability focused and at the same time present a vision of inclusion that is about societal reform. These articles provide a voice to the people living with disabilities and enable us to learn from their stories. They not only provide theoretical information, but also connect theory and practice by discussing implemented models and practical resources. A valuable resource material for all those involved in the study of education, social work and psychology.

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