A good book can bring fresh ideas, warm stories, and moments of calm to a winter evening. This special feature brings together eight authors whose work spans fantasy, science, spirituality, personal growth, short stories, health, and memoir. From Nitin Antoon’s world of magic to Babu Ramabadran’s inspiring life story, each writer brings something different to the page. Meet the authors behind these books, learn what makes their work worth reading, and find a new title to add to your winter reading list.
1. Nitin Antoon
Dutch-Indian author and enterprise architect Nitin Antoon brings fantasy, spirituality, and strong female characters together in Meera of Karmana. Shaped by his repeated travels across India, the novel follows women who take charge of their choices, face challenges with courage, and shape their own futures. With friendship, resilience, adventure, and a strong focus on female agency, the book is a friendly pick for fantasy readers and those seeking a clean, engaging story. Nitin is now preparing Meera of Karmana Vol II, which is set to release soon, taking readers further into this much-loved world.
2. Dr Anuradha Iyer Rajan
Dr Anuradha Iyer Rajan, a Professor of Physiology, brings science and spirituality together in Radiant Within. A strong believer in Bhakti Yoga and Advaita Vedanta, she has written five books on spirituality and has a deep interest in meditation and Hindustani classical music. Co-written with Professor of Anatomy Dr. Ashima Das, Radiant Within presents a meditation method based on body visualisation, relaxation, and gratitude. The book brings ideas from Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, and Spirituality into one simple practice, supported by illustrations by Dr. Rohan Yadav. It is a thoughtful read for those seeking calm and inner light.
3. Aankur Biswas
Aankur Biswas, a corporate and social entrepreneur, brings years of work across fintech, education, sports, entertainment and social causes, to his book GrowRight: Transforming Tomorrow, Starting Today. With an academic background spanning India, USA, UK and Europe, Aankur blends business and life insights with a strong focus on personal growth. GrowRight helps readers to grow, succeed and improve their lives through seven areas of growth, with practical ideas and simple steps that support lasting changes. For readers looking to build better habits, make clear choices and take charge of their overall growth, this unique book presents a useful and impactful path forward.
4. Myst
Myst, the writer behind the Triansh series, brings science fiction, fantasy, and Vedic wisdom together in a fresh way. His series follows aliens reborn as humans who travel across space to fight many threats and save their kind from danger. The first two books, Triansh and the Land of Immortals and Triansh and the Resurrection of Revenants, are already published and have gained strong reader feedback. With cosmic action, ancient wisdom, friendship, mystery, and powerful characters, Triansh has won readers across platforms, with its Amazon and Goodreads ratings and reviews adding to its appeal.
5. Vijay Padaki
With over six decades in theatre, Vijay Padaki brings his sharp eye for people and stories to Wagging Tales, his two-volume short story collection. The First Offering and The Last Cheetah, published by Notion Press, bring together witty, warm, and often surprising stories about people, families, animals, love, loss, and everyday life. A theatre writer and director, management professional, psychologist, and member of founding faculty at IIM Bangalore, Padaki has written over 55 plays. His storytelling carries the flavour of theatre while keeping each story short, lively, and easy to read.
6. Dr. P.K. Sasidharan
Dr. P.K. Sasidharan, a respected physician, teacher, researcher, and former Head of Medicine and Hematology at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, brings decades of medical experience to Heal-Thy World. The book presents his vision for individual health, public health, a Healthy India, a Healthy World, and One Health. His key message is clear: good health cannot exist in isolation. People can be healthy only when the society around them is healthy too. Drawing from his clinical work, research, and teaching, Dr. Sasidharan calls for stronger primary care, better health policies for a robust public health, and a wider focus on prevention of diseases and wellness using scientific principles
7. Captain A.K. Kapur
Group Captain Arun Kumar Kapur VSM (Retd), a former Indian Air Force officer with nearly 34 years of service, brings a fresh take on the timeless teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita in his book Gita Saar –A New Perspective. Drawing from years of study and research, he presents Krishna’s message from all 18 chapters under 13 clear themes, making the core ideas easier to read and understand. Published in both English and Hindi with the same content, the book is for readers who want to connect with the Gita’s teachings in a simple and clear format.
8. Babu Ramabadran
Babu Ramabadran brings a life shaped by courage, travel, and big dreams to his memoir, Journey of a Starfish. Born in a small village near Puducherry, Babu went on to work in Silicon Valley and at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. His story crosses continents, cultures, and challenges, showing how far a person can go with hope and determination. An adventure traveler who has visited more than 40 countries and hiked to the base camp of Mount Everest, Babu turns his life story into an inspiring read. His life is a source of motivation for readers who dream big, face challenges with courage, and aspire to achieve success in life.
These eight authors bring a wide range of ideas and stories to readers this winter. Nitin Antoon and Myst take readers into worlds of fantasy and science fiction, while Vijay Padaki captures the humour and warmth of everyday life. Dr Anuradha Iyer Rajan and Captain A.K. Kapur turn to inner peace and timeless wisdom, while Aankur Biswas shares lessons on personal growth. Dr P.K. Sasidharan writes about better health, and Babu Ramabadran shares a life shaped by courage and ambition. Pick a book, settle in, and make this winter a season of reading.
