People and Management January 2019 | Page 45

Reality Bytes www.peopleandmanagement.com Reality Bytes After the tremendous success of ‘Reality Bytes – The Role of HR in Today’s World’, in English and Hindi, Aparna Sharma’s second book, ‘Between U & Me’, is a genuine endeavour to share with the readers, ‘extraordinary lessons’ from ‘ordinary people’. ll of us encounter obstacles or face challenges in our lives. As the challenges become complex, quite naturally, we feel the need for motivation. While self-help and inspirational books are available aplenty, most of them sketch the journey of the who’s who or celebrities whose advice, though genuine, is diffi cult to follow for common people. A household help, tested by circumstances but fi rm in spirit, to a young, guitar-strumming renunciation, they span generations and are from different age groups and strata of society. However, the common thread that runs between them is, their attitude towards life and the fact that the transformation they brought in their lives, began with themselves. “But why should we take inspiration from celebrities alone?” asks Aparna Sharma. “Since it is human nature to share and learn from others, why not seek advice from ‘ordinary’ but experienced people around us, who can guide us effectively and practically to resolve our problems?” Some of these stories will leave you teary-eyed, a few will make you ponder over the unjust norms of society while others will leave you marvelling at the sheer persistence of these people in the face of all odds. But all will, no doubt, change your perspective towards life and leave you motivated and empowered to take on your own challenges and rise above your situation. It is with this thought that Aparna has written the book, ‘Between U & Me’. What makes Aparna Sharma’s book stand out is that unlike the norm, she does not use the lives of famous personalities to draw inspiration. Rather, the book portrays the real-life stories of the people around her, who have inspired her and made a positive difference to her life – from her educational to personal and professional life. The protagonists of this book, are so-called ‘ordinary’ people, but each is an achiever in his/her own right. In simple, lucid language, they have chronicled their life journeys, the circumstances and challenges they faced with tenacity to reach the pinnacles of success, for the benefi t of the readers. From an octogenarian former editor of the first English women’s magazine in India, to an entrepreneur who applies the ancient knowledge given by Chanakya to the business world, to a In the book each reader will fi nd, something that will resonate with his/her life, either personal or professional, making it a must-read for people of all ages, as well as a wonderful gift. The best part of the book is that the reader can revisit the book any time he/she feels the need for much-required encouragement. The extraordinary qualities of these people exist within each one of us too. All that is needed is for us to get in touch with them, brush off the layers of conditioning or neglect, and polish them to a shine. So, here’s wishing the readers success in letting their inner strength shine through, just like the people in this book! T he book is published by Vishwakar ma Publications. P & M Vol. 10 Issue 1 • JANUARY 2019, Noida | 45