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What happens when our love for reading becomes a performance rather than a personal journey? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Kinjal Goyal sits down with Shreya Punj—publishing industry insider, head of e-commerce at HarperCollins Publishers India, and the mind behind the popular Instagram handle @theeditorrecommends.

Shreya brings refreshing candor to the discussion as she challenges the literary elitism that pervades both publishing houses and reader communities. "When a book becomes too popular, there's this undercurrent of dismissal—“Oh, it's selling well, but is it literature?” she notes. This prejudice creates artificial barriers that keep potential readers from discovering the joy books can bring. The good news? Fiction sales in India are rising 20-30% annually, with readers exploring everything from science fiction to literary masterpieces.

For parents wondering how to raise readers in a digital age, Shreya offers counterintuitive wisdom: let children choose their own reading material without judgment. "Forcing good literature on children is the fastest way to kill their love for reading," she explains, sharing how her own gateway to passionate reading came through a slightly forbidden Sidney Sheldon novel. The conversation takes fascinating turns through discussions of format preferences (physical books vs. digital), the psychological impact of casual "therapy speak" in modern language, and what makes a perfect mental first aid box for Shreya.

Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or someone who hasn't picked up a book in years, this conversation invites you to reconsider your relationship with reading. Books aren't meant to be status symbols—they're portals to empathy, entertainment, and expanded horizons. Ready to reclaim the pure joy of reading without pretense? Listen now, and maybe pick up that "chatpata" masala read you've been secretly eyeing.

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Ever wondered how 2 lakh rupees can transform into a diverse business empire? Join us as Mr Sanjay Ghodawat, a visionary entrepreneur, reveals the secrets behind his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to establishing a thriving conglomerate across consumer products, education, and aviation. Mr Ghodawat's journey is not just about financial success; it's a testament to the power of learning, creativity, and the unwavering belief that success is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Discover how he turned around a struggling educational institute into a bustling hub of 21,000 students, underscoring his commitment to education as a source of personal satisfaction and societal impact.

In a candid conversation that touches on the often unspoken, we tackle the topic of men's emotional health and the vital link between physical fitness and financial stability. Through personal anecdotes and lessons from past failures, we highlight the importance of emotional openness and resilience. As we share amusing stories and insights, we showcase the transformative impact of maintaining both mental and physical well-being to support a fulfilling life. Prepare to be inspired by Mr Sanjay's tales of perseverance, the role of teamwork, and the unwavering support of family as cornerstones of his success.

Finally, we explore the profound messages behind societal perceptions of wealth and the essence of meaningful success. Mr Sanjay shares his wisdom on navigating life's challenges, emphasizing the need for a learner’s mindset, positive influences, and continuous growth. We discuss the concept of a mental first aid box, filled with inspiring books like Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" to guide us through life's hurdles. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, filled with insights on living a joyful, truthful, and powerful life, encouraging listeners to embrace failures as stepping stones to a brighter future.

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Prepare to unravel the complexities of finance and tax with our distinguished guest, Dr. Vardhaman Jain, a celebrated chartered accountant from Pune, India. Dr. Jain takes us through his intriguing journey into finance, sharing how his affinity for numbers led him to a thriving career in the field. Together, we explore how money's role as a symbol of power and status complicates its societal perception, and dissect the nuances between tax evasion and tax avoidance amidst growing trends toward financial transparency and compliance.

This episode also sheds light on the intersection of creativity and financial literacy. We emphasize why mastering financial skills is just as crucial as investing in personal health and wellness. With a keen focus on the evolving role of women in financial management, particularly those who were previously excluded, we discuss how financial education can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment. Dr. Jain and I challenge the common hesitancy to seek financial expertise, advocating for the long-term benefits of financial literacy as part of holistic well-being.

Finally, we navigate the psychological and emotional dimensions of finance, revealing how fear and greed often drive financial decisions. Dr. Jain offers his wisdom on balancing stress and empathy in financial advising and the importance of maintaining emotional well-being amidst financial pressures. We wrap up with insights on building financial credibility through consistency and daily commitment, drawing parallels to maintaining physical health. This episode is packed with insights to inspire you toward informed financial decisions and emotional resilience on your financial journey.