Barbie launches its first Autistic Barbie doll in India showcasing inclusivity following the introduction of the Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, blind Barbie and the Barbie doll with Down syndrome. This doll reinforces the belief that every child deserves to be seen, and the doll popular in India for many decades has come a long way since it first started out. Developed for more than 18 months in partnership with ASAN, a non-profit disability rights organisation run by and for autistic people that advocates for the rights of the autistic community, this doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection, which features diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and various medical conditions and disabilities. “Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work,” said Jamie Cygielman, global head of Dolls, Mattel. “The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie." In close collaboration with ASAN, the design team made intentional design choices for the autistic Barbie doll to authentically reflect some experiences individuals on the autism spectrum may relate to. The features and accessories include: Body: The autistic Barbie doll features elbow and wrist articulation, enabling stimming, hand flapping, and other hand gestures that some members of the autistic community use to process sensory information or express excitement. Eye gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side, which reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact. Accessories: Each doll comes with a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet. Fidget spinner: The doll holds a pink finger clip fidget spinner that actually spins, offering a sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focus. Headphones: Pink noise-cancelling headphones rest on top of the doll’s head as a helpful and fashionable accessory that reduces sensory overload by blocking out background noise. Tablet: A pink tablet showing symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps (AAC) on its screen serves as a tool to help with everyday communication. Sensory-sensitive fashion: The doll wears a loose-fitting, purple pinstripe A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that provides less fabric-to-skin contact. Purple shoes complete the outfit, with flat soles to promote stability and ease of movement. “As proud members of the autistic community, our ASAN team was thrilled to help create the first-ever autistic Barbie doll. It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is. Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insights and guidance throughout the design process to ensure the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community, including the tools that help us be independent. We’re honored to see this milestone come to life, and we will keep pushing for more representation like this that supports our community in dreaming big and living proud,” said Colin Killick, executive director, Autistic Self Advocacy Network. An India-relevant voice on inclusive design As part of the doll launch, Barbie is teaming up with advocates for the autistic community, including mother-daughter duo Precious and Mikko Mirage, autism advocate and creative entrepreneur Madison Marilla, and autistic fashion designer and visual artist Aarushi Pratap, to celebrate their lived experiences and lifestyles. Aarushi Pratap whose work bridges neurodiversity and Indian cultural heritage, is known for her sensory-friendly approach to high fashion, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian handloom silks, plaids, and cultural motifs such as Warli folk art. Her work has been showcased at New York Fashion Week in 2025, created for the Special Olympics, and recognised globally for redefining fashion through a neurodivergent lens. Reflecting on the launch, Aarushi Pratap said, “Having an autistic Barbie means people like me can see ourselves. Autism is my superpower because I think differently. My brain has different colors and expressing that makes me happy. I was diagnosed with autism at two, I started drawing at three, and since then art has helped me feel calm and confident. I became a fashion designer because art helped me communicate when words were hard.” said Aarushi Pratap, Autistic Fashion Designer and Visual Artist. “All kinds of Barbie movies inspired me - seeing all the fabrics, colors, and details in the movies helped shape the designer I am today. This Barbie can help autistic people feel understood. We can do amazing things and I want others like me to feel proud and express themselves.” Consistent with the Fashionistas dolls representing individuals with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome and blindness, the autistic Barbie doll was named and created with the community’s guidance to allow more children to see themselves in Barbie. This doll, along with the entire Fashionistas collection boasts over 175+ looks, can help children better understand the world around them by encouraging doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience. It’s yet another step in making the Barbie brand a more inclusive reflection of the children who play with it. Commitment beyond the doll As part of the India launch, Barbie will contribute a portion of proceeds from the sale of the doll to India Autism Centre, supporting autism awareness and inclusion initiatives reinforcing the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful social impact. “Toys are powerful in shaping a child’s sense of self. The idea behind introducing an Autistic Barbie doll may appear simple, but its meaning runs far deeper. It is about representation. When children see themselves reflected in everyday objects, even through something as familiar as a toy, it sends a powerful message that they belong. This collaboration helps spark necessary conversations around acceptance and understanding in a way that feels natural and inclusive.” says Jaishankar Natarajan, director and chief executive officer, India Autism Center. The Autistic Barbie doll will be available in January 2026 across leading retail and e-commerce platforms in India for Rs 799 and is suitable for children aged 3 years and above.
16 January,2026 04:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe first Jallikattu event of the year and one of its most prominent traditional competitions was held in a grand manner at Periya Suryur in Trichy, Tamil Nadu. The event was organised in connection with the annual festival of Sri Narkadal Kudi Karuppannasamy Temple, on the second day of the Tamil month Thai. For several years, the Jallikattu competition was conducted on a temporary village ground. Villagers had submitted a petition to Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh seeking a permanent arena. Following this, with the approval of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Rs 3 crore was sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Department for the construction of a permanent Jallikattu arena. The construction has now been completed, and the newly built Jallikattu arena was recently inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister. The arena is equipped with adequate safety arrangements, a vaadivaasal (bull release point), barricades, and spectator facilities. A gallery has been constructed to enable spectators to watch the event comfortably. A total of 750 Jallikattu bulls and 500 bull tamers are participating in the competition, which is being conducted in 10 rounds at the Suryur arena. In this year's competition, a car has been announced as the first prize, while a two-wheeler will be awarded as the second prize. Additionally, all participants will be presented with veshtis and sarees as gifts. The event commenced with the ceremonial release of the temple bull, followed by an oath taken by the bull tamers. District Collector Saravanan flagged off the competition, marking the official start of Trichy district's first Jallikattu of the year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
16 January,2026 03:54 PM IST | Trichy (Tamil Nadu) | ANIAmid the excitement for the music concert season in 2026, fans are in for disappointment after Bandland 2026 set to happen in Bengaluru in February gets cancelled. It comes in light of one of Muse, one of the headliners cancelling their tour. In a statement on social media, Bandland India shared, "Bandland Fam, this one hurts to share. Bandland 2026, scheduled for February 14 & 15, will not be going ahead as planned. Muse, one of our headliners, has had to cancel their upcoming tour due to unforeseen circumstances, which includes their performance at Bandland. We completely respect their decision and send them love. With the festival just a month away and our commitment to delivering the kind of uncompromised live experience Bandland stands for, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s edition in the interest of preserving the experience we set out to deliver. We know this is disappointing news, it is for us too and we’re incredibly grateful for your trust, patience and love for Bandland. All ticketholders will be eligible for a full refund, which will be processed within 8–10 working days to the original mode of payment. Refunds for Bandland add-ons from other events will also be processed. More details will be communicated directly to customers. Thank you for standing by us and being part of the Bandland community." Many Indian fans are sad because they have not only booked their flight tickets but also their hotel accommodations for the two day festival. Others even suggested continuing with the festival even though Muse aren't going to be there because they were excited to see legendary band Karnivool play live in Bengaluru.The lineup also included the likes of Grammy-winning legendary pop-rock band, Train, whose timeless hits ‘Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)’, ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ and ‘Drive By’; Australia’s progressive rock titans Karnivool with albums such as ‘Themata’, ‘Sound Awake’ and ‘Asymmetry’ as they release their newest album, In Verses, soon; the lineup also had the likes of Scribe, Girish and the Chronicles, Pinkshift, James and the Cold Gun, and The Sophs, but fans will have to wait a little longer to see them live.
14 January,2026 09:38 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentIndian fans will have to wait a little longer to witness seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist John Mayer perform in India for the first time. Mayer, who was scheduled to perform in Mumbai on January 22 at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, will now perform at February 11 at the same venue. In a statement on social media, BookMyShow Live, who are the producers of the John Mayer Solo concert, said, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the John Mayer concert scheduled for January 22, has been postponed to February 11 at the the Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai." It further added, "All existing tickets purchased on BookMyShow will remain valid for the rescheduled date. For any ticket related queries, please contact our customer service team at reachout@bookmyshow.com." "We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you soon." However, fans seem to be unhappy with the change, as many are travelling from all over the country to witness Mayer, who is performing in a standalone concert in the maximum city. Many in the comments section highlight the loss of money due to flight tickets and accommodation, while some highlight that they would be 'slow dancing' with an empty wallet now. Since fans have been waiting for a long time to see him in India, this one is extra special, leading to many kinds of different reactions from them about the cancellation.With that being said, known for his improvisational brilliance on stage, Mayer’s India debut promises not just faithful renditions of beloved tracks but also spontaneous moments during his performances. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide and collaborations with legends including Ed Sheeran, Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Alicia Keys, Mayer’s artistry, defined by unmatched guitar work, intimate lyrics and soul-stirring live performances,Some of his most popular hits like ‘Gravity’, ‘Your Body Is a Wonderland’, ‘Daughters’, ‘Slow Dancing in a Burning Room’, ‘New Light’ and ‘Waiting On the World to Change’. Even as the concert originally scheduled in the coming week has been postponed, fans will also witness the likes Linkin Park at Lollapalooza India 2026 along with Yungblud among others on the lineup.
14 January,2026 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReaffirming its growing love for K-pop, India once again witnessed an overwhelming fan turnout at ‘Golden: The Moments’, a global exhibition exploring Jung Kook’s first solo album, in Mumbai’s Mehboob Studio. For Indian fans who have followed his journey largely through screens and streaming platforms, the exhibition marked a rare opportunity to step into Jung Kook’s world in physical space. Jungkook’s exhibition in Mumbai was brought to Indian shores through a partnership between BookMyShow Live and producers of the exhibit and HYBE, the global entertainment lifestyle platform company behind BTS. The exhibition organised at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios attracted a predominantly youth audience, with Gen Z accounting for over half of all visitors, highlighting K-pop’s growing cultural impact in India. The connection runs deep, with 22 per cent of attendees returning for a second visit to relive the ‘Golden: The Moments experience’. The immersive exhibition takes visitors through multiple carefully curated zones that chart Jung Kook’s journey from his early days with BTS to the landmark moments of the ‘Golden’ era. Showcasing music videos, iconic stage outfits, behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal reflections, the zones titled Golden: Journey, Golden: Moments, Golden: Shine, Golden: Solid, Golden: Substance, Stem, Theatre: Shine, and Hallways 1 and 2 culminate in a contemplative space celebrating Jung Kook’s deep connection with the BTS Army. Beyond the experience, the official merchandise of Jungkook also emerged as the major crowd-puller. Furthermore, ‘Golden: The Moments’ photo items, along with the official cap and the necklace, are among the top-selling collectibles at the exhibition.
13 January,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMicroplastics could be impacting the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) which is critical for regulating Earth's temperature, according to a research. 'Biological carbon pumping' is a natural process by which an ocean transfers carbon from the atmosphere into the deep sea layers. "Microplastics (MPs) interfere with this process by reducing phytoplankton photosynthesis and impairing zooplankton metabolism," authors including those from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates said. Author Ihsanullah Obaidullah, associate professor of integrated water processing technologies, said, "Oceans are Earth's largest carbon sink. Microplastics are undermining this natural shield against climate change. Tackling plastic pollution is now part of the fight against global warming." The research, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics, reviewed 89 studies published from 2010 to 2025. Peer-reviewed articles and reports from international organisations were among the content analysed to understand effects of microplastics on ocean health and climate change. "(The) review highlights the close relationship between MP (microplastic) pollution and climate change, suggesting that MPs may significantly contribute to climate change and potentially further affect ocean health in the form of ocean warming and ocean acidification," the authors wrote. Microplastics are fragments of plastics sized under five millimetres. Studies have provided evidence of presence of microplastics across varied environments from deep ocean waters to human bodies. Over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced globally to date, with 80 per cent ending up in landfills or the environment -- only nine per cent of the massive volume is recycled, the researchers said. Toxins in microplastics are ingested by living creatures, including humans, triggering a range of diseases, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life, and reducing soil fertility, the researchers said. The team called for an integrated approach as microplastic pollution and climate change cannot be addressed in isolation, they said. Coordinated efforts are needed to develop governance frameworks that tackle both microplastic pollution and climate change, particularly their links to ocean acidification and warming, they added. Reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management are among the recommendations the researchers suggested to preserve oceans and their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 January,2026 10:16 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) returns for its landmark 26th edition, transforming Mumbai’s historic Kala Ghoda precinct into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and community. KGAF is scheduled to start from Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 8. Mumbai's one of the most loved festival will run daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, inviting audiences to experience Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street arts festival—free and open to all. Theme 2026: Ahead of the Curve Symbolising foresight, innovation, and leadership in the arts, Ahead of the Curve reflects KGAF’s enduring commitment to staying at the forefront of cultural expression. Like a winning steed leading the pack, the festival sets the pace. KGAF this year also looks to honour tradition while anticipating tomorrow. Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, KGAF has grown from a local initiative in 1999 into one of India’s most loved cultural events, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Scale and Scope The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2026 will hold more than 300 programs across 15 verticals. The festival will also include more than 25 indoor and outdoor venues, including CSMVS Museum, Cross Maidan, David Sassoon Library, Horniman Circle Garden, and K. Dubash Marg Free registration and entry for all events KGAF in Mumbai this year will keep a strong focus on sustainability, diversity, accessibility, and pedestrian-friendly urban design. Brinda Miller, chairperson, Kala Ghoda Association and festival director, said, “As we embark on the milestone 26th edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, we are thrilled to continue celebrating art, culture, and community in the heart of Mumbai. This year’s theme, Ahead of the Curve, reflects our ambition to surpass last year’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.” Festival Verticals Children, Cinema, Dance, Food, Heritage Walks, Lifestyle, Literature, Music, Stalls – Arts, Crafts & Fashion, Stand-up Comedy,Street Programming,Theatre,Urban Design & Architecture,Visual Arts, Workshops Each vertical interprets Ahead of the Curve through a distinct sub-theme—ranging from Spandan (Dance) and Sound Waves (Music) to Avant-Garde (Theatre), Geometri (Visual Arts), and The Learning Curve (Workshops). Led by Geeta Castelino, KGAF strengthens inclusive participation through emotional, functional, and technical accessibility—with touch-and-feel moments, sign-language interpretation, ramps, interpreters, and inclusive programming across venues and verticals.
12 January,2026 11:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTen daughters and finally a son! A woman and her labourer husband married for 19 years welcomed their 11th child in a Haryana hospital this week, raising concerns over maternal health and the age-old desire for families to have a son come what may. It was a high risk delivery but both mother and child are doing fine, said Dr Narveer Sheoran of the Ojas Hospital and Maternity Home in Jind district's Uchana town. The 37-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital on January 3 and the baby was born the next day. She was back home in her village in adjoining Fatehabad district the next day. "We were keen that there should be a son and some of my elder daughters also wished to have a brother," the father, Sanjay Kumar, told PTI over the phone. "It is my eleventh child now. I have 10 daughters too," the 38-year-old said, adding that he works as a labourer. Sanjay, who said he got married in 2007, said most of his daughters go to school and the eldest one studies in Class 12. "Within my meagre means, I am trying to give my daughters a good education... Whatever has happened was god's will and I am happy with it," he said. Questioned about the social media attention on his family and issues about a patriarchal mindset, he said, "it is not like that." The new father went on say, "I also think that girls are capable of achieving anything these days and they have proved their mettle in various fields. They are making everyone proud." In a video that has gone viral, Sanjay was asked to name his 10 daughters. He did so but fumbled a couple of times. According to Sheoran, whose gynaecologist wife Dr Santosh ensured a safe delivery, said three units of blood had to be given to the mother. "In the end, it was a normal delivery and things were managed well," the doctor said over the phone. Haryana's sex ratio has long been under the scanner. It saw a marked improvement in 2025 with 923:1,000, clocking a 13-point jump from 2024, but lower than the national average of 1,020 females per 1,000 males. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 January,2026 12:01 PM IST | Chandigarh | PTIExperts at the International Spice Routes Conference on Tuesday said Kerala's transformation into a major spice trade hub since ancient times was shaped by the contributions of people from diverse countries and cultures over the centuries. Speaking at the three-day conference on the theme 'Spice Routes: People, Goods and Ideas in Motion', which began at the historic Bolgatty Palace here, they highlighted Kerala's emergence as a prominent Spice Route and a melting pot of cultures. The January 6-8 conference is being organised by the Muziris Heritage Projects in collaboration with the Kerala Tourism Department. India's "first conference of its kind", the event has been conceived as an intellectual and cultural platform to reconnect the ancient Spice Route with contemporary global discourse. Addressing the opening session, Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran said that long before modern borders were drawn, these routes shaped the world through the exchange of goods, ideas and cultures. Noting that Muziris stood at the centre of global movement, she said it was not merely a port but a space where civilisations met, negotiated and learned from one another. "From this coast, spices carried the scent of Kerala to distant lands, while ideas returned, transforming societies, cultures and ways of life. In an age of rapid change and renewed global movement, they remind us that heritage is not static," she said. Surendran said the conference was a call to reimagine the spice routes as living networks of culture, creativity and cooperation, rooted in communities, guided by ethics and open to the world. Elaborating on Kerala's historic spice trade, Michael Tharakan, former vice-chancellor of Kannur University, said the inter-portal trade convention of the 1920s between the British, the Madras Government and the Travancore and Kochi governments established Kochi as the major port on the coast, emerging as a centre of colonial trade. Pius Malekandathil, former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that when trade in European markets stagnated due to feudalisation, pepper and other spices from Malabar reached Europe and North Africa through Arab trading networks. He said pepper from Kerala was among the key commodities traded at Mediterranean and Atlantic ports as early as the 8th century. "In Germany, pepper was commonly used as a medicine in the 14th and 15th centuries. The city of Cologne had 45 shops selling 91,342 pounds of pepper, 45,354.5 pounds of dried ginger and 800.5 pounds of green ginger between 1452 and 1459," Malekandathil said. Commenting on plantation labour politics, Chhaya Goswami, Head and Associate Professor at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said financial instruments such as hundis (bills of exchange) and kinship-based credit networks enabled Indian capitalists to navigate and circumvent British restrictions on slavery. She said these mechanisms ensured economic continuity even as formal abolition policies came into force. Participating online, Fahad Bishara of the Doha Institute, Qatar, said mobility was one of the defining features of Indian Ocean history, with enduring connections forged through commerce and trade. S Swaminathan, Secretary of the Kerala Travel Mart Society, also addressed the gathering. The conference has drawn a wide cross-section of participants, including academicians and historians, archaeologists, diplomats, policymakers, tourism stakeholders, artists, cultural practitioners and performers. The event also signals Kerala's intent to tap into growing global demand for high-value, experiential and culturally immersive travel. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | Kochi | PTIThe start of a new year is a great time for people to start improving their lives with intentional changes like building mental strength, finding motivation that actually starts and breaking unhelpful patterns. This list brings together bestsellers and impactful movies by Audible and other platforms that focus on discipline, self-belief and personal growth. From audiobooks that challenge how you think, live and respond to setbacks to films and series that capture real journeys of resilience and ambition, these titles are designed to inspire action rather than just reflection. Whether you’re resetting habits, chasing bigger goals or looking for steady motivation, these bestsellers and watches will give you a boost to start the year with focus and purpose. Listen Dopamine Detox Dopamine Detox is a practical and action-oriented guide to regaining focus and the ability to eliminate distractions in a world where we are constantly bombarded with fast-paced stimuli. The book, written by Thibaut Meurisse, explains how overexposure to quick dopamine hits from social media, screens and endless stimulation has led to a decrease in overall motivation and has made it harder to focus on important tasks. Rather than relying on an abstract theoretical explanation, this book provides actional and simple steps to reset one’s habitual behaviours, declutter one’s mind and rebuild their discipline to complete necessary tasks efficiently. This book is designed to assist those who wish to start the year with more focus, greater productivity and better control over their attention. The Courage To Be Disliked The Courage to Be Disliked is a thought-provoking guide to building an authentic and purpose-driven life by challenging long-held beliefs about happiness, success and self-worth. The book draws on Adlerian psychology to show that much of what holds us back, either the fear of judgement, past experiences and the need for approval is something we choose to carry and is not something we are destined to accept. Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga encourage readers to take responsibility for their lives, live beyond their constraints and find the courage to pursue what truly matters, making this a powerful listen for anyone who wishes to start the year with confidence and clarity. Mitihara Mitihara is a celebration of mindful eating, seasonal living and India’s rich food heritage, while blending physical nutrition guidance with cultural wisdom. Written by celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, the book explores how traditional, whole foods and simple eating habits can nourish not just the body but the mind and spirit too. Through a mix of carefully curated vegetarian recipes, reflections on seasonal eating and personal stories, Mitihara encourages listeners to slow down, savour nourishing food, reconnect with nature’s rhythms and rethink modern approaches to health and well-being. Mitihara will provide gentle yet insightful recommendations for anyone wanting to start the year with a healthier, more mindful relationship with food. The Heart of Yoga: How to Become More Beautiful and Happy The Heart of Yoga: How to Become More Beautiful and Happy explores one of the most timeless human questions: can yoga truly make us happy and if so, how? In this reflective work, Osho goes beyond yoga as a physical or wellness practice and turns the focus toward its deeper spiritual purpose. He also presents ten insightful talks, through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, that examine happiness, jealousy, comparison and the inner conflicts that prevent people from feeling fulfilled even when their material needs are met. Osho challenges the idea that happiness is easy to accept in others, revealing how competition, ego and insecurity often stand in the way. Through Osho’s teachings, the book invites listeners to understand happiness not just as something to chase but as a state of inner harmony, something that allows one to feel connected not just to people but to life itself. Service: Audible Watch: F1 F1: The Movie, is a high energy sports drama set in the unforgiving world of Formula One racing. The film stars Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 driver whose career was cut short by a devastating crash, only to pull him back to the sport years later to help rescue a struggling team. As Sonny returns to the grid he must prove his relevance and mentor young talent, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), while navigating the pressures of elite racing alongside team owner Javier Bardem and technical director Kerry Condon. Beyond the adrenaline and spectacle, the film is deeply motivating, centred around second chances, resilience and the belief that it is never too late to start again, making it an inspiring watch to kick off the New Year with renewed drive and focus. Platform: Amazon Prime Video 12th Fail 12th Fail is an inspiring true story directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, that follows the remarkable journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey), a young man from a small town who fails his 12th-grade exam only to rise against all odds and achieve his dream of becoming a respected Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. With his partner, Shraddha Joshi (Medha Shankr), Sharma beats poverty, systemic challenges and repeated setbacks with relentless commitment. Based on the bestselling book by Anurag Pathak, 12th Fail celebrates grit, perseverance and the power of resilience as Sharma prepares for and conquers India’s toughest civil services exam, making it a deeply motivating watch to kick off the New Year with renewed determination and belief in your potential. Platform: JioHotstar Gully Boy Directed by Zoya Akhtar, Gully Boy is a gripping and motivational drama that chronicles the ascent of Murad Ahmed (Ranveer Singh), a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who transforms his life through rap music. Murad channels his struggles, frustrations, anger and aspirations into raw, powerful lyrics, pushing past societal barriers, self-doubt and limited opportunities, making a mark in the music industry. Co-starring Safeena Firdausi (Alia Bhatt), the film captures emotion, grit and the creative drive of someone who wishes to break free from constraints and express his voice. With its themes of ambition, identity, and resilience, Gully Boy is a deeply inspiring watch that encourages viewers to pursue their passion, making it an excellent starting point for those eager to embrace the New Year with confidence, purpose and resolve. Platform: Amazon Prime Video Srikanth Srikanth is an inspiring biographical drama directed by Tushar Hiranandani. The film follows Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao), a visually impaired man who refuses to let his disability define his potential. Born blind into a modest farming family, Srikanth faces societal bias and systemic barriers in education and employment, yet his determination sees his fight for educational rights, earning a scholarship to stay at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and ultimately returning to India to build a thriving business that empowers people with disabilities. The film highlights courage, resilience and motivates viewers to kick off the New Year with belief in overcoming challenges and redefining what’s possible. Platform: Netflix
10 January,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn World Hindi Day, the spotlight turns to a language that has always carried stories across generations, now finding renewed resonance in how India listens. As audio becomes an increasingly intimate way to consume stories, Hindi is emerging as a powerful bridge between global stories and the audiences here. From epic Indian histories to internationally loved classics on purpose, ambition and self-growth, familiar stories are taking on fresh depth when heard in Hindi. Reflecting this shift, here are some audiobooks for some of the world's best-selling authors with interesting plots, this World Hindi Day. The Naga Warriors: Battle of Gokul Vol. 1 Author: Akshat Gupta The Naga Warriors chronicles the epic tale of the Naga sadhus, warriors and monks, who dedicated their lives solely to defending their faith and people. Set against the backdrop of 1757, the fiction piece follows a small band of 111 Nagas who stand their ground in Gokul against a massive invasive Afghan force. Led by the fierce Ajaa, their fight is not about victory or survival but about honour, belief and standing up for what they hold sacred. Combining elements of mythology, history and emotion, this story shows how devotion can turn ordinary men into legends. The Hindi audiobook is narrated by Ashish Vidyarthi, whose commanding voice adds weight, density and intensity into the soul of warriors and their sacrifice. Bharat ka Rakshak Maharaja Suheldev Author: Amish Tripathi Bharat ka Rakshak Maharaja Suheldev tells the remarkable life of India’s unsung king, Maharaja Suheldev, who resisted foreign invasions in 1025 AD when much of North India was under threat. The audiobook traces how Sueldev, despite ruling a small kingdom, gathers courage and strength to project his land, people and secret sites, choosing strength over surrender. Rooted in history and brought alive through dramatic storytelling, this book highlights themes of bravery, sacrifice and duty, especially during the Battle of Bahraich, where Suheldev emerges as a symbol of hope, patriotism and resilience in the face of adversity. The Hindi audiobook narrated by Neha Gargava, captures the heroic history of India with a clear and emotive voice. Kane & Abel Author: Jeffrey Archer Kane & Abel is a deeply engaging saga about two men born on the same day but into opposite worlds. With one living a life of wealth and privilege, the other is grinding out of poverty and struggle. In this must-read, William “Kane” Kane is raised as a Boston banking heir with money, status and expectations while Abel Rosnovski is born as an impoverished Polish immigrant who fought to stay alive while creating something out of nothing. Though their paths rarely cross, their ambitions, pride and rivalry draw them into a fierce clash for power, fortune and legacy that spans decades and shapes the course of both their lives. This story is not about business or wealth but the twists of fate, heartbreak, war, betrayal and the unexpected connections across generations. The Alchemist Author: Paulo Coelho The Alchemist, is a gentle yet powerful story about Santiago, a young shepherd who leaves his familiar life to follow a recurring dream about hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago’s journey takes him through deserts and other unfamiliar lands, but on the way he develops self-belief, patience and gains the courage to meet his goal. During his journey, he meets mentors and strangers who team him to trust his instinct, read the signs of life places in front of him and realize that his fear is the greatest obstacle to happiness. At its heart, the book reminds us that pursuing our dreams gives life meaning, and that the real reward often lies in chasing them. In this Hindi edition, the narrator, Babla Kochhar enhances the story’s meditative tone with his calm and reflective voice, providing an opportunity for listeners to find peace and introspect through this work. Atomic Habits Author: James Clear Atomic Habits is a practical, self-improvement audiobook that shows how tiny, every day changes can lead to significant life-changing results by reshaping your behaviour and environment to support better routines and break old, unhelpful ones. Rather than relying on willpower or big goals, the author explains how small efforts compound over time, offering clear strategies for building good habits, eliminating bad-ones and designing systems that help you get 1% better every day, backed by psychology and real world examples. Leader in You Author: Dale Carnegie Leader In You is a practical leadership and self-development audiobook that teaches listeners how to unlock the leader within themselves by strengthening their confidence, communication, decision-making and influence over other people. The author uses the principles of human behaviour and leadership psychology to demonstrate how successful leaders think and communicate their ideas in a way that creates a positive impact on the people around them. The author also stresses on how leadership has nothing to do with a person’s job title but a set of everyday skills that anyone can develop. The audiobook is narrated in Hindi by Anil Datt, who advises listeners how to develop themselves professionally and personally, with a clear and motivating voice. Ikigai Author: Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles The Ikigai Journey offers a practical and uplifting guide to discovering deeper purpose, balance and joy in life. The book offers solutions on how to turn philosophical insights into everyday actions. Through 35 mindful stations and exercises, the author helps you reflect on your past decisions, clarify your future goals and live more in the present, while strengthening your sense of well-being and being. The Hindi audiobook is narrated by Abhishek Sharma, whose clear and thoughtful delivery makes these life-enriching lessons accessible and relatable as listeners explore how their passions, values, experiences and daily choices can shape a purposeful and happier life.
09 January,2026 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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