Ananta Press is delighted to announce the official nomination of Pradeep Kumar for the prestigious Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award for his inspiring non-fiction work, Second Innings: The Story of Awesome Bros. This nomination celebrates a book that beautifully demonstrates how ordinary experiences, when observed with honesty and shared with authenticity, can become extraordinary stories that inspire readers from all walks of life. The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award recognizes books that leave a meaningful impact on readers through originality, thoughtful storytelling, strong values, and literary excellence. The award honors authors whose works contribute positively to society while encouraging reflection, personal growth, and meaningful conversations. Through its careful selection process, the award committee identifies books that go beyond entertainment to offer enduring lessons and genuine human connection. Second Innings: The Story of Awesome Bros stands out as a remarkable example of this vision. At first glance, it appears to be a story about weekend cricket, but beneath the sport lies a profound exploration of friendship, leadership, teamwork, resilience, and community. Pradeep Kumar transforms a familiar setting—a group of residents gathering every Saturday for a cricket match—into a compelling narrative about belonging and the relationships that enrich everyday life. Set against the backdrop of demanding careers in the IT industry, business commitments, and family responsibilities, the book follows the gradual evolution of a group of strangers into trusted teammates and, eventually, an extended family. Through memorable victories, difficult defeats, spirited debates, missed catches, shared breakfasts, and countless moments beyond the boundary line, the narrative highlights the importance of showing up consistently, supporting one another, and building trust over time. What makes this book particularly distinctive is its ability to uncover leadership lessons from ordinary experiences. Rather than focusing on formal positions or authority, Second Innings presents leadership as an act of service, consistency, humility, and mutual respect. It reminds readers that recognition is earned through actions, resilience is built through setbacks, and true success is measured not only by results but by the strength of the relationships we create along the way. The award committee was especially impressed by the book’s authenticity and emotional sincerity. Instead of relying on theoretical discussions or motivational clichés, Pradeep Kumar shares lessons drawn directly from lived experiences. This genuine perspective makes the book relatable to professionals, entrepreneurs, sports enthusiasts, community leaders, and anyone seeking inspiration in their personal or professional journey. Equally commendable is the author’s ability to transform simple weekly routines into meaningful reflections on life. The book demonstrates that extraordinary stories are often hidden within ordinary moments, waiting to be recognized. Its engaging blend of humor, honesty, and thoughtful observation creates a narrative that is both enjoyable and deeply reflective. Pradeep Kumar’s own journey adds another inspiring dimension to this achievement. A Bangalorean at heart and an IT professional with more than two decades of corporate experience, he has spent his career leading teams across diverse functions while believing that people always come before performance. Although he never considered himself a habitual reader or writer, the remarkable journey of building Awesome Bros inspired him to document experiences that carried valuable lessons far beyond the cricket field. His debut work reflects not academic theories but practical wisdom earned through years of teamwork, leadership, and community building. By sharing these experiences with openness and humility, Pradeep has created a book that encourages readers to appreciate the power of trust, belonging, and collective purpose in every aspect of life. The nomination committee recognized Second Innings: The Story of Awesome Bros for its originality, emotional depth, positive social message, and ability to inspire readers through authentic storytelling. The book celebrates values that are increasingly important in today’s fast-paced world—collaboration, empathy, resilience, and genuine human connection. It reminds us that success is often built not through individual achievement alone but through the communities we nurture and the people we choose to stand beside. This nomination acknowledges both the literary merit of the book and its meaningful contribution to contemporary non-fiction. By presenting leadership, friendship, and personal growth through the lens of everyday experiences, Pradeep Kumar has offered readers a refreshing perspective that resonates long after the final page. On behalf of Ananta Press, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pradeep Kumar on this outstanding milestone. His work is a testament to the fact that powerful stories can emerge from the simplest moments when they are told with honesty, purpose, and heart. We wish him continued success in his literary journey and hope that Second Innings: The Story of Awesome Bros continues to inspire readers to build stronger teams, deeper friendships, and more meaningful communities. We are honored to recognize this exceptional work through its official nomination for the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award and celebrate its valuable contribution to contemporary literature.

Ananta Press proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Soma Goho on the official nomination of her remarkable book, LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS, for the prestigious Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award. This nomination recognizes not only an inspiring literary work but also an author’s unwavering dedication to shaping the future of young minds through education, skill development, and meaningful guidance. In today’s rapidly changing world, academic excellence alone is no longer enough to prepare children for the challenges they will face. Success increasingly depends on qualities such as confidence, communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving. LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS addresses this crucial need by offering thoughtful parenting guidance and emphasizing the importance of life skills in helping children grow into capable, resilient, and compassionate individuals. The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award celebrates books that contribute meaningfully to society through impactful ideas, educational value, and lasting influence. After careful evaluation, our award committee recognized LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS as a work that goes beyond conventional parenting advice. The book encourages parents, educators, and caregivers to nurture essential life skills alongside academic learning, providing a practical and forward-thinking perspective that is highly relevant in today’s competitive and unpredictable world. One of the most commendable aspects of this book is its timely message. Rather than focusing solely on scholastic achievement, Dr. Soma Goho highlights the importance of developing the whole child. By encouraging parents to cultivate confidence, decision-making abilities, resilience, communication, and emotional strength, the book presents a holistic approach to raising future-ready children. Its message resonates with families seeking practical ways to prepare the next generation for both personal fulfillment and professional success. The nomination also reflects the outstanding contribution of Dr. Soma Goho, whose professional journey exemplifies her commitment to youth empowerment and lifelong learning. As a distinguished educator, mentor, and expert in soft skills, brain-skill management, career development, and entrepreneurship, she has consistently dedicated her work to helping young individuals discover their strengths and unlock their full potential. Her initiatives encourage students to build confidence, develop resilience, and embrace innovation while preparing them to navigate an increasingly complex world. Her involvement in cognitive development, brain science, and skill-based education further demonstrates her belief that true success comes from nurturing both intellectual abilities and practical life competencies. These experiences enrich LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS, making it a book grounded in real-world expertise and educational insight rather than theory alone. What makes this work particularly deserving of recognition is its ability to bridge the gap between parenting and personal development. The book reminds readers that leadership begins long before adulthood—it begins in childhood through the values, habits, and skills that are patiently cultivated every day. By encouraging parents to become active partners in their children’s emotional and personal growth, Dr. Goho presents a powerful vision for raising responsible, confident, and compassionate future leaders. The award committee was especially impressed by the book’s relevance, accessibility, and social impact. Its ideas are applicable across diverse families and educational settings, making it a valuable resource for anyone invested in a child’s growth. The book promotes not only individual success but also the broader development of a generation equipped to contribute positively to society. This emphasis on character, resilience, and lifelong learning aligns closely with the values celebrated by the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award. Literature has the power to inspire change, and LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS demonstrates this beautifully. Through its meaningful message and practical guidance, the book empowers readers to rethink the role of parenting in preparing children for life’s challenges. It encourages a future where education extends beyond textbooks to include confidence, empathy, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that define successful individuals in every sphere of life. On behalf of everyone at Ananta Press, we proudly congratulate Dr. Soma Goho on this well-deserved nomination. Her dedication to empowering children, supporting parents, and promoting skill-based learning has made a significant contribution to contemporary educational literature. Through her work, she continues to inspire families, educators, and young learners to embrace growth, resilience, and lifelong learning. We extend our warmest wishes to Dr. Soma Goho for continued success and look forward to seeing LITTLE LEADERS BIG LIFE SKILLS inspire countless more readers in the years ahead. May this nomination serve as another milestone in her remarkable journey of transforming lives through education, mentorship, and the written word.

Ananta Press is delighted to announce the official nomination of Dr. Sushrut Almast’s inspiring book, Bollywood Outsider – A Success Story, for the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award 2026. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the author on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate a work that stands as a remarkable testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of unwavering determination. The Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award recognizes books that enrich contemporary literature through authenticity, originality, meaningful storytelling, and their ability to inspire readers across generations. Each nominated work is carefully evaluated for its literary merit, relevance, social impact, and the lasting value it offers to its audience. Bollywood Outsider – A Success Story embodies these qualities through a deeply personal yet universally motivating narrative that encourages readers to believe in the strength of persistence, even when the odds appear overwhelming. At the heart of the book lies the extraordinary real-life journey of Dr. Sushrut Almast, a medical doctor who dared to pursue an ambitious dream in one of the world’s most competitive film industries. Without influential connections or industry backing, he ventured into Bollywood with conviction, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his vision. The book chronicles the challenging journey of his film, originally titled Vyakul in 1991, later reintroduced as Nirnayak – The Decider in 1993, and eventually released successfully in 1997–98 after years of setbacks and determination. Rather than presenting success as a straightforward achievement, the narrative explores the uncertainty, patience, setbacks, and relentless effort required to transform a dream into reality. The remarkable success of Nirnayak – The Decider, featuring the memorable screen presence of Om Puri and Amrish Puri, along with its enduring popularity and millions of viewers worldwide, serves as compelling evidence that perseverance can ultimately triumph over seemingly impossible barriers. What impressed the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award Committee most is the book’s authenticity. It does not rely on fictional inspiration or exaggerated motivational rhetoric. Instead, it offers readers an honest account of resilience grounded in lived experience. The book provides aspiring filmmakers, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and dreamers with valuable insights into navigating rejection, uncertainty, and the long road toward meaningful achievement. Its message extends well beyond cinema, reminding readers that genuine success is often built through courage, patience, and an unwavering commitment to one’s purpose. The committee also recognizes the broader significance of Dr. Almast’s contribution. His life reflects an uncommon combination of disciplines and accomplishments. A qualified medical specialist with an MBBS and MD in Radiodiagnosis from Delhi University, he has simultaneously explored filmmaking, literature, finance, Vedic studies, leadership, and social service. As a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple initiatives dedicated to holistic well-being and knowledge, he represents a lifelong commitment to learning and public contribution. This multidimensional perspective enriches his writing, giving readers a narrative shaped by diverse experiences and practical wisdom. Another notable strength of Bollywood Outsider – A Success Story is its relevance in today’s creative landscape. In an era where many talented individuals question whether success is possible without privilege or established networks, the book delivers a message of hope supported by real experience. It demonstrates that determination, preparation, adaptability, and resilience remain powerful forces capable of overcoming structural challenges. This authenticity makes the work especially valuable for aspiring artists, filmmakers, writers, students, and professionals pursuing unconventional paths. From a literary perspective, the book succeeds by combining memoir, motivational literature, and behind-the-scenes industry insight into a cohesive and engaging narrative. It documents an important personal journey while simultaneously capturing the realities of pursuing creative ambitions within the Indian film industry. This combination gives the work enduring value not only as an inspirational memoir but also as a meaningful contribution to contemporary nonfiction. The nomination of Bollywood Outsider – A Success Story reflects the award committee’s appreciation for literature that empowers readers through truth, experience, and meaningful storytelling. The book reminds us that extraordinary achievements often begin with ordinary individuals willing to take extraordinary risks. It celebrates resilience without glorifying struggle, encouraging readers to embrace perseverance while remaining grounded in purpose and integrity. On behalf of Ananta Press, we proudly congratulate Dr. Sushrut Almast on this prestigious nomination for the Ananta Press Sahitya Ratna Award 2026. His inspiring journey, remarkable achievements, and commitment to sharing valuable life lessons through literature have created a work that resonates far beyond the pages of the book. We extend our warmest wishes for his continued literary and professional success. May Bollywood Outsider – A Success Story continue to inspire countless readers to pursue their dreams with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Through this nomination, Ananta Press is honored to recognize Dr. Sushrut Almast’s meaningful contribution to inspirational literature and to celebrate a story that reminds us that true success belongs to those who refuse to give up.

साहित्य केवल शब्दों का संग्रह नहीं होता, बल्कि वह जीवन को देखने का दृष्टिकोण भी प्रदान करता है। कुछ पुस्तकें मनोरंजन करती हैं, कुछ ज्ञान देती हैं, और कुछ ऐसी होती हैं जो पाठकों के भीतर सकारात्मक परिवर्तन की प्रेरणा जगाती हैं। वरिष्ठ साहित्यकार राज ऋषि शर्मा की नवीनतम प्रेरक कृति ‘हैप्पीएस्ट (सदा प्रसन्न रहने का मूल मंत्र)’ इसी श्रेणी की एक महत्वपूर्ण पुस्तक है, जिसने अपने सार्थक संदेश, व्यावहारिक दृष्टिकोण और मानवीय मूल्यों पर आधारित चिंतन के कारण अनंता प्रेस साहित्य रत्न पुरस्कार के लिए आधिकारिक रूप से नामांकन प्राप्त किया है। अनंता प्रेस साहित्य रत्न पुरस्कार उन उत्कृष्ट साहित्यिक कृतियों और रचनाकारों को सम्मानित करने के उद्देश्य से स्थापित किया गया है, जिन्होंने अपने लेखन के माध्यम से समाज, संस्कृति और मानवीय चेतना को समृद्ध किया है। यह पुरस्कार केवल साहित्यिक उत्कृष्टता का सम्मान नहीं, बल्कि उन विचारों का भी अभिनंदन है जो पाठकों के जीवन में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन लाने की क्षमता रखते हैं। राज ऋषि शर्मा की यह पुस्तक इन्हीं आदर्शों का सशक्त प्रतिनिधित्व करती है। ‘हैप्पीएस्ट (सदा प्रसन्न रहने का मूल मंत्र)’ एक ऐसी प्रेरक पुस्तक है जो प्रसन्नता को केवल भावनात्मक अनुभव नहीं, बल्कि एक सचेत जीवन-दृष्टि के रूप में प्रस्तुत करती है। लेखक ने वर्षों के अध्ययन, मनोवैज्ञानिक समझ, दार्शनिक दृष्टि और व्यक्तिगत अनुभवों के आधार पर यह स्पष्ट किया है कि वास्तविक प्रसन्नता बाहरी उपलब्धियों या परिस्थितियों पर निर्भर नहीं करती, बल्कि व्यक्ति के विचारों, आत्मबोध और मानसिक संतुलन से उत्पन्न होती है। पुस्तक की सबसे बड़ी विशेषता इसका सुव्यवस्थित और व्यावहारिक स्वरूप है। इसे चार प्रमुख भागों—प्रसन्नता की यात्रा, आत्म-विकास, संबंध, और प्रसन्नता का रहस्य—में विभाजित किया गया है। प्रत्येक खंड जीवन के ऐसे पक्षों को स्पर्श करता है जो हर व्यक्ति के दैनिक अनुभवों से जुड़े हैं। बच्चे जैसी सरलता बनाए रखना, प्रकृति से जुड़ना, नई चीजें सीखना, यात्रा करना, दूसरों की सहायता करना, आभार व्यक्त करना, क्षमा करना, सकारात्मक सोच विकसित करना, स्वस्थ जीवनशैली अपनाना, मजबूत संबंध बनाना, वर्तमान में जीना और स्वयं को स्वीकार करना जैसे विषय इस पुस्तक को केवल प्रेरणादायक नहीं, बल्कि व्यवहारिक मार्गदर्शिका भी बनाते हैं। पुस्तक का एक अत्यंत प्रभावशाली पक्ष यह है कि लेखक ने अपने विचारों को केवल सिद्धांतों तक सीमित नहीं रखा। महात्मा गांधी, मदर टेरेसा, डॉ. ए.पी.जे. अब्दुल कलाम, थॉमस एडिसन, नेल्सन मंडेला, हेलेन केलर, मलाला और अन्य महान व्यक्तित्वों के जीवन-प्रसंगों के माध्यम से उन्होंने यह दर्शाया है कि कठिनाइयों और असफलताओं के बीच भी प्रसन्नता, धैर्य और उद्देश्यपूर्ण जीवन संभव है। इससे पुस्तक की विश्वसनीयता और प्रेरक प्रभाव दोनों सुदृढ़ होते हैं। अनंता प्रेस साहित्य रत्न पुरस्कार चयन समिति ने इस पुस्तक को विशेष रूप से इसलिए नामांकित किया है क्योंकि यह आत्म-विकास और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य जैसे समकालीन विषयों को भारतीय सांस्कृतिक और आध्यात्मिक दृष्टिकोण से प्रस्तुत करती है। पुस्तक बौद्ध दर्शन के मध्यम मार्ग, आत्म-साक्षात्कार, ध्यान, आत्मनिरीक्षण और आत्म-सुझाव जैसी अवधारणाओं को सरल भाषा में समझाते हुए पाठकों को व्यावहारिक जीवन में संतुलन और आंतरिक शांति की दिशा प्रदान करती है। आज के तनावपूर्ण और तीव्र गति वाले जीवन में यह दृष्टिकोण अत्यंत प्रासंगिक और आवश्यक प्रतीत होता है। राज ऋषि शर्मा का साहित्यिक व्यक्तित्व स्वयं इस नामांकन को और अधिक सार्थक बनाता है। हिंदी, डोगरी और अंग्रेज़ी भाषाओं में समान दक्षता रखने वाले इस बहुमुखी रचनाकार ने अब तक विभिन्न विधाओं में छत्तीस से अधिक पुस्तकों की रचना की है। कविता, उपन्यास, निबंध, आलोचना, प्रेरक साहित्य और पत्रकारिता जैसे विविध क्षेत्रों में उनका योगदान उल्लेखनीय रहा है। उनकी अनेक रचनाएँ प्रतिष्ठित पत्र-पत्रिकाओं में प्रकाशित हुई हैं तथा आकाशवाणी से प्रसारित भी हुई हैं। युवा लेखकों के मार्गदर्शन, साहित्यिक कार्यशालाओं के आयोजन और साहित्यिक पत्रिकाओं के संपादन के माध्यम से उन्होंने साहित्यिक समाज के विकास में भी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। उनकी लेखनी की सबसे बड़ी शक्ति उसकी सहजता, संवेदनशीलता और विचारों की गहराई है। वे जटिल मनोवैज्ञानिक एवं दार्शनिक विषयों को सरल, प्रवाहपूर्ण और प्रेरक शैली में प्रस्तुत करते हैं, जिससे उनकी रचनाएँ व्यापक पाठक वर्ग तक सहजता से पहुँचती हैं। ‘हैप्पीएस्ट’ इसी परंपरा का उत्कृष्ट विस्तार है, जहाँ ज्ञान और व्यवहारिक जीवन-दृष्टि का संतुलित समन्वय दिखाई देता है। अनंता प्रेस साहित्य रत्न पुरस्कार के लिए इस पुस्तक का चयन केवल इसकी लोकप्रियता या प्रेरक विषयवस्तु के कारण नहीं, बल्कि इसलिए भी किया गया है क्योंकि यह पाठकों को स्वयं के भीतर झाँकने, अपनी क्षमताओं को पहचानने, मानसिक संतुलन विकसित करने और जीवन के प्रति सकारात्मक दृष्टिकोण अपनाने के लिए प्रेरित करती है। यह पुस्तक साहित्य को सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के साथ जोड़ते हुए यह सिद्ध करती है कि उत्कृष्ट लेखन व्यक्ति के विचारों, व्यवहार और जीवन की दिशा को बदलने की क्षमता रखता है। अनंता प्रेस परिवार की ओर से राज ऋषि शर्मा को इस महत्वपूर्ण उपलब्धि पर हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ एवं बधाई। हमें विश्वास है कि ‘हैप्पीएस्ट (सदा प्रसन्न रहने का मूल मंत्र)’ आने वाले वर्षों में भी असंख्य पाठकों को आत्मविश्वास, मानसिक संतुलन और आंतरिक प्रसन्नता की ओर प्रेरित करती रहेगी। आपकी साहित्य-साधना, मानवीय मूल्यों के प्रति आपकी प्रतिबद्धता और समाज को सकारात्मक दिशा देने वाला आपका लेखन हिंदी साहित्य को निरंतर समृद्ध करता रहे—इन्हीं मंगलकामनाओं के साथ हम आपके उज्ज्वल साहित्यिक भविष्य की कामना करते हैं। एक बार पुनः, अनंता प्रेस साहित्य रत्न पुरस्कार हेतु आपके आधिकारिक नामांकन पर हार्दिक बधाई।