A Flag is a necessity for all nations. Millions have died for it. It is no doubt a kind of idolatry which it would be a sin to destroy. For, a flag represents an ideal. The unfurling of the Union Jack in the English breast evokes sentiments whose strength is difficult to measure. The Stripes mean a world to the Americans. The Star and the Crescent will call forth the best bravery in Islam.

It will be necessary for us Indians-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis and all others to whom India is their home to recognize a common flag to live and to die for.' M.K.Gandhi.

I remember, and many in this House will remember, how we booked up to this Flag not only with pride and enthusiasm but with tingling in our veins and also how when we were sometimes down and out, the sight of this flag gave us courage to go on. Then, many who are not present here today, many of our comrades who have passed, held on to this flag, some amongst them even unto death, and handed it over as they sank, to others to hold it aloft.

Jawaharlal Nehru

Have you ever wondered why man does not have a tail? Or why the banyan tree has so many trunks? Do you know why the wind wanders restlessly around the earth? Well then, delve into the pages of this book of creation stories, that comes straight from the wonderful 'Land of Make Believe! The stories will introduce you to a benevolent Creator with an army of delightful angels, and to planets and animals that talk. You will meet Thunder and lightening and Rain, and unforgettable and plucky little rooster who set out to meet Morning.

Santhini Govindan is a widely published, award-winning author of children's literature. She has written more than thirty-five books for children, including picture books, short stories, non-fiction and poetry. She writes regularly for the children's pages of leading national dailies and children's magazines in India and overseas. She has received two national fellowship from the Government of India for projects connected to children's literature. She lives and works in Mumbai.

The selection of stories in this volume covers places from India to Greece, personalities from Horutius to Humayun. Stories of bravery and sacrifice have been told in a lucid and simple manner. These stories will inspire the children and the youth alike.

Shree Narayan is a well known story-writer for children. The original Hindi version has been highly popular.

Both healthcare and life expectancy among the senior citizens is a matter of great significance as they constitute about eight per cent of the total population. The book presents an in-depth analysis of issues relevant to the life of senior citizens. It suggests several ways to cope with the problems, especially health-related and emotional, generally faced by the elders. The book is immensely useful not only to the growing number of senior citizens but also guides the younger generation in appreciating better the concerns of their elders.

The author, who is himself a senior citizen and Member Secretary of a non-political organisation, "Citizenship Development Society", provides answers to many problems faced by his contemporaries and exhorts them to lead a useful life in their twilight years.

The place of Bhagat Singh is unique in the annals of our freedom struggle. Born in a family of patriots and revolutionaries, he and his venerable comrades grew in an atmosphere surcharged with nationalistic and revolutionary fervour. Throughout the short span of his sparking life, he pursued his fight against the British rule and also against all forms of exploitation. Finally, he and his brave compatriots kissed the gallows with the dreams of Inquilab - the stage of total transformation to a just and humane society. He earned an unparalleled place in local legends, among his followers and also in the hearts of youths for ever. He and his comrades died so that India may live.

Malwinder Jit Singh Waraich is a veteran and enthusiastic chronicler of the revolutionary movement in India. His commitment to the cause, deep understanding of the martyrs' ideology and intimate relations with the comrades and close relatives of Bhagat Singh make this biography a valuable and inspiring reading experience.

The Reference Annual - India 2008 portrays every aspect of our large and diverse country. It encapsulates the nation's rapid strides in various fields in the year gone by, provides the profile of all the Indian States and Union Territories and deals with various aspects of our country, including the land and people, history, art and culture. The Reference Annual also compiles reliable and updated information about India's economy, polity, scientific achievements and basic infrastructure, obtained from various central ministries and several important organizations.

This volume will prove to be a useful and invaluable reference book to scholars, journalists, students and above all, the general readers who want to have authentic and comprehensive information about India.

Quotable Quotes from Indira Gandhi – is a collection of quotes, stringing of phrases from the speeches of Smt. Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. From the serious and the sublime, the book contains flashes of her speeches to the witty and humorous side as well.

The book is compiled by Publications Division.