Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of RISING: 30 Women Who Changed India by Kiran Manral

Do you remember the first time a woman’s story made you sit up, smile, and silently whisper, “I want to be like her”? Maybe it was Indira Gandhi on the news, or Mary Kom on the podium, or your mother silently winning life’s daily battles. RISING: 30 Women Who Changed India by Kiran Manral is a celebration of those kinds of stories — the kind that don’t just inspire, but shift something inside you.

Kiran Manral, a name I’ve followed since her witty fiction debut The Reluctant Detective, steps into powerful nonfiction terrain here — and how beautifully she does it. With this book, she doesn’t merely tell us about 30 Indian women who’ve made a difference; she makes us feel why and how they matter.

RISING is a collection of mini-biographies — a literary bouquet of stories — each focusing on a woman who broke stereotypes, defied odds, and chose to rise rather than conform. From iconic names like Lata Mangeshkar and Kiran Bedi to lesser-talked-about changemakers like Chhavi Rajawat and Harita Kaur Deol, the book spans multiple domains: politics, arts, science, sports, literature, and even rural governance.

This isn't just about listing accomplishments — it's about exploring the “how” behind the “what.” How did these women push back against societal expectations? What personal tragedies, inner resolve, or accidental opportunities led them to greatness?

Kiran’s writing is both graceful and grounded. Her tone is warm, informative, and never preachy. She doesn’t force drama into the narrative — she lets the women’s lives speak for themselves. What struck me was her ability to balance respect with relatability. She neither puts these women on unreachable pedestals nor simplifies their stories. Instead, she brings them into our living rooms, letting us listen like old friends.

Though this is nonfiction, the women feel like characters you can deeply relate to. Sheila Dikshit’s quiet authority, Amrita Pritam’s poetic passion, Bachendri Pal’s literal and metaphorical climb — all these portraits come alive with nuance. Each chapter introduces not just a woman, but an idea: perseverance, rebellion, reinvention, service, or artistry.

One particularly beautiful moment? Amrita Pritam’s quote upon Sahir Ludhianvi’s death — “Aaj mera Khuda mar gaya.” That sentence stayed with me. It’s raw, poetic, and profound — and speaks volumes about love, loss, and language.

The structure is straightforward — 30 chapters, 30 lives. But this simplicity is the book’s strength. It allows readers to dip in and out, savour one story at a time, or binge through them all in one inspiring weekend. There’s no forced chronology, just stories that are tied together by a common thread: courage.

If RISING has a heartbeat, it’s the theme of resilience. Whether it's Mahasweta Devi’s fierce activism, P.V. Sindhu’s relentless training, or Chhavi Rajawat’s brave step into village politics, these stories are all about rising — above limitations, expectations, and sometimes even one’s own fears.

There’s also a strong undertone of choice — choosing purpose over comfort, self-expression over silence, and service over self-interest.

Several moments moved me deeply — not because they were dramatic, but because they were real. Bachendri Pal’s journey to Everest, for example, felt like a metaphor for every woman trying to reach the peak of her potential while carrying the burden of expectations on her back. I finished her chapter with goosebumps.

What makes this book special is its accessibility. It doesn’t demand prior knowledge or academic interest. It’s relatable. It's human. And for young readers especially, it’s a brilliant introduction to women in Indian history and contemporary society who dared to dream differently.

If I had to point out a flaw, it would be this — the concept isn’t entirely novel. We've seen books about inspiring Indian women before. But where RISING wins is in how it makes you feel. It’s not just a catalogue of achievements; it’s a tribute, an ode, a reminder.

I found myself nodding, smiling, pausing, and highlighting lines as I read. Some stories were new to me, others familiar — but each left a mark. I especially loved reading about Amrita Pritam, someone whose poetry has always touched my soul. This book deepened that connection.

As someone who loves nonfiction but craves emotional depth, RISING felt like the perfect blend.

In a world that often shouts down women or rewrites their stories, RISING quietly but powerfully restores their voices. It made me reflect, remember, and feel proud — not just of these women, but of the potential that lies in all of us.

Highly recommended for anyone who needs a reminder that change begins with courage — and sometimes, all it takes is one woman choosing to rise.

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