MAM
Five audiobooks and podcasts to mark National Parents’ Day 2023
Mumbai: As National Parents’ Day draws near, it’s time to celebrate our real-life superheroes who taught us to fly even before we knew how to walk! Just like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’s famous dialogue “Zindagi mein agar kuch banna ho, kuch haasil karna ho, kuch jeetna ho, toh hamesha dil ki suno, aur agar dil bhi koi jawab na de toh aankhen band karke apni maa aur papa ka naam lo, phir dekhna har manzil paar kar jaoge, har mushkil aasaan ho jayegi, jeet tumhari hogi, sirf tumhari” resonates with our souls, our parents’ love for us echoes through the ages. This 23 July, let’s cherish the guiding light of our lives with a curated list of these Audible titles that beautifully capture the essence of parenthood and offer parenting tips for the new ones embarking on the journey, reminding us of the magic woven by their love.
Written by: Supriya Kelkar; Narrated by: Zehra Jane Naqvi
‘Ahimsa’ unfolds during India’s struggle for independence, centering around 10-year-old Anjali and her mother’s profound journey. When her mother responds to Mahatma Gandhi’s call to join the freedom movement, Anjali witnesses the sacrifices of parenthood and embraces the values of non-violent resistance, compassion, and inclusivity. When her mother is jailed, Anjali steps up, continuing her legacy and contributing to India’s fight for freedom. This poignant audiobook celebrates the unwavering love and transformative power of parenthood amidst a momentous chapter in Indian history, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of the author’s great-grandmother.
Written by: Preeti Shenoy; Narrated by: Priyanka Rajpal
This audiobook is a delightful collection of true anecdotes. Written with a style that has engrossed readers worldwide, it strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of raising children or hold dear memories of their own youth. ‘Love a Little Stronger ‘ reminds us to cherish life’s smallest moments and love with greater strength, making it a must-read for parents and anyone touched by the magic of childhood.
Written by: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni; Narrated by: Deepti Gupta
‘Queen of Dreams,’ is a story of mothers and daughters, their love and cultural identity. It is the tale of Rakhi, a talented painter and devoted single mother who juggles a creative block, raising her daughter by herself, and saving the Berkeley teahouse that she co-owns with her best friend, Belle. A national tragedy turns her world upside down, and Rakhi loses her mother in a car accident. Tune into Audible and listen to this touching story that explores the complexities of love, and loss, leaving you captivated by the extraordinary journey of a woman unearthing the secrets that shaped her identity as she embarks on the path to confront her fears.
Written by: RamG Vallath; Narrated by: Sanyam Sharma
Here’s to embarking on a parenting adventure like never before. In this audiobook, join Ramgopal Vallath, as he helps you discover the secret to unlocking your child’s full potential and nurturing their unique abilities. With inspiring stories from his own upbringing and encounters with countless parents, you’ll gain invaluable insights and common guidelines to conquer any challenge that comes your way. With expert advice and touching anecdotes, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this thrilling roller coaster ride of parenthood!
Pumped Up Parenting | The Best Advice that NO ONE ELSE GIVES YOU about Raising Kids in Today’s World
Written by: Celia Kibler
Buckle up, parents! Being a mom or dad is no easy feat; it’s an exhilarating adventure filled with questions, mysteries, and unexpected twists, but fear not when the ‘Pumped up Parenting’ podcast is here. Led by Celia Kibler, a family and relationship-empowerment coach, this podcast spills the beans on everything you need to know about parenting, even the stuff you didn’t know you needed to know! So tune in to Audible and get ready to laugh, learn, and embrace the incredible rollercoaster ride of parenthood with Celia and her expert squad.
Brands
Pocket FM elevates Lalit Gangwar to COO to drive global growth
Founding member to lead operations, monetisation and expansion across markets
MUMBAI: Pocket FM has elevated Lalit Gangwar to chief operating officer, tasking the founding team member with leading global business operations as the company sharpens its international growth strategy.
In his new role, Gangwar will oversee end-to-end operations across markets, including growth, monetisation and execution for the company’s audio business. The appointment comes as Pocket FM looks to strengthen its operating foundation and build a more predictable, scalable global business.
Gangwar has been closely involved in shaping the company’s trajectory from its early days. He played a key role in building the growth and marketing playbook in India, helping the platform scale to over 150 million users within its first year and establish a strong foothold in the audio storytelling category.
He later led Pocket FM’s expansion into the United States, where he set up teams, defined market strategy and drove scale, contributing significantly to the company’s international ambitions.
Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak said, “Lalit has been central to Pocket FM’s journey from the very beginning. He has built our growth engine and scaled our business across markets.” He added that the company’s focus on nurturing internal talent makes Gangwar a natural choice to lead the next phase.
Gangwar said, “Pocket FM has always been driven by a simple belief that powerful stories can travel across borders and create meaningful impact.” He noted that the company will continue to focus on scaling markets, investing in AI-led storytelling and strengthening monetisation.
As COO, Gangwar is expected to bring greater operating discipline while building systems, talent and processes to support long-term growth.
With leadership continuity and a clear global focus, Pocket FM appears to be turning the page to its next chapter, one that aims to take its storytelling playbook well beyond home turf.
