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Best Seller MY SILK ROAD Now Available In Paperback

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Good to be working on the publicity campaign for My Silk Road, The Adventures and Struggles of a British Asian Refugee by author and businessman Ram Gidoomal, CBE with a foreword by Dame Prue Leith, DBE, which will now be in paperback from 19 November 2023 and is published by Pippa Rann Books & Media. This is a powerful autobiography of legacy, struggles, belonging, and hope – of a rich boy turned refugee who had his dreams and plans ripped away from him, and how he goes on to create success beyond his imagination.

Dame Pru Leith, DBE says in her Foreword, “The result is a book that is deeply stimulating and challenging, but also riveting, witty, and humorous – and therefore inspiring.”

My Silk Road aims to encourage everyone who is struggling to move forward in life.  Gidoomal shares stories that demonstrate the difference made by a can–do attitude, a spirit of generosity, and prioritizing relationships. Through all these, he shares the secrets of living a life that marries deep compassion with success, a generous life that reaps unexpected rewards.

This memoir is reflective of what’s happening today globally, with people being displaced by conflict, and needing to start their lives again in a different country. The author, Ram Gidoomal, was born into a family that fled British India during the partition of India and Pakistan, who became an Indian immigrant family of silk traders in Kenya, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Mombasa. As he turned 17, his family faced a devastating second deportation to London. Starting from scratch, Gidoomal built a successful high-profile career in business, where he was on the road to prosperity and fortune when a life-changing journey led him to dedicate his business skills and profits to those who need them most.

My Silk Road is Gidoomal’s ninth book. He has received numerous recognitions for his books and other contributions, including Honorary Doctorates from three UK universities. In 2021 was included in High Flyers Global 50, which recognises the 50 most eminent people of Indian origin living and working outside India. In 1998, his contributions to the community were recognised by the award of a CBE from Her Late Majesty The Queen.

Below is just a sample of the praise that My Silk Road has received:

“wit, verve, and searing honesty” – Lord McColl of Dulwich

“Once you start reading, you cannot put it down” – Lord Vallance of Tummel

“Lifts the heart and spirit” –Baroness Cumberlege CBE DL

“Extraordinary” – Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE DL, former Second Sea Lord and Governor of Gibraltar

 

Interested in the book and/or the author do get in touch – sangeeta@serendipitypr.co.uk

Threads of Change 2023 DAY 3 – Responsible Business and Co-creation

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I am delighted to be able to participate in the Threads of Change event that is being organized by Khadi London and Chelsea College at the prestigious Nehru Centre in London, where I will be talking about corporate social responsibility and the themes from my book CSR Is Not PR. This is a free event that runs over five days, from 16 to 20 October.

Natural fibres, regenerative practices and heritage textile crafts all have a key role to play as the world faces choices in its journey towards a sustainable future…could the fashion and textiles industry drive the change, thread by thread? This curated exhibition is aimed at everyone, from those in the global fashion and textiles community to all of us as consumers who want to see revolutionary change and who recognise our collective power to make it happen. This is where CSR comes in as we as consumers are voting with our wallets and want to buy from businesses and brands that care about the planet.

Khadi London is a UK-based social enterprise focusing on sharing knowledge and skills in regenerative textiles. This five-day event will feature a range of discussions from the regenerative production of fibres to talks from businesses working with these fibres to the steps that must happen to enable the wider adoption of these approaches. Craft Demonstrations including natural dyes, spinning and block printing will be a part of the exhibition.

Each day is themed as follows:

Monday & Tuesday – Climate Change and Social Justice

Wednesday – Responsible Business and Co-creation

Thursday – Education, Heritage, and Culture

Friday – Culture and Inclusive Eco-System

I will be speaking on Thursday 19, between 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm and you can find out more and book tickets here on eventbrite.

Photo credit: Khadi London

In Conversation With Eco-Adventurer & Author Kate Rawles

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I was invited to interview author Kate Rawles about her book, The Life Cycle – 8,000 Miles In The Andes By Bamboo Bike for the Thames Ditton Nature and Climate Festival that ran from 8-10 September, and what a conversation we had! Kate shared with us the devastation that she witnessed as she rode her bike, called Woody through this great landscape. The Andes is among the world’s longest mountain ranges, with a varied terrain that encompasses glaciers, volcanoes, grassland, desert, lakes, and forest. The mountains shelter pre-Columbian archaeological sites and wildlife including chinchillas and condors. From Venezuela in the north, the range passes through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Kate is a fabulous storyteller and had us enthralled with her honest account of what she saw and experienced, threaded with some lighter moments of humour, leaving us with a message of hope…that we can make the change needed by our planet as a community.

Christiana Figueres, former head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has said about this book, “A heart-wrenching and heart-warming ride through South America and into the punding soul of the vibrant biodiversity we have ignored for way too long.”

Buy the book!

We Don’t Have Time

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Did you watch this brilliant and honest conversation with Ingmar Rentzhog CEO and Co-Founder of We Don’t Have Time about the climate crisis? Well don’t worry, you can watch it here. This video since its release on 7 September has had 947K views alone on Twitter also known as X.

And yes the cat is out of the bag, I am writing my third book, for publication in 2024. It is a pro-planet book, about legacy and climate change, with a diversity of voices. This book draws on the inspiration from the success, of CSR Is Not PR and includes ‘in conversations’ with global change makers about the climate crisis.

 

 

 

Talking Points With Keith Vaz

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I had great fun speaking with Keith Vaz on his radio show, Talking Points on Lyca Radio, who is a wonderful warm host, who keeps his guests on their toes. We talked about lots of things from brands, PR, my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, Donald Trump, speech writing, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

If you want to listen to the show, you can catch it here and you will also find out what’s my favourite Bollywood film song and why…

On World Book Day, At The World Book Fair 2023

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Nothing, and let me say again, nothing gives an author more joy than seeing their book being read, being with book lovers, on bookshelves, and being at book fairs. So, this photo received today, sent by my publisher was special and they have been making sure the book got all the spotlight it deserves at the World Book Fair happening in Delhi this week, which ends on 5 March.

This book has its own energy, it makes things happen and can be bought on Amazon UK and Amazon India.

This is the 31st edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), which began on February 25 and has been organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The event has invited France as its guest of honour and will be attended by a total of 16 French authors, including Annie Ernaux, the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature winner.

This year’s theme of the Fair is based on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements.

NDWBF was first held in 1972 after it was inaugurated by the then-President of India VV Giri.  Today, it’s one of the biggest literary events in the world with a total footfall of over two million people.

Bridge India Event: I’m In Conversation with Anita Kaushal, Co Founder, Mauli Rituals, 16 February at 6.30pm

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I have a love and an interest in wellbeing and Ayurvedic products.

If you are curious about Ayurveda, join me for this special event where I am speaking with Anita Kaushal co-founder of the multi-award-winning Mauli Rituals, which is one of my favourite Ayurvedic brands. Heralded by Vogue UK, Tatler, Harpers Bazaar, and others it is a fabulous brand with lots of soul.

I got to know the brand first before I met Anita Kaushal and I had the privilege of interviewing Anita for the Indian edition of my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations and I fell in love with this brand more!

There’s so much to learn and know about Anita, Ayurveda, and her very successful brand, as Mauli Rituals is one the first Ayurvedic brands to enter the UK market… I am pleased to be back in conversation with Anita on 16 Feb at 6.30pm hosted by Bridge India

So if you are interested in wellbeing, want to know more about Ayurveda or just want good company and conversation, come along. Book via Bridge Indiahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgeindia/

 

Serendipity PR Is Working With New British Author Tom Mead Whose Debut Book Is Taking Crime Fiction Genre By Storm

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The crime genre is explosively popular and is why Death and the Conjuror a debut crime novel by author, Tom Mead has launched to great success in the US in March 2022. The book was published in the UK on 2 February 2023 by the publishing house, Head of Zeus. Mead is an exciting new British author, specializing in locked-room mysteries and has been lauded across the crime fiction genre, earning high praise from best-loved writers and publications, including New York Times bestselling authors. Mead and his book have been named a “Buzz Book” by Publishers Marketplace and selected as one of Publishers Weekly’s Mysteries of the Year 2022.

Mead’s book is a tribute to the classic golden age whodunnit when crime fiction was a battle of wits between writer and reader. Death and the Conjuror joins its macabre atmosphere, period detail, and vividly drawn characters with a meticulously constructed fair play puzzle. Its baffling plot promises to enthral readers of mystery icons such as Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr, modern masters like Anthony Horowitz and Elly Griffiths, or anyone who appreciates a good mystery.

The success of Mead and his book can be attributed to the latest trend for “escapism” which has been fuelled by recent events from the global pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the cost of living. We all need to escape somewhere, and good books are providing the answer. Death and the Conjuror is leading the way on the cosy crime revival that’s been building for years.

Readers are also falling out of love with celebrity writers and want real authentic authors, who write because of their passion and burning imagination. Mead is a testament to this as his short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and numerous others. Most recently, his short story “Heatwave” was selected by Lee Child for inclusion in his Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2021.

 Advance Praise – These are just some of the endorsements received to give a snapshot of the respect Mead has earned. There are too many to include:

“Death and the Conjuror is an engrossing tale of murder and magicians, and a revealing exploration of the ever-popular locked-room mystery. Mead’s debut is a novel to intrigue and delight.”

John Connolly, New York Times bestseller of The Nameless Ones and 18 additional titles in the Charlie Parker series

“Tom Mead has created an intriguing set of puzzles on par with John Dickson Carr in Death and the Conjuror.  A true delight for mystery lovers!”

Charles Todd, New York Times bestseller of A Game of Fear and 23 additional titles in the Inspector Rutledge series

“With a deviously intricate locked-room plot, Death and the Conjuror unfolds as both an elegant tribute and a cunning update of the classic ‘impossible crime’ story. Somewhere, the great John Dickson Carr is smiling.”
Daniel Stashower, two-time Edgar-winner, and author of the Harry Houdini mysteries

“A real treat for mystery fans”

Ragnar Jonasson, bestselling author of the Dark Iceland series

An intricate, elegantly written ‘impossible’ crime that completely fooled me. Tom Mead is already a master of the art of misdirection.”

Peter Lovesey, international bestseller, CWA Diamond Dagger Award winner and MWA Grandmaster

“Both a splendid homage to the Golden age of impossible crimes and its great exponent John Dickson Carr and a witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery with tongue in cheek bravado and a gallery of attendant, endearing characters, Tom Mead’s debut is a sheer delight.”

Maxim Jakubowski, author, editor and CWA chairman                                      

 “An ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating!”

Victoria Dowd, author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Murder

“More red herrings than a North Sea trawler, suspects galore, a dearth of clues, a locked room, and no weapon. A classic ‘who?’ and ‘how?'”

Adrian Magson, author of the Inspector Lucas Rocco series

I Was Lucky To Attend The Jaipur Literature Festival, India 2023

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I have been lucky to be invited to attend this year’s 16th Jaipur Literature Festival, India, an event that has been on my bucket list since 2012 and it did not disappoint. I would go far as saying that everyone should at least once in their lifetime, experience JLF in India. It is like Glastonbury for books, where authors are rock stars.

 

The Festival beautifully combines books with music, creating its own culture and vibe; and te city of Jaipur could not be more perfect for the setting for this Festival. Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, in India. Translated from Hindi, Rajasthan means ‘the land of kings’, and Jaipur, is defined by royalty. The 18th-century Maharaja Jai Singh designed the city to meet his every desire, with royal palaces, gardens and pavilions taking up almost a quarter of its footprint. Jaipur has kept its romantic atmosphere and regal air. The entire city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and was refreshed to celebrate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and, later, Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, Jaipur’s prolific royal architecture is fiercely protected.

 

All these details matter and the Festival is colourful and vibrant. The talks are held in beautiful tents that billow in the gentle breeze, which adds to the atmosphere of romance and imagination. Each Festival morning started with Indian classical music to set the vibration of the day; and one morning there was a fusion of guitar with Indian sitar and tabla (drums) players, which was mystical and atmospheric.

The past decade has seen the Festival transform into a global literary phenomenon having hosted nearly 2000 speakers and welcomed over a million book lovers from across India and the globe. Past speakers have ranged from Nobel Laureates J.M. Coetzee, Orhan Pamuk and Muhammad Yunus, Man Booker Prize winners Ben Okri, Margaret Atwood and Paul Beatty, Sahitya Akademi winners Girish Karnad, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, M.T. Vasudevan Nair as well as the late Mahasweta Devi and U.R. Ananthamurthy along with literary superstars including Amish Tripathi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Vikram Seth. An annual event that goes beyond literature, the Festival has also hosted Amartya Sen, Amitabh Bachchan, the late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Fry, Thomas Piketty and former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai.
The Festival brings together a diverse mix of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sports people, and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.

 

Be prepared to learn while you are at the Festival…it’s like being on a crash University course. Your brain is kept busy as you listen to authors. I learnt about the writings of the royal Indian courts and Mughals; about wellness and Ayurveda; Russia; Wedgewood poetry; the Himalayas; climate change and sustainability; cell systems; nurturing democracy and so much more. My list is endless.

This year at JLF, the organiers had a special message about climate change and spoke about the Festival’s commitment to be more sustainable, plastic free and to reduce its carbon footprint, through innovation and better practice. While I was there this message was carried through and you could see that the organisers and volunteers were serious about their endeavours.  The magic of the JLF is its serendipity, where you make new friends, find that you are staying in the same hotel as well-known international authors, sharing cabs with them…it’s a place that is a great leveller, and as I began this piece, it is an experience that everyone should have at least once their lifetime

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations – Out In India

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I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and now enjoying the time off before we hurl ourselves into 2023. I thought I would take this quiet moment of reflection between Christmas and the New Year to get around to updating everyone about my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, which was published in India on 23 November 2022 by Jaico Publishing.

You will immediately notice that the book has a different cover and is one that has been designed to suit the Indian market. I just love the way on the front cover, if you notice, the line that says ‘For sale in the Indian Subcontinent only’ – that to me, makes this my book extra special. On a personal note, to have my book published and sold here, is a fairy tale come true. I spent my teenage and young adult life in India, where we had books published by Jaico on our bookshelves. Never in my wildest dreams, did I think that one day, I too would have my book published by the highly regarded publishing house.

I wanted to make this edition of the book special, and I decided to include three new interviews with business leaders that will be of interest to the market here. One interview is with an award-winning luxury British Ayurvedic wellbeing brand that has a strong Indian heritage; the other is with one’s of France’s influential ESG and CSR thought leaders and activists, who has worked in India, and the third interview is with a multi-award-winning Indo-German sustainable fashion brand that is doing great things.

I could not be prouder to have my book published in India, a country that was the first in the world to implement a national CSR law in 2014. A region that is a superpower, and has the fifth largest economy in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. This means my book could not be timelier, because it is now vital for all national and international brands and businesses in India, to authentically commit to their CSR initiatives and build CSR into the heart of their brands and business strategies, and my book explains how to do this with purpose.

The Indian Government has started to raise consumer awareness, with its efforts toward reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Currently, India is the world’s third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, after the US and China. According to an Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and PricewaterhouseCoopers International report, landfills are brimming with so much urban waste that by 2050, India is going to need a landfill that’s the size of its capital, New Delhi. Indian consumers aren’t ignoring these horrifying numbers anymore.

More and more consumers are becoming aware of their choices and realising that whether it is clothes that they decide to throw away, nothing ever really goes ‘away’, it all ends up in a landfill. Human activities are clearly harming the global environment and brands have no choice but to migrate to sustainable solutions and work towards building a circular economy. Information is not only to educate people about environmental issues but also to guide them on how they can make a difference every step of the way.

In October 2022, PM Modi launched Mission LiFE movement (Lifestyle for the Environment), which is an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment. PM Modi said the mantra of Mission LiFE is ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and “Connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth and teaches them to utilize it in a better way. Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute within their capacity. It inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment…and that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle.”

PM Modi added that the mission emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, Pro Planet People, uniting the people of the earth as pro planet people, uniting them all in their thoughts. It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’…making my book both timely and relevant to the Indian market. Jai Hind!