This book “Voices from the Past” by Rajesh Narain Gupta and Anisha Gupta is a memoir of short stories which Mr. Rajesh Narain Gupta has read and heard since his childhood. The immense lessons from those short stories have helped him to make some important life decisions. The anecdotes narrated in the book are memories from his experiences and also what he has learned from his parents, his grandfather, senior lawyers, judges and friends.

It is to be noted here that the short stories narrated in this book are adaptations of what the author remembers, and not the original.

Mrs. Anisha Gupta (wife of Mr. Rajesh Narain Gupta) is a professional artist for over two decades and she has immortalised these stories with her artwork in this book.

It is hoped that the readers will learn from these stories and broaden their horizons in the process. ‘Voices from the Past’ truly serves as a tribute to all the scholars and to the great pieces of writing. 

Extract from the Preface:-

This is a tribute to all those scholars and to the great pieces of writing that I have read since my childhood, including Panchatantra and other short stories that tickled my imagination. All of this reading has helped me to make several decisions in my life from time to time. The lessons from the short stories that I have heard and read have been immense. The anecdotes which I have narrated are memories from experiences and also what I have learnt from my parents, my grandfather, senior lawyers, judges and friends. :- Rajesh Narain Gupta

Extract from the Foreword

The stories and anecdotes as narrated by Rajesh put to an end certain fallacious notions we carry about right and wrong and on the other hand encourage a conscientious approach to life. Philosophically the stories provide a solution on serious contentious matters by the application of common sense and a righteous approach. Humility, compassion, integrity and fair play are an unmistakably strong acid test for any person to develop a tolerant attitude towards life and to make this world a better place to live. :- SOLI J SORABJEE

Review

"At first glance, the book gives a nostalgic insight into some forgotten treasure stories and I applaud you in taking the effort into putting them together for current as well as future generations to come. The artwork stands out and provides that much needed visual appeal to each story. I'd also like to appreciate that each story has a personal message and lessons one can derive from it, which make an interesting read. I'm sure the publication has already been positively received and treasured." 

Mr. Deepak S Parekh
Chairman
HDFC Ltd

INDEX

I

1.Gadhe Aam Nahi Khate

2.Manhoos

3.Jo Bhi Hota Hai Achhe Ke Liye Hota Hai

4.Sher Ko Kaise Azaad Karte Hain

5.Kiski Shaadi Hai?

6.Aap Kahan Se?

7.Hawa Mein Ek Mahal

8.Baniye Ki Mooch

9.Zenane Khane Ki Dastaan

II

1.The Fishermen Follow the Fish

2.The Custody of a Child

3.Out of the Said Marriage

4.Money attracts Money

5.A Distribution of Camels

6.Jaggery and Excise

7.Gappi and Khappi

8.Your Inner Voice

9.Two Friends go to a Mela

10.A Party of Saints

11.The Woodcutter and the Axe

12.The Bangle Seller

III

1.The Frog and the Geese

2.The Monkey and the Crocodile

3.The Lion and the Rabbit

4.The Snake and the Rishi

5.Padinoo and the King

6.The Rabbit and the Tortoise

7.The Tiger, the Brahmin & the Jackal

8.The Elephants and the Rats

9.The Mongoose

IV

1.Optimism

2.Humility and Statesmanship

3.The Lord’s Justice

4.Four Thieves and an Old Lady

5.This Too Shall Pass

6.The King and the Dancer

7.An Opportunity Lost

8.The Revival of a City

9.Lessons from The Godfather

10.Learning from Mr. Khushwant Singh

11.A WWII Story

V

1.A Game of Dice

2.Lord Vishnu’s Message for CEOs

3.The Original Trojan Horse

4.Jay and Vijay

5.Lessons from Chanakya

6.The Jatayu Incident

7.A Prithviraj Chauhan Tale

8.A Tenali Raman Tale

9.Lord Indra’s Justice

Glossary

Notes