On a positive note...

India had lost a great son and an era had come to an end, former president Pranab Mukherjee said on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s death, describing the BJP stalwart as a reasoned critique in the opposition, who dominated the space like a titan, and a seeker of consensus as prime minister. A democrat to the core, the former prime minister dominated the opposition space like a titan and led the government with aplomb. His stint as Prime Minister will be remembered for large transitions. His legacy will endure in a more modern and less hidebound economic and foreign policy, in the daring leaps of imagination in infrastructure policy, and for a new vocabulary on the congealed conflict of Kashmir. Our Cover Story is on the Legacy of Vajpayee for whom India's national interests were supreme and was known for his ability to make bold decisions.

Eminent journalist and author Kuldeep Nayar, who fiercely fought for press freedom and protecting civil liberties, passed away on August 23. Known as a crusader for civil rights and press freedom, Nayar was also known for his efforts to improve frosty relationship between India and Pakistan. He will be remembered fondly.

In the publishing world, we pay homage to one of its doyens who as a young boy of 13 took tiny steps to publish his own book. This July 10, 2018 marked the Eighth Founder’s Day for the MBD Group and the 73rd birth anniversary of the revered father and founder. A man with a deep conviction, he went on to build the MBD Group, the largest education company in India today. That visionary and pioneer is none other than our founding father, but also my father Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra. He believed not just in being the biggest but also in being the BEST. His inspiration marks our step at MBD every day.

In our Economy section, we explore the reasons behind the the continuous fall of the Indian Rupee and how the dollar is gaining strength on news of a robust economic recovery in the US. This constant downward journey this year of Indian Rupee compared to major world currencies - fully or partially convertible - should be a major cause of concern.

This issue in the HitchHiker section, we take you to Switzerland where The Alps, lakes, villages and valleys have long earned it the reputation of a touristic paradise. Switzerland’s rustic beauty and urban architecture keeps surprising us. Land of four languages and eclectic experiences takes you on the epic journey.

Keep reading.