A new and inspiring book titled The Far Acre offers readers a refreshing and honest look into the lives of ten successful entrepreneurs who began their journeys as students at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management. This book stands apart from typical business stories. It does not only celebrate success, but also highlights the struggles, doubts, and real-life challenges that shaped these individuals into the leaders they are today.
In a time when entrepreneurship is often shown as glamorous and fast-paced, The Far Acre takes a different path. It focuses on the human side of building something meaningful. Through detailed and heartfelt stories, the book explores how ordinary people from simple backgrounds moved forward step by step, learning from failures and growing through experience.
The book covers entrepreneurs who have built ventures in different fields such as agritech, food, development, and manufacturing. Each story shows how ideas were born, how risks were taken, and how persistence played a key role in achieving success. Readers will find that there is no fixed formula for becoming an entrepreneur. Instead, success comes from making bold choices, learning from mistakes, and staying committed to one’s vision.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its honest storytelling. It goes beyond polished success stories and brings out the real emotions behind each journey. From moments of self-doubt to turning points that changed everything, the book captures the full picture of what it means to build something from the ground up.
The book is designed for a wide range of readers. It will appeal to students who are thinking about starting their own ventures, young professionals who want to explore new paths, and even experienced leaders who wish to reflect on their own journeys. It is also valuable for development practitioners and anyone interested in understanding how businesses can create positive impact in society.
At its core, The Far Acre is not just about entrepreneurship. It is about courage, belief, and the willingness to step into the unknown. It reminds readers that every big achievement starts with a small step, and that even the most successful people once faced uncertainty.
The book is co-authored by Akanksha Shukla and Dr. J. Shanti, both of whom bring unique perspectives and rich experience to this work.
Akanksha Shukla is currently serving as the Vice President of the MANAGE Alumni Association and is also the Founder and Director of Meraas Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on preserving Indian heritage crafts and supporting grassroots artisans. Over the years, she has built a diverse career as a marketer, consultant, investor, and social entrepreneur, working across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Her journey in the social sector began with the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand. Since then, she has been actively involved with several national and international organisations. Her work with a Cameroonian NGO earned her the UNV Volunteering Award in 2011. She also designed a women empowerment initiative that received recognition from the World Bank Development Marketplace Challenge and positively impacted more than a thousand women in Cameroon.
Akanksha’s return to India and her focus on cultural preservation through Meraas Heritage Foundation reflects her deep commitment to social impact. For her, The Far Acre is not just a book but a meaningful project that connects storytelling with real human experiences. Though this is her first formal book, she has always been passionate about writing. Her background in blogging and storytelling has helped her bring warmth and depth to the narratives in this book.
Her creative interests go beyond writing. She is also involved in design and community-building projects. Whether working with artisans or engaging with communities, her focus has always been on building meaningful connections. This approach is clearly reflected in the way the stories in the book are presented.
Dr. J. Shanti, the co-author, is an Associate Professor of Management at Alliance University in Bengaluru. With nearly twenty years of experience in teaching and research, she has made significant contributions to the fields of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and enterprise development.
Before entering academia, she worked with leading companies such as Xerox and Marico. This industry experience has shaped her teaching style, making it more practical and relatable for students. She combines academic knowledge with real-world insights, helping learners understand the true nature of business and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Shanti strongly believes that the best lessons in entrepreneurship come from real-life experiences rather than theories alone. This belief has guided her work on The Far Acre. Through this book, she brings together carefully selected stories that show the early and often uncertain stages of building a business.
Her writing reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. She focuses on the moments when decisions are difficult, resources are limited, and the future is unclear. These are the moments that truly define an entrepreneur’s journey.
For Dr. Shanti, writing this book is an extension of her work as an educator and mentor. She aims to make entrepreneurial knowledge more accessible and to encourage more people to take their first steps without waiting for perfect conditions.
Together, Akanksha Shukla and Dr. J. Shanti have created a book that is both inspiring and realistic. Their combined experience in social development, business, and education brings a balanced and thoughtful approach to storytelling.
The Far Acre is more than just a collection of success stories. It is a reflection of real lives, real struggles, and real achievements. It encourages readers to think about their own journeys and to believe in the possibilities that lie ahead.
As the world continues to change and new opportunities emerge, books like The Far Acre play an important role in guiding and motivating the next generation. By sharing stories that are honest and relatable, the authors have created a work that will leave a lasting impact on readers.
This book is a reminder that success is not about having all the answers from the beginning. It is about taking one step at a time, learning along the way, and staying true to one’s purpose. For anyone who has ever thought about starting something new, The Far Acre offers both encouragement and direction.
With its simple yet powerful message, this book is set to inspire many readers across India and beyond. It invites everyone to look beyond fear, take bold steps, and create their own path with confidence and determination.
Title: The Far Acre
Author: Shukla, Dr. J. Shanti
ISBN: 9789373350646
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/Far-Acre-distance-between-become/dp/9373350641
