Among the leading vegetable producing countries in the world, India ranks second only after China. Vegetables play pivotal role in mitigating nutritional requirement of the soceity as well as providing employment oppurtunity specially in the agriculture dominated rural agrarian economy of the developing countries like India. Among different kinds of vegetables, cucurbits are a diverse group of vegetables (include pumpkin, bitter gourd, water melon, cucumber, pointed gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd etc) cultivated widely all over the South Asian countries including Indian sub-continent. These are basically worm season crops and fetch several biotic and abiotic stresses during their life stages. These stressess considerably affect yield potentiality of several cucurbitaceous vegetables quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Climatic changes and increment in cropping intensity reflected in a remarkable and rapid shift of vegetable ecosystem that ultimately increasing these stresses day by day. Biotic stresses like insect, mite and nematode pests etc. are the most significant biotic stresses which are responsonible limiting yeild reduction as well as quality deterioration of produces. Application of hazardous toxic chemicals to combat the pest problems of cucurbits not only results in residual toxicity in vegetables but also destabilising agro-ecosystem. Again, due to change in climatic condition and introduction of modern agro-technology these problems are becoming very very complex. In this perspectives, updated and alternative information with regard to crop management of cucurbits is a dire need of the hour for successful and remunerative cucurbit production. The book covers all the issues related with these aspects like insect pests, diseases, mites, nematode parasites weeds, environmental stresses, nutrients elaborately with latest information, findings ect. It will be helpfull for agricultural students (both UG as well as PG level including Ph. D.) in India and abroad, horticultural experts, extension workers, policy makers etc. Latest available literatures, ideas, thoughts on these aspects has been incorporated. Related colour photographs has also been incorporated. It will be a treasure of knowledge with regard to management of cucurbitaceous vegetables for better productivity and remunerative cultivation.

"Luminous Life" is a new model of humanistic psychotherapy that is the result of over a decade of original research, thought, and clinical work. Based on the fundamental principal that each individual is a unique, beautiful person and is capable of healing oneself, the book discusses psychological modules for one to maintain - or regain - their healthy and happy life. Adopting a holistic approach to human existence through investigations of meaning, values, freedom, personal responsibility, human potential, and spirituality, Dr. Choudhury takes the reader through a series of theoretical discussions and practical self-help exercises. Designed to allow one to incorporate their luminous self into their daily lives, "Luminous Life" is a landmark publication.

Dr. Partha Choudhury works as a full-time consultant psychiatrist with the National Health Services, UK. He trained and worked as a member of the faculty at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India. Literature and culture are his other passions; recently his book of poems "Millennium of Miracles" was published.