In the realm of storytelling, where words weave worlds and characters come to life, lies the power of a captivating book. Within its pages, emotions stir, minds expand, and imaginations take flight. Most of the books written by the bureaucrats usually are a compilation of their memoirs. But, they are also the lighthouse that show the path to the younger generation to navigate through the labyrinths of power corridors and the maze of government files and orders. Some of these books and authors did find a place in Indian Masterminds but many books couldn’t get in. We will try to accommodate them in the coming year.
The year gone by saw a group of 12 IAS and IFS officer of 1974 batch coming together to pen their memoirs in a book aptly named – ‘Rear View – Tales of Administration and Diplomacy’. The year 2024 incidentally was Golden Jubilee year of the batch. All the 12 officers have been regarded as one of the finest officers, the country has had. These included former Chief Secretary of Punjab Mr. Ramesh Inder Singh, Former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Atul Chaturvedi, Former UPSC Chairman Mr. Deepak Gupta, Former Coal Secretary, Mr C Balakrishnan, Former Union Health Secretary Ms. Sujata Rao, Former Finance Secretary of Haryana Mr. Vivek Mehrotra, Former Women and Child Welfare Secretary of Haryana Ms. Firoza Mehrotra, Former Ambassador to Italy and Romania, Mr. Rajiv Dogra, Former Chairman, Appelate Body, World Trade Organisation Mr. Ujal Singh Bhatia and Former Finance Commissioner (Revenue) of Punjab Mr Rabindranath Gupta besides Union Cabinet Minister Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri and Former Ambassador Mr Bhaskar Balakrishnan (who has since left for heavenly abode).
Mr Ramesh Inder Singh has also written another book –Turmoil in Punjab, Before and After Operation Blue Star, An Insider Account giving a detailed account of his days as Deputy Collector of Amritsar in 1984. In the ‘Rear-View’ he has summarised the entire book. He was posted in Amritsar on June 3, two days before Operation Blue Star was launched, witnessed everything with own eyes and remained on the post for three years overseeing aftermath of incident that changed the course of nation’s politics and fortune for a long time. His interview carried in two parts provided a rare insight into that episode of history which could not be recorded at the time as all journalists had been asked to leave Amritsar before the launch of military action.
These articles can be accessed by clicking on following links…
How Pakistan Engineered Punjab Militancy Led By Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderawale?
A truly remarkable book possesses the ability to transport us to different eras, introduce us to fascinating individuals, and leave an indelible mark on our souls. Former Director General of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Dr SP Yadav too spoke to Indian Masterminds about his latest book Tigers & Tribes, A Silent Conversation (on various tribes, their origin, behavioural pattern, and their paintings), and The Return of Chitrakayah on the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India. Dr Yadav is currently Director General of International Big Cat Alliance. His interview on his book can be viewed by clicking on the following links…
The Tiger Man Of India Reveals Many Gems
1000 Lions & 5000 Tigers… Coming Soon
Mr Prakash Singh is a legend. He has been DGP of UP twice, DG of Assam and also the DG of BSF. His latest book, Memoirs of a Top Cop: Unforgettable Chapters, is making waves these days.His earlier three books are Kohima to Kashmir, The Naxalism Movement in India, and The Struggle for Police Reforms in India.
Be it tackling ULFA insurgency in Assam, Naga Militants of Nagaland, Pak-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, Punjab, and the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, or even communal strife emanating from the Babri Masjid-Ranmabhoomi Temple fracas, the 1959-batch Prakash Singh was always pressed into service. And he always came up trumps, even if it meant putting his own life on the line. At least four attempts were made on his life in different parts of the country. He, however, escaped every time, as he puts it, due to the intervention of something that can be mentioned as the ‘divine power’. To hear his adventures in his own voice, kindly click on the following link…
Why Only Soldiers? Can’t Politicians or Civilians Sacrifice Too?
Mulayam Singh Introduced Casteism in Police Force
He served as Director General of two of major Central paramilitary forces – the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). But, Mr O. P. Singh is known more for manning the largest police force in the country – as DGP of Uttar Pradesh – in eradication of mafia and dreaded criminals. Mr OP Singh as SP of Lakhimpur Kheri, killed a number of terrorists in police encounters. Like He recently released his memoits called Crime, Grime and Gumption.
His interview woven around his book can be accessed by clicking on the following link…
Making Of An Erudite IPS Officer
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, a 1985 batch former IAS officer and Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), in an interview with Indian Masterminds discussed the need for bureaucratic efficiency, state division, and his upcoming book on Lal Bahadur Shastri. The interview can be watched by clicling on the following link…
Interview with Dr. Sanjeev Chopra: State Division, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and More
Inspired by her poet mother and surrounded by books from a young age, IRS Officer Paramita Satpathy has crafted a unique voice in Odia literature, balancing a distinguished career in the Indian Revenue Service with her award-winning storytelling that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.Paramita’s journey into the world of literature began at a young age, ultimately leading her to win the Sahitya Akademi Award herself in 2016 for her short-story collection, Prapti.
Paramita’s first published short story appeared in Jhankar magazine in 1985, marking the beginning of what would become a distinguished writing career. Despite her early start, it wasn’t until her graduation years that she began to recognize the depth of literature.
Currently, Paramita is working on her fifth novel, set to be completed by early 2025. She remains passionate about the project, finding the longer form of writing as absorbing as ever. “It’s like building a house with rooms and skies where you can do anything,” she explained, likening the experience to the thrill of exploring new territory. However, personal reasons have delayed its progress, though she is confident that she will complete the first draft soon.
Her detailed story can be read by clicking on following link…
How Paramita Satpathy Became an Odia Literary Icon
IAS officer Neha Bansal’s new book is a heartfelt anthology of poems exploring nostalgia and cherished memories. With themes ranging from light-hearted moments to poignant reflections, Bansal’s evocative verses offer a nostalgic journey that captures the essence of a simpler, more connected past.
In an age where the world moves at breakneck speed and our lives are dominated by the digital, IAS officer Neha Bansal’s new book, “Six of Cups,” offers a heartfelt respite. A collection of evocative poems delves into the sepia-tinged realm of collective and individual memories. The title, drawn from a minor arcana card in a traditional tarot deck symbolizing nostalgia, perfectly sets the tone for this poetic journey into the past. Her detailed story can be read by clicking the following link…
“Six of Cups”: Neha Bansal’s Poetic Ode to Nostalgia
Hariram Meena, retired IPS officer, merges policing insights with literary prowess, authoring 15 books spanning novels, societal analyses, and poetry. hat sounds like a fascinating combination! An IPS officer with a keen interest in literature who has authored several books would likely bring a unique perspective to both their professional and creative endeavors. Hariram Meena, a retired IPS officer from the 1989 batch of the Rajasthan cadre, has authored an impressive 15 books to date. His literary repertoire encompasses novels inspired by real-life experiences, insightful analyses of societal issues through the lens of law enforcement, and poetry.Hariram Meena’s writings are deeply rooted in his experiences and true incidents from his distinguished police career. One of his recently released novels, ‘Black Hole Mein Stree’ (Women in Black Hole), delves into the theme of ‘Woman-deception’ based on a real incident.
From Badge to Bookshelf: IPS Officer Hariram Meena’s Literary Odyssey
The 1980s and early 1990s stand out as India’s most violent decade, particularly for Delhi. This period saw the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the horrific riots that ensued; the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi; the murders of Lalit Maken and General Vaidya; public attacks by terrorists, including transistor bomb explosions; and a significant rise in drug abuse and financial frauds. It was an era marked by dramatic crime, assassinations, and terrorism. IPS officer Mr. Amod K. Kanth found himself directly or indirectly linked to all these cases. During this tumultuous time, he served in Delhi as Deputy Commissioner to Central Delhi, West Delhi, and also in the Delhi Crime Branch for the longest five years.
Mr. Kanth has shared his experiences and insights in his book titled “Khaki in Dust Storm: Communal Colours and Political Assassinations.” In the book, he uncovers previously unknown facts, delves into the mindset of the perpetrators, and recounts behind-the-scenes actions.The book also tells the story of his own transformation as a police officer. After joining the prestigious Indian Police Service, Mr. Kanth found his ambitions limited by the traditional and narrow view of policing in India. Please read his story here…
Amod Kanth Shares Personal Journey Through Delhi’s Darkest Days
Besides being a loyal ‘best friend’, dogs also support police in their work. Trained police dogs make the work of police force easy by getting some tricky jobs done. The police on their part invest a lot on canine training, grooming and management. 2012 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, Mr. Vijay Agrawal, has written a book on this, named ‘Police Dog Training and Management’, based on his own experiences. Till now, he has groomed and trained more than 24 dogs.
The book reveals interesting facts about sniffer dogs which can not just sniff out narcotic substances but can also detect diseases like Covid, diabetes and cancer. They can even easily determine whether a person is happy or sad.
Please read the full story here…
Why A Book On Dog Training, Written By An IPS Officer, Is Helpful For All
