Retired IPS officer and noted columnist Mr. V.S. Ravi launched his latest book, Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict, at a gathering filled with literary passion and warm camaraderie in Hyderabad on Monday, July 7. The event, moderated by former IPS officer Mr. B. Krishna Rao, brought together an erudite audience of former bureaucrats, scholars, and literature enthusiasts.
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The book, a culmination of Mr. Ravi’s lifelong engagement with the works of William Shakespeare, was hailed as both scholarly and deeply personal. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Mr. S. Chakravarthy paid a glowing tribute, stating, “Ravi breathes, inhales and exhales Shakespeare. He has pierced through Shakespeare to get the real essence. He is not just a reader, he is an addict.”
During his address, Mr. Ravi recalled fond memories of visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and reciting verses at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. He narrated how he once stunned tourists by reciting lines from Hamlet, and how he quoted the Bard during a car ride with Nobel laureate C.F. Powell. “I have recited Shakespeare in places where nobody ever did. Every word he wrote shines with incandescent luminosity,” Mr. Ravi remarked.
He highlighted Shakespeare’s enduring influence, noting the Bard’s creation of nearly 2,000 new words and his timeless exploration of the human condition. Mr. Ravi’s speech reflected on how Shakespeare’s treatment of love, loss, ambition, betrayal, and evil remains relevant across generations. “His greatness stays indelibly with those who have had the privilege of being exposed to his work,” a message read during the event stated.
Among the dignitaries present were former Tamil Nadu Governor and retired IPS officer Mr. Ram Mohan Rao, who praised Mr. Ravi’s literary brilliance despite being trained in mathematics and statistics, and former Hyderabad Police Commissioner Mr. A.K. Khan.
The launch served as a fitting tribute to Mr. Ravi’s passion for literature and his mission to make Shakespeare resonate with audiences beyond the classroom.
Mr. V.S. Ravi is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer known for his exemplary service, strategic leadership, and contributions to law enforcement in India. With a career spanning several decades, he held key positions in various states and played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, combating crime, and implementing police reforms.
After retirement, Mr. V.S. Ravi continues to engage in security consultancy, policy advocacy, and mentorship for young IPS officers. He has also been a guest speaker at police academies and contributed to discussions on national security and criminal justice reforms. He remains a respected figure in India’s law enforcement community, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and leadership in policing
