BOOK REVIEW OF ROGUES AMONG THE RUINS

 

Achala Moulik a member of Indian Administrative service has served in numerous capacities and has published books on political &cultural history, novels, and a play. She served as Director General, Archaeological Survey of India and was an education secretary, Government of India, when the education programme ‘’Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ was approved.

 Her latest book ROGUES AMONG THE RUINS deals with the life of civil servants, politicians and bureaucrats.  The book covers the period of pre & post- Independence of India and it is divided into three parts. Each part carries a conflict of two ideals and the circumstances that lead to a different end.

The book brings to light the challenges and tough times of IAS officers because of postings at different parts of the country and its impact on their personal  and professional life which in turn leaves a lot of troubles and miseries. The career graph of the civil servants faces various up and downs which is highly influenced by the people around them.  

The book is apt for those who love to read history, culture and politics. Though there are many challenges in the life of civil servants, the civil services continue to be the aspiration of the young generation and it is the number one choice of career for a majority. People preparing for UPSC also can go through this book to have an idea of the functionality of the various departments in the country.

The author puts forth the tough situations a civil servants comes across in his professional life and how it becomes a real test and cost a life time. The need to understand the scenario and to come out with the best possible decision is the key survival option.

The author is successful in fixing interesting titles for the chapters in the book.

“The Novice and the Nihilist’’

“Culchar- Vulchar”

“Kangroo Court” to name a few.

Author’s knowledge of world history comes in the form of excellent references from around the world. The book also provides insights on the works of Rabindranath Tagore and provides samples of few lines which he wrote for the country.

I quote “Here the great poet of India nurtured dreams of a resurgent India, where poverty, ignorance, oppression and injustice would be removed, where his compatriots would be led by heroic men. Wistfully he wrote,

“Thy seat is empty today,

Oh brave one, assume thy place.”

The author finally says “We wait for that hero.

                                           We wait for that great dream to be realised.”

 

(Received a copy of the book  from Writer's Melon in return of an honest review)