Your book covers critical moments in your career—from the 2G spectrum controversy to pressure from Pranab Mukherjee’s finance ministry for rosier growth estimates. What prompted you to put this out?
Many people, especially students, urged me to write about my IAS [Indian Administrative Service] career.
Firstly, I wanted to see if I could write an interesting enough story. I joined the IAS in 1972, a different era and context. Whether today’s youngsters would relate to my story was uncertain; some stories might seem vain, but beyond that would they find value?
Secondly, civil service memoirs are a crowded genre with many people writing books of varying quality. A standout memoir usually aligns with the economic and political situation of the time. I was not sure I could meet those standards.
Lastly, I had not kept any notes, which meant that as I jogged my memory to write there was a risk of selective memory—highlighting achievements and downplaying failures. For all these reasons, I had misgivings. However, during the Covid-19 lockdown, I started jotting down some notes. This evolved into a book. I hope people find it interesting, instructive and of some value.
What made you choose the title Just A Mercenary?
I considered a few alternatives but settled on this one because it best reflected my dilemma at this stage of my life and career. We all complain about our country, its inequalities and lack of meritocracy. I complain too. But when I look back objectively, I see that I have gained a lot from this country. I attended Sainik School with a government scholarship, received an IIT [Indian Institute of Technology]education with another scholarship and served in the IAS due to a merit-based entry. I became governor of RBI [Reserve Bank of India] towards the end of my career. So, I have had many opportunities to contribute.
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Outlook Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Outlook Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Adani After Hindenburg 2.0
In the days following Hindenburg's second shot at Gautam Adani, this time with Sebi chief Madhabi Puri Buch in the mix, Adani stocks held steady. But the trust of institutional investors remains to be regained
Where Are The Jobs?
India is staring at a crisis: the cohort of unemployed is growing. But the problem is deeper than mere lack of jobs. So Sitharaman's solutions in Budget 2024 will not be the silver bullet for the crisis
'STAINLESS STEEL SECTOR PROJECTED TO GROW AT 8-9%"
Stainless steel, known for its resistance to corrosion, recyclability and strength, has found its applications across sectors-from kitchen utensils to towering skyscrapers. Abhyuday Jindal, MD, Jindal Stainless discusses five drivers of growth in the stainless-steel sector of India
Harnessing Technology for India's Sporting Future: Insights from IITM
We wanted to bring the rigour of IIT Madras to revolutionise the field of sports as well. We wanted to use the core strengths of IIT Madras - high quality research and development as well as teaching.
Dream11: Driving Fan Engagement and Innovation
Dream11, founded by sports enthusiasts Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, has grown into the world's largest fantasy sports platform by focusing on personalisation, innovation, and a deep understanding of user needs. In an exclusive interview with Outlook Business, Rahul Mirchandani, Chief Product Officer at Dream11 & Dream Sports, speaks about the company's unique approach to product development and user engagement. With over 220 million users, Dream11 emphasises personalisation, user engagement, and cutting-edge technology.
Sports Science Holds The Key to Olympic Wins
Director-in-charge and Head of National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) Dr. Bibhu Kalyan Nayak speaks to Outlook on the importance of sports science in modern-day sports training.
Baller Athletik: Pioneering the Future of Sportswear Technology
How Baller Athletik is enhancing athletic performance and recovery with simple, yet powerful wearable tech.
Integrating Technology and Hands-on Training: The Future of Sports Education in India
The first-ever Sports Tech Conclave in India highlighted the importance of combining e-learning with practical experience to shape the future of sports education.
PASSING ON THE LEGACY
It is hard to achieve worklife balance if you are running a family business. For George Alexander Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance, board meetings are the way to spend time with family
Pioneering a Sports Revolution: A Deep Dive into SFA's Vision and Impact on Indian Youth
In an exclusive conversation, the founders of Sports For All (SFA) share their journey of transforming grassroots sports in India. Rishikesh Joshi, a national-level swimmer, and his co-founder Vishwas Choksi, driven by their shared passion for sports, launched SFA with the vision of making sports accessible and enjoyable for every child in the country. From leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensuring inclusivity, SFA is not just nurturing future champions but also revolutionizing the sports landscape in India. This discussion delves into their inspiration, the rapid growth of SFA, and their ambitious goals for the future, shedding light on how they are shaping the next generation of Indian athletes.