Driven: Memoirs of a Civil Servant Turned Entrepreneur

by Jagdish Khattar

An epic triple treat—stories from a civil servant, corporate captain and businessman
A trained lawyer who became an IAS officer, Jagdish Khattar has had an astonishingly
diverse career. He was an agent of change in Uttar Pradesh through his roles as district
magistrate and head of the cement and transport corporations. He also helmed India’s
Tea Board in London and played a key role in the ministry of steel. Elevated to the post
of managing director at Maruti Udyog, a firm that was on the verge of a steep decline,
Khattar braved labour unions, foreign competition and politicians as he led Maruti to
a very successful IPO. Finally, at the age of sixty-five, Khattar turned entrepreneur with
Carnation, India’s first multi-brand car sales and servicing network.
Driven spreads across a sweeping national canvas from drought-hit villages to the
Shakespearean intrigues of politicians and bureaucrats. Written with flair and liberally
peppered with frank anecdotes, it is filled with lessons about leadership, friendship, jugaadstyle
innovation, resilience and values.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2013

Reviews

[Adish Aggarwal]

The autobiography is well written, although in some areas the intrinsic details became an overkill. He could have avoided explaining complex hierarchical structure during his various state (and ministry) assignments and materials management system in Maruti.

The author has articulated his spirited approach to various problems that decision makers of his time encountered. Somewhere you may find the other end of the story missing, as he has presented his line of reasoning and not the other way round. By reading his work, one gets a feeling that the author is a big achiever. He turned around various loss making corporations within a year or two, he was recommended for Presidents medal at a very young age of 25 something, so young that the Chief Minister declined to recommend him, considering that he would have nothing to fight for in the rest of his life. His life as such is a dream run, something that every other Indian parent want from his son.

The author despite using loaded jargons, is able to keep interest of his reader intact. Would definitely recommend it as a one time read.

[Hetal Sonpal]

Excellent read. Story of a great man who attained laurels in every role he played in his life.

[Prabhat sharma]

Driven : Memoirs of a civil servant by Jagdish Khattar . The author has worked in Government of India and with Government of Uttar Pradesh State. The description given about development work for the people with limited resources, is a learning experience. Later when he shifted to work with Maruti Suzuki, it was a completely different sector. This was a completely different sector. He learnt new skills and proved himself and delivered results for the company. He dealt with situation of strike, new models, training of workers and officers. Later, he developed his own business enterprise and established his family members in the new work.
2. He is a role model for young men and women with the message that there is not short cut to hard work.
3. Beyond this book, his business enterprise did not succeed. A Case was filed against his company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 for recovery of financial dues on his company by the Banks and other finance companies.

[Anil Swarup]

An interesting and "racy" narration of personal experiences of a bureaucrat turned chief executive. Bureaucrats can easily relate to what is written in the book. Even the "outsiders" would find some of the ruminations quite fascinating. There are a few lessons as well in the book. Here was a man who fought his way through when in the government and fought with the government (its officials), when outside. He succeeded because he never gave in or gave up.

[Pankaj]

How a Public Sector Undertaking, which suffered during pre-liberalised era with inefficiencies, could be transformed to compete with the Global brands, is the crux of the book. The Author has described his life journey and detailed his Maruti Experience.

[Vinay Yadav]

This book is an average book. Everything has been touched superficially.

[Ramaswamy N]

Very factual & not very preachy.

[Siddharth]

I hoped that Mr Jagdish spent more time on his venture Carnation. Overall excellent read