Defining India: Through Their Eyes

by Sonia Singh

From Amartya Sen to Aamir Khan, Raghuram Rajan, Sachin Tendulkar, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Pranab Mukherjee, Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitharaman and Sania Mirza among others, in this book eminent journalist Sonia Singh opens a window to the myriad worlds of these stalwarts, who share their idea of India in freewheeling conversations. Chatty, candid and amazingly gripping these 15 interviews uncover the pivotal moments in their lives that have become defining moments in the history of the nation.

Genres: Nonfiction, India

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2019

About the author

Sonia Singh is a first generation Indo-American, born and raised in Orange County, CA. Unlike Maya, the heroine of her debut novel, Godess for Hire, Sonia loves India and travels there once a year.

Reviews

[Bettie]

Dalai Lama lets slip how India vetoed his meeting with China’s leader in 2014 President Xi appeared open to discussing Tibet but the Dalai Lama’s hosts in Delhi were not so keen, a book reveals

[Udit Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author must be credited with the fact that she managed to get diverse point of views ranging from raghuram rajan to nirmala sitharaman to kamal hassan to aamir khan. It is an exciting read into the minds of the giants of india in their own field. Although there are some political references but this cannot be ruled out because of the nature of people interviewed. The book also manages to give some inside stories and situations which made these legends the people they are. Specifically the account of Amartya Sen and Kailash Satyarthi is very moving. Although I must say that though the title is defining india there is little discussion about the concept india. But as we always say that india is not an abstract entity but a collection of stories of people. This book precisely catches that fundamental concept.

[Amit Tiwary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skip the chapters with Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitaraman. Maybe Sachin's too. Nothing to offer.
Other chapters are a good read.

A nice compilation nevertheless.

[Vikas Kumar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book collects some impotant incidents of life of the eminants personality from India. Nothing much in detail.

[VENKATRAMAN C K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the book “Defining India” by Sonia Singh.

Fifteen Indian eminent personalities sharing defining moments in their lives. These men and women are from very diverse fields of endeavour but the underlying common theme that emerges, as we read, are of passion, hard work, commitment to goals and a “never say die” attitude that brought them success. Some of them took great personal risks and all of them great professional risks.

The personalities interviewed in the book are Pranab Mukherjee, Amathya Sen, Raghuram Rajan, Aruna Roy, Kailash Satyarthi, Nandan Nilekani, Amir Khan, Sania Mirza, Sachin Tendulkar, Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitaraman, Kamal Hassan, Fali Nariman, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and his holiness, Dalai Lama ( yes, he calls India his home ).

While each account is very motivational, I am most inspired by the saga of the two activists- Ms Aruna Roy and Mr Kailash Satyarthi. Of course, I exclude his holiness Dalai Lama here whose life & work is beyond comparison with others.

This book is a great read for all young Indians as they set out on their individual leadership journeys.

Do read the book.

#leadership

[Renjith R · Rating 4 out of 5]

India, one of the powerful nations in the World, had been witnessed as significant yet futile political dramas before and after independence. There were persons who stood for India's freedom, there were men and women who showed fortitude when the country faced challenges and then thrived. But, what virtue present India has? Still, there are many souls who dedicated their time and energy as a whole to contemplate and to strive for India's growth. But, there are persons who stood and still standing only for personal gains, which is obvious. In this book, the author, Sonia Singh, gathers some direct perceptions of personalities whose field of experience directly and indirectly related to Indian Politics.

[NB Saren · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a wonderful book. The story of every person written in this book is amazing. It really give motivation and I liked it. Easy to read and the written language is good. It tells us about different key persons from different fealds like politicians, actors, buisnessman/woman and about players. How they achive success in life and what were the turning points in there life.The title of the book 'Defining India' is very well choosen as it truly define many aspects of Indian society through there life.

[Avinash Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compilation of experiences which managed to achieve a compelling resolution, despite navigating through maze of reluctant and loath Indian bureaucratic and political alleys. Especially worthwhile is the journey of Aadhar, by Nandan Neilkeni, towards largest government exercise to enroll and legitimize Indian citizenship which succeeded despite political ambivalence created by UPA and NDA governments.

[K VIJAYAKUMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindsets of 15 eminent Indians

Summary of ilnterlesting mindsets of 15 eminent Indians. Enriches our knowledge on their experiences in life. Good compilation. Worth reading.

[Sunjoy Shekhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. Singh has done a brilliant job as an interviewer: unobtrusive and yet chariots the interviews in the right direction.