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Kali's Daughter
A book about caste and courage set in the elite Indian Administrative and Foreign Services. On a chilly November morning in Geneva, Deepika Thakur prepares to address the United Nations Human Rights Council. Despite her personal experience of oppression as a Dalit woman, she must claim that the Indian government remains firmly committed to eradicating castebased discrimination in the country. As echoes of humiliation and atrocities flood her memory, Deepika is transported back in time, to almost six years ago, when she became the first member of her family to be selected for the Indian Civil Services. She had moved from Bhopal, her home town, to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, to prepare for a career as a civil servant. It was here that she met Aman, an uppercaste Brahmin, and Vijay, a fellow Dalit. Both relationships defined by caste and class politics, Deepika had found herself in the crosshairs of an ancient history built on inequality and prejudice. Yet, as a diplomat from India's Foreign Service, she must deny caste, and the fact that India's fractured society, despite its apparent modernization and progress, remains stuck in the middle ages. Her father's words come back to haunt her: ‘When you cannot fight the system, you must endure.’ Will Deepika fight? Will she endure? What will she say to the Human Rights Council? How will she represent India to the rest of the world?
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 24, 2019
This is an incredibly true narration of travails and tribulations of a civil servant who happened to be from the reserved category. The author holds no punches and lays bare the fault-lines that continue to beset our social existence despite decades of our commitment to banish discrimination on the basis of caste. The chief protagonist puts it very succinctly :"If we do well, we're hated. If we don't do well we are mocked". However, the malaise is much deep rooted and Raghav portrays it beautifully : "Perhaps it was just India's social psyche - the collective consciousness of educated Indians that had shaped people's individual sensibilities in a particular way".
It isn't just serious stuff. Humor does appear intermittently in what is otherwise a very serious issue. An officer trainee desires to "campaign for for non-gay rights" when told that "In the Academy, only boys with boys, and girls with girls". Similarly, a servant calls "marriage anniversary" a "wading unnecessary", perhaps inadvertantly alluding to the actual state of affair between a couple.
There are many interesting characters in the book and are integral part of the story but the the "pompous actress-past-her-expiry-date" stands out. This wife of senior IAS officer and mother of an officer trainee typifies some "empresses" that bring a bad name to the service.
Those civil servants that have undergone training at the LBSNAA , Mussoorie will love the book as it will bring back the memories of the time spent there, foundation course being the best time of one's career. It is a must read for such officers.
There are no solutions offered. Perhaps there aren't easy solutions. There is no pontification either. But the book does raise some pertinent issues that will need to be addressed sooner than later.
It isn't just serious stuff. Humor does appear intermittently in what is otherwise a very serious issue. An officer trainee desires to "campaign for for non-gay rights" when told that "In the Academy, only boys with boys, and girls with girls". Similarly, a servant calls "marriage anniversary" a "wading unnecessary", perhaps inadvertantly alluding to the actual state of affair between a couple.
There are many interesting characters in the book and are integral part of the story but the the "pompous actress-past-her-expiry-date" stands out. This wife of senior IAS officer and mother of an officer trainee typifies some "empresses" that bring a bad name to the service.
Those civil servants that have undergone training at the LBSNAA , Mussoorie will love the book as it will bring back the memories of the time spent there, foundation course being the best time of one's career. It is a must read for such officers.
There are no solutions offered. Perhaps there aren't easy solutions. There is no pontification either. But the book does raise some pertinent issues that will need to be addressed sooner than later.
November 30, 2019
Book review- Kali's Daughter
Raghav Chandra has written an honest book. Honest in intent, honest in content. No preaching, no political leaning and above all no quick fix solutions.
The beauty of his writing lies in the fact that the fragmented and complex structure of our society has been depicted in an inclusive and exhaustive manner through the lead characters - Deepika Thakur, Arundhati Gupta, Aman Shankar Acharya and Vijay Kumar. Each representing the warp and weft of the composite fabric of Indian society.
When you create fiction, people take out the truth and identify with it. There are so many parallels in real life with what we call fiction. This is the charm of this book. We generally classify books into two categories - Fiction and Nonfiction. But we will have to create a new category for this one - FACTION. Fiction based on facts.
We have had enough of IIT and IIM campus based fiction. Chandra gives you the privilege of peeping inside the hallowed confines of the LBSNAA - Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Life in the academy has been portrayed in depth, as can be expected from a person who has experienced it first hand. There are serious discussions, complex interpersonal positioning and despite the obvious class divide hardly any rancour. Chandra doesn't try to discombobulate the reader by heavy philosophy and the humor is always bubbling underneath the narrative.
For me reading the book was specially fulfilling because Kali's Daughter has its moorings in Madhya Pradesh. Several references to Bhopal, Hoshangabad and other moufssil towns had a direct connect. It doesn't require any rocket science to decipher on whom the characters of MN Bose and Mala Bose are based. Two of the best known administrators of MP.
The book begins in Geneva with Deepika Thakur, preparing to address the United Nations Human Rights Council. As a Dalit she had experienced on several occasions the inequality and prejudice inbuilt in our society. Yet, as a diplomat from India's Foreign Service, she must deny caste, and the fact that India's fractured society, despite its apparent modernization and progress, remains stuck in the middle ages.
Deepika ends her address with aplomb albeit with a small twist which leaves a small, almost indiscernible smile on the face of the Ambassador.
Her character has been sketched by Chandra with so much love and dignity that you are in awe of the Kali's Daughter (Deepika Thakur).
Despite her personal experience of oppression as a Dalit woman, she doesn't come out to be vengeful or vindictive. She exudes so much positivity and grace that even the cynical Arundhati and a few others start admiring her.
Deepika is the first member of her family to be selected for the Indian Civil Services. She moves from Bhopal, her home town, to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, to prepare for a career as a civil servant. Here she meets Aman, an upper-caste Brahmin, and Vijay, a fellow Dalit.
Aman is 3G, third generation administrator. He was ambivalent about getting into the IAS, but is pushed by his mother into the career. Aman's character has an inherent endearing quality. He is witty, unassuming and devoid of any sense of entitlement. Vijay is a thinker with strong opinions which he expresses with clarity and in an uninhibited manner. Both relationships are defined by caste and class politics.
At the academy Deepika, Aman and Vijay are like the three arms of a triangle. Which two will harmonise in the end? What would bring them together? All that makes it a gripping story that you have to read to find out.
Indeed, find out you must.
Raghav Chandra has written an honest book. Honest in intent, honest in content. No preaching, no political leaning and above all no quick fix solutions.
The beauty of his writing lies in the fact that the fragmented and complex structure of our society has been depicted in an inclusive and exhaustive manner through the lead characters - Deepika Thakur, Arundhati Gupta, Aman Shankar Acharya and Vijay Kumar. Each representing the warp and weft of the composite fabric of Indian society.
When you create fiction, people take out the truth and identify with it. There are so many parallels in real life with what we call fiction. This is the charm of this book. We generally classify books into two categories - Fiction and Nonfiction. But we will have to create a new category for this one - FACTION. Fiction based on facts.
We have had enough of IIT and IIM campus based fiction. Chandra gives you the privilege of peeping inside the hallowed confines of the LBSNAA - Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Life in the academy has been portrayed in depth, as can be expected from a person who has experienced it first hand. There are serious discussions, complex interpersonal positioning and despite the obvious class divide hardly any rancour. Chandra doesn't try to discombobulate the reader by heavy philosophy and the humor is always bubbling underneath the narrative.
For me reading the book was specially fulfilling because Kali's Daughter has its moorings in Madhya Pradesh. Several references to Bhopal, Hoshangabad and other moufssil towns had a direct connect. It doesn't require any rocket science to decipher on whom the characters of MN Bose and Mala Bose are based. Two of the best known administrators of MP.
The book begins in Geneva with Deepika Thakur, preparing to address the United Nations Human Rights Council. As a Dalit she had experienced on several occasions the inequality and prejudice inbuilt in our society. Yet, as a diplomat from India's Foreign Service, she must deny caste, and the fact that India's fractured society, despite its apparent modernization and progress, remains stuck in the middle ages.
Deepika ends her address with aplomb albeit with a small twist which leaves a small, almost indiscernible smile on the face of the Ambassador.
Her character has been sketched by Chandra with so much love and dignity that you are in awe of the Kali's Daughter (Deepika Thakur).
Despite her personal experience of oppression as a Dalit woman, she doesn't come out to be vengeful or vindictive. She exudes so much positivity and grace that even the cynical Arundhati and a few others start admiring her.
Deepika is the first member of her family to be selected for the Indian Civil Services. She moves from Bhopal, her home town, to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, to prepare for a career as a civil servant. Here she meets Aman, an upper-caste Brahmin, and Vijay, a fellow Dalit.
Aman is 3G, third generation administrator. He was ambivalent about getting into the IAS, but is pushed by his mother into the career. Aman's character has an inherent endearing quality. He is witty, unassuming and devoid of any sense of entitlement. Vijay is a thinker with strong opinions which he expresses with clarity and in an uninhibited manner. Both relationships are defined by caste and class politics.
At the academy Deepika, Aman and Vijay are like the three arms of a triangle. Which two will harmonise in the end? What would bring them together? All that makes it a gripping story that you have to read to find out.
Indeed, find out you must.
November 1, 2019
Read The Full Review on Sohinee Reads & Reviews
We are not unfamiliar with the caste system in India. Raghav Chandra’s Kali’s Daughter discusses this issue through the female lead protagonist, Deepika Thakur, a Dalit woman and a civil servant. More often than not, her caste becomes her identity. As she prepares herself to address the United Nations Human Rights Council, she has to present her country in a good light and deny the issue of caste-based discrimination claiming that the Indian government is working towards its eradication.
Growing up in a Dalit family, she is very familiar with the oppressive way she and her family has been treated. As a Diplomat from the Indian Foreign Services, she must defend her country even though she is all too aware of the reality. ‘When you cannot fight the system, you must endure’ , Deepika’s father used to say. What will be her choice? Will she speak up or endure a fractured system?
I really loved the tone of the novel. A tough topic has been dealt with humour without diminishing the seriousness of the issue. Another thing which I loved about the book is Deepika’s character. I rarely come across books where male authors actually portrays female characters well. That’s a feat. Kudos to you Chandra! From describing Deepika’s emotions to using that slight stream-of-consciousness writing style to highlight her mental agony, Deepika is a strong and vibrant woman.
There isn’t much to say about the plot or the story so, I’ll just keep this review short. There are two other characters who play an important role in this book, Aman and Vijay. This book doesn’t get too political which I liked. Raghav Chandra gives an insight into the harsh reality of being a civil servant and serves the truth as it is all the while highlighting the social issues.
I loved the narration. Deepika shines throughout the novel and I could connect to her. She is a well-developed character and not just the author’s mouthpiece. Kali’s Daughter also discusses other social issues through its sub-plots. Although there’s no definitive concluding voice, it’s up to the readers to draw their own conclusions.
After a series of half-baked novels, I guess I finally found a good one!
If you are someone who enjoys socio-political novels with strong female leads, Kali’s Daughter is for you. In fact, I would recommend Kali’s Daughter to everyone out there.
I highly recommend you all to read this book
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW ME ON (I am literally asking you all to follow me because I have no shame):
WORDPRESS TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK PINTEREST
We are not unfamiliar with the caste system in India. Raghav Chandra’s Kali’s Daughter discusses this issue through the female lead protagonist, Deepika Thakur, a Dalit woman and a civil servant. More often than not, her caste becomes her identity. As she prepares herself to address the United Nations Human Rights Council, she has to present her country in a good light and deny the issue of caste-based discrimination claiming that the Indian government is working towards its eradication.
Growing up in a Dalit family, she is very familiar with the oppressive way she and her family has been treated. As a Diplomat from the Indian Foreign Services, she must defend her country even though she is all too aware of the reality. ‘When you cannot fight the system, you must endure’ , Deepika’s father used to say. What will be her choice? Will she speak up or endure a fractured system?
I really loved the tone of the novel. A tough topic has been dealt with humour without diminishing the seriousness of the issue. Another thing which I loved about the book is Deepika’s character. I rarely come across books where male authors actually portrays female characters well. That’s a feat. Kudos to you Chandra! From describing Deepika’s emotions to using that slight stream-of-consciousness writing style to highlight her mental agony, Deepika is a strong and vibrant woman.
There isn’t much to say about the plot or the story so, I’ll just keep this review short. There are two other characters who play an important role in this book, Aman and Vijay. This book doesn’t get too political which I liked. Raghav Chandra gives an insight into the harsh reality of being a civil servant and serves the truth as it is all the while highlighting the social issues.
I loved the narration. Deepika shines throughout the novel and I could connect to her. She is a well-developed character and not just the author’s mouthpiece. Kali’s Daughter also discusses other social issues through its sub-plots. Although there’s no definitive concluding voice, it’s up to the readers to draw their own conclusions.
After a series of half-baked novels, I guess I finally found a good one!
If you are someone who enjoys socio-political novels with strong female leads, Kali’s Daughter is for you. In fact, I would recommend Kali’s Daughter to everyone out there.
I highly recommend you all to read this book
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW ME ON (I am literally asking you all to follow me because I have no shame):
WORDPRESS TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK PINTEREST
October 25, 2019
After Raghava Chandra's first book when I thought here is a Wilbur Smith of native blood, it was curiosity that led to reading his second book of fiction.
A most critical mirror held vertically, almost convex to include all details big and small within one frame was a joyful surprise. Chandra, himself of the cadre brings us up and close from selection to success of his protagonist Deepika. Yet success is not lateral by any means neither is it horizontal.
The depiction of Deepika is almost 4 dimensional -- a veritably well-met challenge for a male writer to get into the skin of a young woman, indeed her mind so graphically {who understands how women think/feel anyway?] Etching of each character with a Puzoian expertise, as they speak and behave in their ever-unfolding personal ways is masterful.
Here our retired well-traveled erudite author gives us believable word pictures, bringing simple interactions of pre or post classroom chatter or meals or treks close enough for us to join the group for a drink.
Organically within the characters are voices of sound core morals, egotism, the angst of self- discovery as also how they cope most naturally with the biological journey of people of their age.
An incident that remains well imprinted is how our young protagonist while still an OT, Deepika Thakur brings justice -- in the face of rabid denial of any departure from human welfare -- when two young ones (children of former Doms) are beaten just as an exercise in casteist hubris.
Yes, the cadre is more than the twice-born of yester-years. Alas, these are people of the meritocracy first and last -- including emotions and aspirations only slightly variant with any blessed to have an education thereby opportunity in our nation today.
This novel is not likely to be autobiographical as it is happening now. It includes current issues.
Chandra has desisted from much-crystallized value judgment of events yet their inclusion gives them an unmissable focus.
Yet not a niche novel by any means, it could be a fine weekend read.
A most critical mirror held vertically, almost convex to include all details big and small within one frame was a joyful surprise. Chandra, himself of the cadre brings us up and close from selection to success of his protagonist Deepika. Yet success is not lateral by any means neither is it horizontal.
The depiction of Deepika is almost 4 dimensional -- a veritably well-met challenge for a male writer to get into the skin of a young woman, indeed her mind so graphically {who understands how women think/feel anyway?] Etching of each character with a Puzoian expertise, as they speak and behave in their ever-unfolding personal ways is masterful.
Here our retired well-traveled erudite author gives us believable word pictures, bringing simple interactions of pre or post classroom chatter or meals or treks close enough for us to join the group for a drink.
Organically within the characters are voices of sound core morals, egotism, the angst of self- discovery as also how they cope most naturally with the biological journey of people of their age.
An incident that remains well imprinted is how our young protagonist while still an OT, Deepika Thakur brings justice -- in the face of rabid denial of any departure from human welfare -- when two young ones (children of former Doms) are beaten just as an exercise in casteist hubris.
Yes, the cadre is more than the twice-born of yester-years. Alas, these are people of the meritocracy first and last -- including emotions and aspirations only slightly variant with any blessed to have an education thereby opportunity in our nation today.
This novel is not likely to be autobiographical as it is happening now. It includes current issues.
Chandra has desisted from much-crystallized value judgment of events yet their inclusion gives them an unmissable focus.
Yet not a niche novel by any means, it could be a fine weekend read.
November 14, 2019
Excellent Architecture of Words and Logic in interesting Flow.
February 10, 2024
A well related story of OTs of the ICS. Romance among the trainees intertwined with the social issues they encounter, and those that face the nation. There is a generous sprinkling of the relatable knowns by way of places, terms and situations that appear in the book. Wholly, a readable book.
April 3, 2020
Black, White and Red are colors of the cover outside, and content inside.
Stumbled upon 3 copyedit mistakes too but in light of the mistakes unearthed in the novel, it's a pardonable folly.
Stumbled upon 3 copyedit mistakes too but in light of the mistakes unearthed in the novel, it's a pardonable folly.
June 24, 2022
A good idea but not very well developed and poorly edited.
November 14, 2019
Kali's Daughter by Raghav Chandra
On the surface, this is a story – and an engaging one, at that – of a young girl from a small town who gets into the Foreign Service, her friendships, relationships and professional dilemmas. But Kali’s Daughter is considerably more than that. Like the Narmada in spate, it runs deep and turgid, and plumbs the uncomfortable truths of pernicious pride and prejudice that surround caste in our society; and it does this with a frankness and incisiveness that is as sharp as it is disturbing.
The story line is superbly crafted, bringing together the myriad caste-related incidents that we read of in the newspapers into a coherent and interesting narrative. Clearly the author has drawn on his experience as Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and the access he had to rich documentation of events. Such an approach could have well degenerated into dull reportage. But not so. On the contrary, Chandra manages to hook the reader in the opening pages, and never lets interest flag.
Chandra doesn’t shy away from telling it as it is. What is remarkable is that few of his characters are either black or white. Through conversations and stories within the story he touches on a whole gamut of thorny issues and taboos – reservations, beef-eating, professional merit, menial work, inter-caste marriage – and he does this in a way that is non-judgmental, with an exposition of arguments in favour and contrary, leaving the discerning reader to make of it what she will.
But in the end, it is a powerful indictment of caste discrimination. One the characters, a thakur himself, says: ‘Our great Indian head is stuffed with two big things: gobar and jaat. Laws can change, governments can change, but one thing never changes in India – our minds.’ As the story unfolds, one begins to see the truth of this.
Such a book could well have turned out to be sombre and depressing. But Chandra delivers a tale that is as interesting at the personal human level as it is in the larger societal dimension. The twists and turns in the plot keeps you guessing as to who will end up with whom, and what will become of the main characters after they leave the cocoon of the Academy of Administration.
Readers familiar with Madhya Pradesh and those from the Civil Services will find the book etched with echoes of authenticity, and the graphic depiction of the life of Officer Trainees during the joint foundation course in the LBSNAA could only have been written by one who has experienced it himself.
In more ways than one, this compelling story is an insider’s view of the contradictions in our society, the vulnerabilities of administrators, and the hypocrisies of the privileged. It is also a charming story of courage and hope, that neatly ties up some loose ends, and leaves others to the reader’s imagination to resolve.
Absolutely breathtaking and fabulous! The best book for our times! A book that needs to be read by each and every Indian!
On the surface, this is a story – and an engaging one, at that – of a young girl from a small town who gets into the Foreign Service, her friendships, relationships and professional dilemmas. But Kali’s Daughter is considerably more than that. Like the Narmada in spate, it runs deep and turgid, and plumbs the uncomfortable truths of pernicious pride and prejudice that surround caste in our society; and it does this with a frankness and incisiveness that is as sharp as it is disturbing.
The story line is superbly crafted, bringing together the myriad caste-related incidents that we read of in the newspapers into a coherent and interesting narrative. Clearly the author has drawn on his experience as Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and the access he had to rich documentation of events. Such an approach could have well degenerated into dull reportage. But not so. On the contrary, Chandra manages to hook the reader in the opening pages, and never lets interest flag.
Chandra doesn’t shy away from telling it as it is. What is remarkable is that few of his characters are either black or white. Through conversations and stories within the story he touches on a whole gamut of thorny issues and taboos – reservations, beef-eating, professional merit, menial work, inter-caste marriage – and he does this in a way that is non-judgmental, with an exposition of arguments in favour and contrary, leaving the discerning reader to make of it what she will.
But in the end, it is a powerful indictment of caste discrimination. One the characters, a thakur himself, says: ‘Our great Indian head is stuffed with two big things: gobar and jaat. Laws can change, governments can change, but one thing never changes in India – our minds.’ As the story unfolds, one begins to see the truth of this.
Such a book could well have turned out to be sombre and depressing. But Chandra delivers a tale that is as interesting at the personal human level as it is in the larger societal dimension. The twists and turns in the plot keeps you guessing as to who will end up with whom, and what will become of the main characters after they leave the cocoon of the Academy of Administration.
Readers familiar with Madhya Pradesh and those from the Civil Services will find the book etched with echoes of authenticity, and the graphic depiction of the life of Officer Trainees during the joint foundation course in the LBSNAA could only have been written by one who has experienced it himself.
In more ways than one, this compelling story is an insider’s view of the contradictions in our society, the vulnerabilities of administrators, and the hypocrisies of the privileged. It is also a charming story of courage and hope, that neatly ties up some loose ends, and leaves others to the reader’s imagination to resolve.
Absolutely breathtaking and fabulous! The best book for our times! A book that needs to be read by each and every Indian!
October 29, 2019
Kali’s Daughter by Raghav Chandra is like warm ginger tea, familiar and comforting yet with a solid punch. The obsession of Indian parents with their children making it to the Indian Civil Services, the life and mindset of Indian Civil Servants and their experiences from the time they join the services described in vivid detail comes alive through his verbal imagery. The author has expertly recreated an entire scenario by delving into its minute details which are so familiar that reading about them warms the cockles of one’s heart that someone has actually managed to put them down in words.
Raghav Chandra’s main protagonist is Deepika Thakur, a girl of the lower caste who joins the elite Indian Foreign Services despite her parents deep desire for her to join the Indian Administrative Service. The author has so beautifully described the reasons for her joining the IFS as spoken by a senior IAS officer’s wife when Deepika goes to her for advice. He writes, ‘… the conversation always begins with people wanting to know my husband’s name, his occupation, what I do, where I live …about my children… till they have slotted me in some convenient pigeon-hole…An Indian is an Indian only when she or he crosses Indian shores. Only then do people stop asking about your region, language, religion and social background.’
Deepika’s journey, her struggles because of her caste, her emotional entanglement with two almost opposite men draws one into the story that wraps itself gently and almost stealthily around one’s heart till one is completely immerse into Deepika’s world.
Raghav Chandra has dealt with a female protagonist flawlessly which is a testimony of his writing skills and ability. He has raised several pertinent and relevant questions albeit gently. There is no overt angst or sermonizing in the story that subtly yet very effectively makes important points.
Many congratulations to Raghav for a brilliantly written book. It is certainly a must read for all readers of all age groups.
November 14, 2019
An extraordinary novel!
Contemporary, imaginative and riveting!
This book is engaging story of love and discrimination set in the civil services which comprise the highest echelons of society.
Deepika is at once brilliant, seductive and attractive while being from what she herself describes as the MIGD-Middle Income Group of Dalits. Her journey to the Mussoorie Academy where she encounters subtle forms of social discrimination is proof of how India for all its economic modernity is still living in fractured past.
This story also has gems for those in the field of management. Sample this: a group of officer trainees comment that the current spate of corruption scandals and scams is proof of the challenging times ahead for civil servants and that the new government would come to power merely on the strength of integrity, but given the harsh reality of India it too would end up being no different. At another time, one of them remarks that the honest and the dishonest are two sides of the same coin, depending on where one lands.
This is a story of romance and unfulfilled love. Yet, it ends with a message of hope where Deepika says that while they could be apprehensive of the past they had to be optimistic about the future.
All in all, this book is bound to launch a thousand discussions as each page has a thought that is provocative which lends itself to a full-fledged debate.
Clearly a book that will be read, analysed, interpreted and re-interpreted continuously for a long time to come!
Contemporary, imaginative and riveting!
This book is engaging story of love and discrimination set in the civil services which comprise the highest echelons of society.
Deepika is at once brilliant, seductive and attractive while being from what she herself describes as the MIGD-Middle Income Group of Dalits. Her journey to the Mussoorie Academy where she encounters subtle forms of social discrimination is proof of how India for all its economic modernity is still living in fractured past.
This story also has gems for those in the field of management. Sample this: a group of officer trainees comment that the current spate of corruption scandals and scams is proof of the challenging times ahead for civil servants and that the new government would come to power merely on the strength of integrity, but given the harsh reality of India it too would end up being no different. At another time, one of them remarks that the honest and the dishonest are two sides of the same coin, depending on where one lands.
This is a story of romance and unfulfilled love. Yet, it ends with a message of hope where Deepika says that while they could be apprehensive of the past they had to be optimistic about the future.
All in all, this book is bound to launch a thousand discussions as each page has a thought that is provocative which lends itself to a full-fledged debate.
Clearly a book that will be read, analysed, interpreted and re-interpreted continuously for a long time to come!
October 22, 2019
A gripping story of caste, prejudice, grit and determination, Kali’s Daughter is a fascinating read. Set in the scenic Mussorie and the IAS academy it moves between the most elite service of all and the age old prejudices that still enslave us.. On one hand there is Deepika, the fascinating protagonist, trying to overcome the challenges of society and fighting her own demons. Her story and her aspirations strike a deep cord in our hearts. The things that she sometimes shrug off or accepts as part of life are poignantly heart wrenching!
A must read if you wish to peep into today’s India through the eyes of a cynic, an optimist, an activist and an eternal fighter.
Now available on kindle and amazon, it is a compelling story superbly told.
A must read if you wish to peep into today’s India through the eyes of a cynic, an optimist, an activist and an eternal fighter.
Now available on kindle and amazon, it is a compelling story superbly told.
November 2, 2019
This book is on one of the most important topic of the current scenario. It is a captivating story, a well-written story which tells you about the problems which a minority faces. It does its civic duty by presenting the issue of caste-discrimination in modern India. Truly an important work for all generations of Indians to read, now more than ever.
June 20, 2021
A rare peep into the IAS and IFS world from the inside.
Raghav Chandra, an IAS officer himself, shares on a wide variety of subjects...
It is at times powerful, thought-provoking, brave, candid, dragging...
I think it should be widely read - definitely in India
Raghav Chandra, an IAS officer himself, shares on a wide variety of subjects...
It is at times powerful, thought-provoking, brave, candid, dragging...
I think it should be widely read - definitely in India
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews