Book Review Of ‘Rogues Among The Ruins’

Achala Moulik, a member of the Indian Administrative Service has served in numerous capacities and has published books on political and cultural history, novels, and a play. She served as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India and was an education secretary of the 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 and post-Independence of India and 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 in 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, 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 civil servants come across in his professional life and how it becomes a real test and costs a lifetime. 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. Such as: “The Novice and the Nihilist’’, “Culchar-Vulchar” “Kangroo Court”, to name a few.

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

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Oh, brave one, assume thy place.”

The author finally says “We wait for that hero.

We wait for that great dream to be realised.”

Image Credits: Good Reads 

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