Book Review: Poor but spirited in Karimnagar; Field notes of a Civil Servant

As a guy who is from Karimnagar, and who witnessed Smt. Sumita Dawra's administration first hand. i wanted to read this book since it was published. There are a few things which persuaded me to read this. As an aspiring civil servant, i wanted to gain experience to become better acquainted with grass root level administrative process, and there is no best way than to learn it from my childhood role model.

I firstly bow down to the commitment of all the sincere civil servants like Smt. Sumita Dawra, who have dedicated their lives to make things better. This book has gained my respect for its pragmatic approach and for the experiences author has shared. Though I do have some ideological differences with some of author's  points, there are a lot of things I would appreciate. I should say that this book is a compelling read for people who want to know real India. All this humdrum about politics has made me think how people are "Educated illiterates", including me! how much of what we discuss and debate is futile and how there are people right now, burning midnight oil for a better India.

Coming to the book, It might not the best book for policy making, but i can assure you that this book has a lot of merit in connecting dots between policy making and reality. A benevolent administrator meets, macro level policy making through her experience as well as case studies, summarizes this book in a single line.

Book has eight chapters, every chapter has three sections - identifying the problem, providing the context and the author's solutions for those problem. The book starts with an introduction of Wicked problems. how the fields of poverty alleviation, education, health care, agriculture, water and sanitation and urban governance, are stuck in wicked issues. How solutions based on greater community involvement, decentralisation  of administration, innovation, feedback mechanisms, proper accountability and an able leader can change the fabric of stagnant country.

The narration of experience of author as an administrator are inspiring and moving simultaneously. Especially in the chapter three, Epidemic and Malnourishment in Karimnagar, author's recollections, reminded me of why I wanted to prepare for civil services. This chapter shows how different sections of society live different realities.

Finally I would definitely recommend this book to people who are preparing for civil services and other people in general. I am giving links to buy the book. If you have any personal thoughts please drop them in comments. I will try to review more books, which I find interesting as well as important.

Thank you,
Shiva


http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/senior-ias-officer-sumitra-dawra-pens-a-collectors-copy/article3732494.ece
Flipkart:
http://www.flipkart.com/poor-spirited-karimnagar-field-notes-civil-servant/p/itmddt4qbperntb7
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.in/Poor-But-Spirited-Karimnagar-Servant/dp/9350291509