Having gone through the interesting photographs of the Book Launch Ceremony for the book released by my friend GG Saxena- who also happens to be my batch mate, I ordered the book on Amazon immediately. The book arrived the next evening. 

As  GGS and I have shared some postings in a number of Departments simultaneously or after each other it was an interesting experience to go through the Book and dip into memories of days when we were young and struggling to manage challenging postings in the field as well as Head Office.

I remained immersed in the Book for the whole night and could put it down only on the next morning after completing the interesting stories pertaining to such lifetime important events.

The author has started his story from the days when we were posted as Sub Divisional Magistrates and handling the most crucial grassroots-level responsibilities. One such task that the author has mentioned was recording dying declarations in respect of patients admitted to the hospital on suspicions of bride burning. In several instances, the Subdivision Magistrates were requested by the Police Officers at odd hours and the response had to be exercised with great precaution as each case had the possibility of going to the highest Court in case of unnatural death. This and many other similar responsibilities have been mentioned in the book.

The author also had a flair for systematizing the instructions for officials in various Departments and also for preparation of Manuals for facilitating better functioning of the Departments. This exceptional tendency for reforms endeared him to his seniors in several places and made him a favorite with the highest Authorities.

The author has added in the book summary of Annual Confidential Reports which show that he was held in highest esteem by his seniors. In fact, his account of Service can act as a beacon light for Civil Servants who wish to leave a mark for posterity.

The recommendations from senior officers are commendable.

Besides the content in writing the get-up of the book is also extraordinary and for the same, the Media partners “Social Buzz” need to be given due credit.

  It was a memorable evening at  IIC Auditorium New Delhi on 24th November when Civil Service Officers of UT Services serving and retired, senior and junior associated with  AGMUT Cadre of IAS joined together to celebrate the launch of a  commemorative book authored by an illustrious Ex Civil Servant Dr. GG Saxena IAS (Retd) who had spent more than four decades in service of the populace of Delhi. The Book is titled “No Dream is too big-Memoirs of a Civil Servant”

The event was coordinated by Mr. K Mahesh an IAS Officer working in Govt Of Delhi. Other senior officers present included, former Chief Secy Sh PK Tripathi and former Election Commissioner, Sh SY Qureshi, Ex Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sh Amitabh Kant Tourism Expert and former member Niti Ayog and Sh. Ramesh Berry another legend in Civil Services .All senior officers also importance of Tourism and the contribution of the author in that sector.

The author Govind Gopal Saxena has held senior positions in various Departments of the government of Delhi and also worked as Resident Commissioner for Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 

The author, while speaking on his behalf thanked his seniors for hand-holding support in new projects, and stated that he has been closely associated with the Tourism sector in the government of Delhi, and initiated many important projects while working as MD of Delhi Tourism. His  Services have been instrumental in introducing various types of gardens and tourist spots in the city of Delhi, which increased the tourist, footfall and thereby contributed to the development of the economy of the city.

While working as Resident Commissioner for Andamans he continued to contribute to the development of Tourism in Andaman & Nicobar Islands despite being stationed in Delhi. While posted as MD DTDC Saxena was responsible for introducing the “Hop On Hop Off ” Bus Services (Ho Ho Service) widely appreciated for facilitating short-distance commuters in the National Capital.

On this occasion, a number of friends followers and family members of the author were present to recall their memories of association with the author, and appreciate his qualities of humble service to humanity.

The book, authored by Dr GG, Saxena, showcases the major developmental initiatives, taken up by him in various capacities, despite constraints and should serve as a bible for young civil servants who are keen to work as instruments of change for Society. The book is available on Amazon in hard copy as well as Kindle edition. I am still going through the book and will take up the review in the next post,

American Movie Oppenheimer directed by Christopher Nolan was released in mid-July 2023 .The movie which has actor lCillian Murphy in the central role of the famous American scientist confronts us with a detailed view of the historical turning point in matters of war and peace.American scientist J.Oppenheimer is often considered as the father of the nuclear bomb as he was the central character responsible for turning the greatest scientific invention in the history of mankind into the most powerful weapon of mass destruction. However, there was a long train of events that culminated in the final decision for making an atomic bomb. The movie highlights various decisions which call the technical aspects of the bomb and the deliberations which led to the first explosion of the nuclear bomb at a trial site on 15th July 1945.

The viewers are also taken through the deliberations of various committees and discussions with a group of administrators to show the complications which cropped up before the great scientist after the historic incident of a nuclear explosion. Such historic incidents are usually followed up with many smaller incidents creating complications for the major players. The movie shows that this up and down phenomenon happened in this case also. For several years after the historic nuclear explosion the scientist was suspected on various grounds of his loyalty to the country and for political ideologies that followed him at various stages of life. It took quite some time before this matter of suspicion over his loyalty to his country finally settled down. The movie shows that mankind does not learn from its mistakes and similar incidents haunt the great achievers because certain human beings are bound to criticize all great things for certain negative reasons.

The film also highlights the dedication of the Army officers and the Nuclear Scientists who built up an entire township for facilitating various activities related to this unique project. The groundwork was done at breakneck speed to complete the infrastructure in record time and the final explosion of the test version was considered a tribute to the fighting spirit of mankind.

The movie has some funny side also such as the moment when a top politician of the country advises the scientists to not to worry too much about the negative opinion which would be generated by the nuclear bomb because he was sure that nobody would remember the Scientist as the blame or credit would entirely be on the political leaders. At one stage the great scientist was also advised to turn his back on the country like the great Einstein.

As I was ruminating over the great movie on way to home one idea which flashed in my mind was that the talented filmmaker did miss one thing and that was formal recitations of shlok from sacred Bhagwat Geeta by the great Oppenhiemer as he is said to have felt calm after understanding the Karma philosophy.That would have been a great value addition for lovers of Karma philosophy.

*************