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,