Of Giants and Windmills: An Autobiography (H.B)

Book Details

• Author: Moosa Raza

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Language: English

• Edition: Not Specified

• ISBN: 9789391125325

• Pages: 304

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches

About the Book

"The Man Who Wasn't There" by Moosa Raza offers a fascinating and richly layered account of the author's experiences as a young IAS officer in the early decades post India’s independence. A native of a small village in Tamil Nadu, Raza was entrusted with governing the complex and diverse territories of the newly formed state of Gujarat. His career journey took him through four districts (now seven), where he served as the district magistrate and collector, eventually rising to the position of principal secretary to the chief minister of Gujarat.

In this memoir, Raza offers candid insights into his life as a civil servant during a time of political and social upheaval. With a humorous, yet honest narrative, he recounts his encounters with a range of personalities—ranging from maharajas and politicians to tribal leaders and gold smugglers. His witty observations and experiences with well-known figures like C.V. Raman, Morarji Desai, and Indira Gandhi breathe life into the political landscape of the time, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the power struggles and bureaucratic complexities of post-independence India.

Raza's reflections on governance, public service, and the challenges of navigating through India’s evolving political environment make this book an engaging and insightful read. His personal anecdotes, filled with empathy and wit, make this memoir not only a historical account but also an exploration of the human side of bureaucracy and governance.