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Relentless: An Autobiography
From bureaucrat to politician, and from one century to the next, Yashwant Sinha's incredible journey from modest beginnings to the highest corridors of power is a tribute to a family's determination and sacrifices, a young man's indomitable grit and an enduring ode to a nation in the throes of constant churn and change.
Having worked with three prime ministers and two chief ministers, former administrator and union minister Sinha has been a part of the country's transformation from a fledging postcolonial democracy to one of the world's most exciting economies to watch out for-a transformation in which he has played an active role as a parliamentarian, minister for external affairs and two-time finance minister in two vastly different governments. It is also a compelling read for Sinha's commentary on things as diverse as politics, religion, democracy and its institutions, as well as family, personal struggle and a relentless pursuit of bigger dreams.
From when bureaucrats often bicycled to work and the back lanes of Bihar to the autobahn of Bonn; from the benches of the Indian Parliament to the podium of the UN General Assembly; from behind the bars of various jails to centre stage as a dissenting voice in a majority government-Relentless tells the story of one of India's most well-known public faces, in his very own unique voice, and some of its most iconic leaders and political parties, with neither fear nor favour. From JP and Chandra Shekhar to VP Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, the book gives an insight into the rise and fall of leaders and ideologies that have charted a unique course for our democracy amid fierce personal and political strife.
Having worked with three prime ministers and two chief ministers, former administrator and union minister Sinha has been a part of the country's transformation from a fledging postcolonial democracy to one of the world's most exciting economies to watch out for-a transformation in which he has played an active role as a parliamentarian, minister for external affairs and two-time finance minister in two vastly different governments. It is also a compelling read for Sinha's commentary on things as diverse as politics, religion, democracy and its institutions, as well as family, personal struggle and a relentless pursuit of bigger dreams.
From when bureaucrats often bicycled to work and the back lanes of Bihar to the autobahn of Bonn; from the benches of the Indian Parliament to the podium of the UN General Assembly; from behind the bars of various jails to centre stage as a dissenting voice in a majority government-Relentless tells the story of one of India's most well-known public faces, in his very own unique voice, and some of its most iconic leaders and political parties, with neither fear nor favour. From JP and Chandra Shekhar to VP Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, the book gives an insight into the rise and fall of leaders and ideologies that have charted a unique course for our democracy amid fierce personal and political strife.
- GenresBiography
613 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 1, 2022
Coming from an extremely humble background in Bihar's Patna, to becoming a civil servant at 25 , to serving 24 distinguished years in service, and then quitting it all at 49 to join the jungle of politics- to reach the highest offices of finance and external affairs minister- YS had a truly inspiring life.
He had his own challenges of managing his image and relationships in politics- that short changed his career, but his courage to always speak his mind is commendable.
I almost relentlessly read through the book, for its relatability and that I could personally connect to his story a lot, his political fame notwithstanding. Really enjoyed the story!
He had his own challenges of managing his image and relationships in politics- that short changed his career, but his courage to always speak his mind is commendable.
I almost relentlessly read through the book, for its relatability and that I could personally connect to his story a lot, his political fame notwithstanding. Really enjoyed the story!
September 6, 2019
I never thought I will enjoy reading autobiography of a contemporary Indian Politician this much. The book is impressive as it honestly gives accounts of author's successes and failures, good traits and shortcomings, even jealousies and rivalries . Initially I was bit bugged by author's description of a life lesson from each event of his life but after he started describing his IAS years, I was totally glued.
Being a civil servant myself , I found those experiences very relatable and I realised the book is actually written in a way a career bureaucrat will see and describe his life.The book candidly even describes Sinha's political compromises and attempts to further his IAS career( in choice of postings and even marriage). For me that honesty is the litmus test of an autobiography and this book passes that with distinction. Overall an interesting read.
The minus point is terrible editing. Bloomsbury India needs to do something about that. There are such obvious mistakes ( grammatical and otherwise ) in the text that any editor worth his/her name should have caught. With better editing , the book can be made crispier and more readable. I also noticed 1-2 factual mistakes (like Dina Wadia mentioned as Sister of Nusli wadia and even Mohd.Ali Jinnah). Again , a good editor should have noticed that.
Being a civil servant myself , I found those experiences very relatable and I realised the book is actually written in a way a career bureaucrat will see and describe his life.The book candidly even describes Sinha's political compromises and attempts to further his IAS career( in choice of postings and even marriage). For me that honesty is the litmus test of an autobiography and this book passes that with distinction. Overall an interesting read.
The minus point is terrible editing. Bloomsbury India needs to do something about that. There are such obvious mistakes ( grammatical and otherwise ) in the text that any editor worth his/her name should have caught. With better editing , the book can be made crispier and more readable. I also noticed 1-2 factual mistakes (like Dina Wadia mentioned as Sister of Nusli wadia and even Mohd.Ali Jinnah). Again , a good editor should have noticed that.
August 25, 2020
Mr Sinha is an accomplished person, who's been places in his various capacities. This reflects in his chronicling effort. There are numerous anecdotes and insights relating to the bureaucracy and Indian politics.
Personally, I enjoyed this book a lot because he contested his elections from my hometown, Hazaribagh. I might have given it 3/5 stars otherwise.
I had a couple of gripes though:
1. At times, the book sounds like a hard sell. I suppose that becomes second nature being a politician.
2. He ignores the UTI scam altogether. My family tells me he faced criticism for the rapid capital reduction. This is confirmed by a quick Google search.
All in all, it's an interesting read. If you want to learn more about the politics of the unstable 1990s, I suspect there are better books than this one.
But if you have a personal/professional interest in Mr Sinha's journey, it's a good read.
Personally, I enjoyed this book a lot because he contested his elections from my hometown, Hazaribagh. I might have given it 3/5 stars otherwise.
I had a couple of gripes though:
1. At times, the book sounds like a hard sell. I suppose that becomes second nature being a politician.
2. He ignores the UTI scam altogether. My family tells me he faced criticism for the rapid capital reduction. This is confirmed by a quick Google search.
All in all, it's an interesting read. If you want to learn more about the politics of the unstable 1990s, I suspect there are better books than this one.
But if you have a personal/professional interest in Mr Sinha's journey, it's a good read.
February 4, 2020
I liked this book, specially the IAS years and the work in Finance Ministry.
It contains many anecdotes about the years with Chandra Shekhar and Bajpayee Government.
One can take inspiration from his hard work and sincerity.
Some sections are skippable but when personal anecdotes come, they are must read.
It contains many anecdotes about the years with Chandra Shekhar and Bajpayee Government.
One can take inspiration from his hard work and sincerity.
Some sections are skippable but when personal anecdotes come, they are must read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews