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Life In The Uniform: Adventures of an IPS Officer in Bihar
Amit Lodha is a decorated IPS officer holding the rank of inspector general. But before he rose the ranks in the service, he was an IIT graduate who was struggling to find his true purpose. In this book, Lodha tells us how he turned his life around and studied for the UPSC exams. He also tells us how he trained to be an officer and had the most memorable beginning to his career, in Bihar.
Punctuated with his signature humour and adventure-packed stories on everything from solving a kidnapping to handling a mob, Life in the Uniform gives us a chance to experience an IPS officer's life through his own eyes.
Punctuated with his signature humour and adventure-packed stories on everything from solving a kidnapping to handling a mob, Life in the Uniform gives us a chance to experience an IPS officer's life through his own eyes.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2021
35 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 13, 2021
Life In The Uniform by Amit Lodha is a non-fiction book written about true cases and stores told by the author, an IPS officer on his journey of becoming a fine officer over the course of years.
The author has given us insights into his stories and experiences that have shaped him into a fine police officer today with a touch of humor and wit to it. The book talks about his journey and turning point in life from an IIT graduate to cracking the UPSC exams.
The book is mainly set in Bihar, as authors journey as a police officer starts from there. We see he solving cases of murder as well as handling mobs and consoling innocent victims families. I liked how creative the titles of each story and chapter was.
The stories were short and crisp, upto the point. Also makes sense as to how police inspector, Amit Lodha handled the situations in tough times. What I did not like was the constant dialogues being said in hindi and then translated in English as well. Anyone language used would have been fine.
The author has given us insights into his stories and experiences that have shaped him into a fine police officer today with a touch of humor and wit to it. The book talks about his journey and turning point in life from an IIT graduate to cracking the UPSC exams.
The book is mainly set in Bihar, as authors journey as a police officer starts from there. We see he solving cases of murder as well as handling mobs and consoling innocent victims families. I liked how creative the titles of each story and chapter was.
The stories were short and crisp, upto the point. Also makes sense as to how police inspector, Amit Lodha handled the situations in tough times. What I did not like was the constant dialogues being said in hindi and then translated in English as well. Anyone language used would have been fine.
April 13, 2021
Life In The Uniform by Amit Lodha is a non-fiction book written about true cases and stores told by the author, an IPS officer on his journey of becoming a fine officer over the course of years.
The author has given us insights into his stories and experiences that have shaped him into a fine police officer today with a touch of humor and wit to it. The book talks about his journey and turning point in life from an IIT graduate to cracking the UPSC exams.
The book is mainly set in Bihar, as authors journey as a police officer starts from there. We see he solving cases of murder as well as handling mobs and consoling innocent victims families. I liked how creative the titles of each story and chapter was.
The stories were short and crisp, upto the point. Also makes sense as to how police inspector, Amit Lodha handled the situations in tough times. What I did not like was the constant dialogues being said in hindi and then translated in English as well. Anyone language used would have been fine.
The author has given us insights into his stories and experiences that have shaped him into a fine police officer today with a touch of humor and wit to it. The book talks about his journey and turning point in life from an IIT graduate to cracking the UPSC exams.
The book is mainly set in Bihar, as authors journey as a police officer starts from there. We see he solving cases of murder as well as handling mobs and consoling innocent victims families. I liked how creative the titles of each story and chapter was.
The stories were short and crisp, upto the point. Also makes sense as to how police inspector, Amit Lodha handled the situations in tough times. What I did not like was the constant dialogues being said in hindi and then translated in English as well. Anyone language used would have been fine.
December 8, 2023
In Life in the Uniform by Amit Lodha, readers are taken on a riveting journey through the author's experiences in the uniformed services. Lodha's engaging narrative style weaves tales of camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs within the police force, evoking laughter and contemplation in equal measure.
While the anecdotes are relatable, the narrative falls short of exploring the profound emotions accompanying these incidents, leaving a sense of unfulfilled depth. The frequent shift between Hindi and English disrupts the narrative flow, appearing redundant and interrupting.
Despite these shortcomings, the book captures the essence of service and sacrifice, offering a unique perspective on police challenges. Ultimately, it is a one-time read with untapped potential.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
While the anecdotes are relatable, the narrative falls short of exploring the profound emotions accompanying these incidents, leaving a sense of unfulfilled depth. The frequent shift between Hindi and English disrupts the narrative flow, appearing redundant and interrupting.
Despite these shortcomings, the book captures the essence of service and sacrifice, offering a unique perspective on police challenges. Ultimately, it is a one-time read with untapped potential.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
June 19, 2021
This book is a collection of real-life episodes of Police Officer Amit Lodha starting his journey from IIT to IPS and then on the field. The book sums up all the struggles police personnel goes through at work as well as his/her personal life. It is indeed a good read.
I did not like the writing style of Hindi dialogues that followed the English translation in the next sentence. It could have been only Hindi, the continuous translations were irritating at times.
For more such reviews - visit https://penitratherkeyit.com/category...
I did not like the writing style of Hindi dialogues that followed the English translation in the next sentence. It could have been only Hindi, the continuous translations were irritating at times.
For more such reviews - visit https://penitratherkeyit.com/category...
April 13, 2021
With funny anecdotes, this honest look into the life of an IPS officer in Bihar cadre is an interesting take 'behind the scenes'.
May 21, 2022
Exquisite narration of a tumultuous journey in the life of policeman.
May 9, 2022
Beautiful thoughts
Amit lodha has beautifully wrapped up the second book of his life memoirs, loved both of them completely, I would request amit sir to also write about his failures in policing too.. there may be a few that way, the book becomes more realistic.. rest is a thought process .. also I am expecting a book on his experiences I'm BSF.. again I have a suggestion for a book - like your story many police officers have interesting stories of their own.. you have gained popularity- it would be great to write a series of books " Police stories 1 - 2 - 3' . Their stories and your way of story telling.. I am sure it would be a great success.. I would love to read that ... hope to keep reading ur work further also
Amit lodha has beautifully wrapped up the second book of his life memoirs, loved both of them completely, I would request amit sir to also write about his failures in policing too.. there may be a few that way, the book becomes more realistic.. rest is a thought process .. also I am expecting a book on his experiences I'm BSF.. again I have a suggestion for a book - like your story many police officers have interesting stories of their own.. you have gained popularity- it would be great to write a series of books " Police stories 1 - 2 - 3' . Their stories and your way of story telling.. I am sure it would be a great success.. I would love to read that ... hope to keep reading ur work further also
April 29, 2021
This book is an honest memoir of an IPS officer .
The book starts with the officer's first encounter with a former minister about which he was very skeptical when he was going to the minister's house but things turned the other way round after he reached his house. The book would then take you on a beautiful journey right from how Mr Lodha decided to write the UPSC exam ,his academic struggles at IIT and how he overcame them and finally got his dream job (IPS in the second attempt) and training at the NPA .
This book would tell you about diverse cases that the officer solved during his posting in Bihar right from several kidnapping cases ,lynchings ,looting of the Canara Bank ,dealing with Naxals etc and has very catchy and humorous titles . He didn't shy away from writing about his vulnerabilities or his dynamics with certain officers or politicians .
There were two very beautiful lines amongst many others that made me really emotional ,in a chapter where Mr Lodha said that there was a time he could have literally run after criminals but now he had to change his tactics and regarding the same , he is confused as to whether he is growing older or wiser !
Second was in the epilouge where Mr lodha met a Jawan who told Mr Lodha "Akhri Goli ,Akhri Dam Tak lunga".
The book is written in a very lucid and beautiful manner. The author has used a lot of humour So ,at one moment you will be tensed /biting your nail and the other moment you will be laughing out loud .
This book should be read by all the UPSC CSE aspirants in their free time ,especially by those who want to join IPS as it will give them an insight on how policing is done (in the right way).
Even the people who are not upsc cse aspirants (the general public ) should read it to recognise the contributions of the police and to enjoy a good book in general .
Cons : -
The only problem that the book has is the translations of hindi sentences in english ,after a point I was literally skipping the english portion to save time and most importantly not lose interest in the book .The author might have done this to cater the interest to of readers of both the languages .But he could have used only english as the language of the book is predominantly english .
The book starts with the officer's first encounter with a former minister about which he was very skeptical when he was going to the minister's house but things turned the other way round after he reached his house. The book would then take you on a beautiful journey right from how Mr Lodha decided to write the UPSC exam ,his academic struggles at IIT and how he overcame them and finally got his dream job (IPS in the second attempt) and training at the NPA .
This book would tell you about diverse cases that the officer solved during his posting in Bihar right from several kidnapping cases ,lynchings ,looting of the Canara Bank ,dealing with Naxals etc and has very catchy and humorous titles . He didn't shy away from writing about his vulnerabilities or his dynamics with certain officers or politicians .
There were two very beautiful lines amongst many others that made me really emotional ,in a chapter where Mr Lodha said that there was a time he could have literally run after criminals but now he had to change his tactics and regarding the same , he is confused as to whether he is growing older or wiser !
Second was in the epilouge where Mr lodha met a Jawan who told Mr Lodha "Akhri Goli ,Akhri Dam Tak lunga".
The book is written in a very lucid and beautiful manner. The author has used a lot of humour So ,at one moment you will be tensed /biting your nail and the other moment you will be laughing out loud .
This book should be read by all the UPSC CSE aspirants in their free time ,especially by those who want to join IPS as it will give them an insight on how policing is done (in the right way).
Even the people who are not upsc cse aspirants (the general public ) should read it to recognise the contributions of the police and to enjoy a good book in general .
Cons : -
The only problem that the book has is the translations of hindi sentences in english ,after a point I was literally skipping the english portion to save time and most importantly not lose interest in the book .The author might have done this to cater the interest to of readers of both the languages .But he could have used only english as the language of the book is predominantly english .
March 19, 2021
"Life in the uniform" is second book written by Amit Lodha, the first one being "Bihar Diaries" which went on to become a best seller. Whereas "Bihar Diaries" was a gripping insight into cat and mouse games being played between police and criminals, this one narrates the myriad moods and manifestations of his personal life vis a vis numerous vicissitudes and nuances of his professional life. The reader remains glued to the smooth surface of the story and feels being a part of it. It's a subtle description of a common man/woman's aspirations, struggles, challenges and agonies that one endures in life. Through his sheer simplicity, brazen candor and ingenuity, the author touches the emotive chord of the reader. Though being labelled as a no nonsense and tough officer, Amit pours his heart out when he nonchalantly speaks of the care, concern, love, affection and respect for his family, friends, fellow officers, his professional as well as his personal staff. One takes notice that life of a police officer isn't as glamorous and alluring as it is made out to be rather it's like one of us facing uphill tasks, fighting a rogue system and trying to overcome the odds. The true narration and description of the events unfolded in this book might ruffle some feathers and unnerve a few but the author deserves kudos for his honesty and genuineness. The book is laced with jibes, satires, anecdotes and numerous innuendoes . It's an inspirational story bundled with lots of fun. It somehow draws remembrance to "An Officer and a Gentleman". A must read !!!
Ravi Jha
Ravi Jha
December 14, 2025
I came across this book after I finished Netflix web series 'Khakee-The Bihar Chapter ',the web series made me curious to know more about IPS officer Amit Lodha .In this book Amit shares his life experiences and incidents in the police service, often we see police from a very negative eye ,Amit gives us perspective of things from eye of an policemen. The book is filled with humour, Thrill and exciting and challenging incidents in a policemen's life.
I felt inspired after reading the book, realised the struggles of our security forces,It is very easy to say ki ''police kuch kaam nahi karti'' , but deep down they are the ones responsible for our security and welfare.''The best thing about being in police is that you don't fear police anymore''- Amit
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is aspiring to join police/paramilitary forces,it is very much inspiring as Amit shares his memories of IIT and UPSC Preparation and also you can read it to know the story of other side of the table from an IPS officer.
I felt inspired after reading the book, realised the struggles of our security forces,It is very easy to say ki ''police kuch kaam nahi karti'' , but deep down they are the ones responsible for our security and welfare.''The best thing about being in police is that you don't fear police anymore''- Amit
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is aspiring to join police/paramilitary forces,it is very much inspiring as Amit shares his memories of IIT and UPSC Preparation and also you can read it to know the story of other side of the table from an IPS officer.
March 31, 2021
A book that should have preceded 'Bihar Diaries', this starts with how Mr Amit Lodha, from a completely carefree life at the IIT went on to become a part of the IPS, a job with onerous responsibilities. The book is an interesting, riveting account of the author's professional life, interspersed with personal anecdotes. His postings as SP in diverse districts, affected with petty crimes, kidnappings and naxal menace coupled with the politically active public of Bihar together brought out the best in his policing methods. However, one feels he should have given more pages to initiatives as 'Sambhav'. I hope in his next, he enriches the user on another great initiative of his, 'Bharat Ke Veer'. A must read for those seeking inspiration for joining the IPS.
August 28, 2021
I'm big fan of Amit's Writing.
His second book after Bihar Diaries.
This book is life journey of an IPS in Bihar.
Every chapter of journey is interesting and written as he himself explaining it to you.
A master storyteller who makes every incident interesting by adding small nuance.
I'm sure ,this book will give u an adrenaline rush..
Definitely a good read..
His second book after Bihar Diaries.
This book is life journey of an IPS in Bihar.
Every chapter of journey is interesting and written as he himself explaining it to you.
A master storyteller who makes every incident interesting by adding small nuance.
I'm sure ,this book will give u an adrenaline rush..
Definitely a good read..
October 11, 2021
One of the finest book I read.
The book is account of different thrilling events in the life of Amit Lodha (IPS),beautifully codified in chapters .
I loved the informal language of book coupled with many Hindi phrases. Author also share many peices of wisdom for aspiring police officers .
A worthy light read😊
The book is account of different thrilling events in the life of Amit Lodha (IPS),beautifully codified in chapters .
I loved the informal language of book coupled with many Hindi phrases. Author also share many peices of wisdom for aspiring police officers .
A worthy light read😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2022
This book was amazing as it was on incident that took place in the life of the police officer. And I can really relate this experience of Shri Amit Lodha Sir. You’re really inspiring and I learnt a lot from all this experience that sir has shared in the book. It’s an absolute package of life in the uniform.👌
June 12, 2025
Great Adventure
Great book to read. Even though bihar was epitome of crime. Police officers there have done a great work.
There used to be joke that “In early 2000’s, If Pakistan asks for Kashmir, take bihar as free with it”. All of that has changed now, thanks to the hard work done by these bihar police force”.
Great book to read. Even though bihar was epitome of crime. Police officers there have done a great work.
There used to be joke that “In early 2000’s, If Pakistan asks for Kashmir, take bihar as free with it”. All of that has changed now, thanks to the hard work done by these bihar police force”.
May 1, 2021
The best book. I've firstly, heard him on "tedxtalk" , and was very pleased to know his books. Both these books are very useful for those who haven't achieved in their lives. I want IPS Amit Lodha sir to write more books for their fans, who support and love them a lot....
June 23, 2021
Didn't live up to the expectation!
I loved the first book by the author which reads like a fast-paced thriller...this one lacks that style of storytelling and is bereft of drama that you usually find in crime stories!
I loved the first book by the author which reads like a fast-paced thriller...this one lacks that style of storytelling and is bereft of drama that you usually find in crime stories!
August 30, 2021
Record time in which listened this book must give it away.
I will write an elaborate review on this book this weekend.
My rating is 5.5 on 5.
It’s a non-fiction Bollywood movie. Interesting, entertaining and exciting…
Bihar diaries here I come…
I will write an elaborate review on this book this weekend.
My rating is 5.5 on 5.
It’s a non-fiction Bollywood movie. Interesting, entertaining and exciting…
Bihar diaries here I come…
January 11, 2022
A pastime novel that provides a brief glimpse into the life of a police officer in India. Present lce of a lot of anecdotes from the police academy to his days as an officer made the book an interesting read
May 24, 2021
Humorous, adventurous, and full of amazing life lessons. Glad to see such amazing people serving India. It fulfilled it's purpose.
September 2, 2021
Great book. Must read
February 7, 2022
Available for me 🙏
February 15, 2022
Hilarious. Loved it.
May 22, 2022
Inspiring
December 6, 2022
Illustrative and inspirational.
Gripping succinct description of the challenges faced by the state police and it's officers. A must read for both general public and law inforcement personnel.
Gripping succinct description of the challenges faced by the state police and it's officers. A must read for both general public and law inforcement personnel.
May 16, 2024
An engaging account of a decorated officer of the IPS.
July 3, 2025
awesome. read it in one go. Loved it.
April 14, 2021
It happens that when we prepare for any exam we think that once we crack it, our life will be better. One more test, one more raise in the salary and for sure glory is all ours and we can actually have some fun in life. It’s the generational conditioning that leads us to this situation. I remember how my parents used to tell me to study for your 10th boards and get good grades so that you get into your dream school, study hard for your 12th boards for a better college. It continued till a point where I started feeding my brain with the same thoughts. One more essay to submit, one more internship and surely better days are waiting for me. Then came the UPSC preparation.
The sheer pressure that I put on myself for cracking the exam and forgetting what about life after that. It always happened. One exam opened the door for yet another one because the chase never stops and the shortsightedness of not living in the moment and failing to see the bigger picture took everything down. Nobody talks about that part, what about after you are finally into the service and hopefully will stay put in it till you retire. I am talking about the lifelong struggles and the work that officers have to do. If you are wondering why I am talking about this part then let me explain to you one more thing.
All the time I was reading “Life in the Uniform” I was thinking if I ever gave a thought about what I am going to do after I crack the exam. Sure I wanted to serve the people and that was always my automatic answer.
I remember how my mother once told me “but even politicians and everyone in the community serve one another, what makes you different?”
I always kept that thought aside and focused on my studies (that’s my escape route). If anything this book did to me other than telling me stories filled with leadership and a positive mindset, it fixed my lens and made me question why I wanted to prepare for UPSC and what made me leave it. You see, the books written by leaders or officers specifically from the armed forces are not about the adrenaline rush but it’s more about having and developing leader-like qualities. The person grows while they are in service and the path they lay serves as motivation for the next generation.
Amit Lodha opens up his heart on how he transformed from an IITian who didn’t go for placement but opted for UPSC instead and how during the preparation he faced self-imposed hurdles, the temporary gratifications if not controlled, would surely make him fail. Oftentimes we hear that we have more things to divert our mind from studies and work but it’s not true. He clearly told us how he would often spend time watching tv or chatting with friends. The honesty he showed us made me connect to him instantaneously. He showed us the less talked about the life of LBSNAA and NPA, the daily rigorous exercises, studies, and how strict the trainers are. These stories are not always shared. We only get to see the brighter side, forgetting that the brighter side only exists if one sheds enough blood and sweat behind it. During his tenure on various posts in Bihar Police, he talked in an elaborate manner about how one needs to navigate in limited resources. I am pretty sure the scene is more or less the same in other states too.
One of the data published by PRS India states that the state police are overburdened with 24% vacancies (almost 5.5 lakh) and there is only 137 police personnel per lakh while the UN-sanctioned number is 222. Working smoothly and ensuring lower rates of crime is a difficult and humongous task on its own.
Amit Lodha shared not just his success stories but also his learnings. He also shared how preconceived notions often destroy professional relationships. Talking about relationships, he never missed out on mentioning his family, especially his wife. And in all honesty, he shared that sometimes he couldn’t support her the way he wanted to. There are so many things to learn from just one book. Above all is how crucial it is to be ethical and never bend down in front of corruption or intimidation along with staying humble and never letting the power and position affect you.
This book made me think. I guess in everyone’s life there’s a pivotal moment that redirects them, just like how going back to his grandparents' home helped him devote himself to the preparation and how this book is helping me to rethink my priorities. Success comes with responsibilities and the author shows us how not to shy away from them.
The sheer pressure that I put on myself for cracking the exam and forgetting what about life after that. It always happened. One exam opened the door for yet another one because the chase never stops and the shortsightedness of not living in the moment and failing to see the bigger picture took everything down. Nobody talks about that part, what about after you are finally into the service and hopefully will stay put in it till you retire. I am talking about the lifelong struggles and the work that officers have to do. If you are wondering why I am talking about this part then let me explain to you one more thing.
All the time I was reading “Life in the Uniform” I was thinking if I ever gave a thought about what I am going to do after I crack the exam. Sure I wanted to serve the people and that was always my automatic answer.
I remember how my mother once told me “but even politicians and everyone in the community serve one another, what makes you different?”
I always kept that thought aside and focused on my studies (that’s my escape route). If anything this book did to me other than telling me stories filled with leadership and a positive mindset, it fixed my lens and made me question why I wanted to prepare for UPSC and what made me leave it. You see, the books written by leaders or officers specifically from the armed forces are not about the adrenaline rush but it’s more about having and developing leader-like qualities. The person grows while they are in service and the path they lay serves as motivation for the next generation.
Amit Lodha opens up his heart on how he transformed from an IITian who didn’t go for placement but opted for UPSC instead and how during the preparation he faced self-imposed hurdles, the temporary gratifications if not controlled, would surely make him fail. Oftentimes we hear that we have more things to divert our mind from studies and work but it’s not true. He clearly told us how he would often spend time watching tv or chatting with friends. The honesty he showed us made me connect to him instantaneously. He showed us the less talked about the life of LBSNAA and NPA, the daily rigorous exercises, studies, and how strict the trainers are. These stories are not always shared. We only get to see the brighter side, forgetting that the brighter side only exists if one sheds enough blood and sweat behind it. During his tenure on various posts in Bihar Police, he talked in an elaborate manner about how one needs to navigate in limited resources. I am pretty sure the scene is more or less the same in other states too.
One of the data published by PRS India states that the state police are overburdened with 24% vacancies (almost 5.5 lakh) and there is only 137 police personnel per lakh while the UN-sanctioned number is 222. Working smoothly and ensuring lower rates of crime is a difficult and humongous task on its own.
Amit Lodha shared not just his success stories but also his learnings. He also shared how preconceived notions often destroy professional relationships. Talking about relationships, he never missed out on mentioning his family, especially his wife. And in all honesty, he shared that sometimes he couldn’t support her the way he wanted to. There are so many things to learn from just one book. Above all is how crucial it is to be ethical and never bend down in front of corruption or intimidation along with staying humble and never letting the power and position affect you.
This book made me think. I guess in everyone’s life there’s a pivotal moment that redirects them, just like how going back to his grandparents' home helped him devote himself to the preparation and how this book is helping me to rethink my priorities. Success comes with responsibilities and the author shows us how not to shy away from them.
April 26, 2023
Amit Lodha, an IPS officer, shared his on-duty experience and gist about his personal life. The book shows you a glimpse of a police officer's experience. Personally, this book changed my actual perception of the Indian police.
March 23, 2021
I have a bias for this book. So, this review might not be the best one to look at if you're looking for a balanced POV.
I grew up in the 90s Bihar and since my father worked for Bihar government, I know the constraints that people were dealing with in the administration first hand. But, in every department there were a handful of people who still made the best use of what they had at their disposal. This is an account of someone who tried to do the right thing at every stage with the resources he had.
There were so many highlights for me in the book, the self belief while preparing for the exam, the endurance during the training days, the tactical and strategic decision making while solving cases, building an organisation for achievable results, stakeholder management (good and the bad), trust in doing the right thing, I can go on and on but you get the idea. The book is littered with leadership lessons for anyone at any level which can be applied equally.
What I especially loved was the structure of the second half of the book. Each case was unfolding in the same way as it would've for the author. We as audience know exactly the same information as Mr. Lodha trying to solve the case. These stories then gives one a thrill of reading a Sherlock homes story.
Having been admirer of the beaurocrats of the country, I can see why they're so rigorously tested and prepared. Because, doesn't matter what they have studied or trained for, the reality on the ground would be totally different. The only real weapon they have is their wit and courage. Mr. Lodha demonstrated that while handling the mobs multiple times, facing the bullets by leading operations, using unusual methods for investigation and sometimes even challenging the norms by taking on thr big boss himself.
Among all the qualities, the one thing that makes this book great is that it's funny in parts. The tension is build up and released in quite a rhythmic manner. For someone's 2nd book, this is just brilliant.
It's a compelling read and it has given me an appetite to read more about my home state in detail. What a privilege to have a peek behind the curtain of this wonderful life.
I would just like to thank him for his service and the wonderful account he's written. It allowed someone like me to experience an extraordinary life vicariously.
Looking forward for his next one.
I grew up in the 90s Bihar and since my father worked for Bihar government, I know the constraints that people were dealing with in the administration first hand. But, in every department there were a handful of people who still made the best use of what they had at their disposal. This is an account of someone who tried to do the right thing at every stage with the resources he had.
There were so many highlights for me in the book, the self belief while preparing for the exam, the endurance during the training days, the tactical and strategic decision making while solving cases, building an organisation for achievable results, stakeholder management (good and the bad), trust in doing the right thing, I can go on and on but you get the idea. The book is littered with leadership lessons for anyone at any level which can be applied equally.
What I especially loved was the structure of the second half of the book. Each case was unfolding in the same way as it would've for the author. We as audience know exactly the same information as Mr. Lodha trying to solve the case. These stories then gives one a thrill of reading a Sherlock homes story.
Having been admirer of the beaurocrats of the country, I can see why they're so rigorously tested and prepared. Because, doesn't matter what they have studied or trained for, the reality on the ground would be totally different. The only real weapon they have is their wit and courage. Mr. Lodha demonstrated that while handling the mobs multiple times, facing the bullets by leading operations, using unusual methods for investigation and sometimes even challenging the norms by taking on thr big boss himself.
Among all the qualities, the one thing that makes this book great is that it's funny in parts. The tension is build up and released in quite a rhythmic manner. For someone's 2nd book, this is just brilliant.
It's a compelling read and it has given me an appetite to read more about my home state in detail. What a privilege to have a peek behind the curtain of this wonderful life.
I would just like to thank him for his service and the wonderful account he's written. It allowed someone like me to experience an extraordinary life vicariously.
Looking forward for his next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews