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The Monk Who...
The Monk who Transformed Uttar Pradesh
The Monk who Transformed Uttar Pradesh: How Yogi Adityanath changed ‘UP Waala Bhaiya’ Abuse to a Badge of Honour by Shantanu Gupta enlists, with facts, the speed and the scale with which Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath transformed the state of Uttar Pradesh, which appeared to be perennially mired as a BIMARU state, with corruption, nepotism, lawlessness having become it’s salient features. Taking over as a surprise choice after the 2017 Assembly elections, in which the BJP and its allies romped home with a massive majority, Adityanath, who many dismissed initially as a ‘sanyasi’ who was inexperienced in matters of administration, has brought about a turn-around of UP, which is hard to believe, but difficult to dismiss as facts reveal the same.
Bringing crime under control, rather sending shivers up the spine of many-a-bahubalis, or priming Uttar Pradesh for industrial investment, Yogi Adityanath, has transformed the state into a peaceful state, where people can move freely, and women feel safe. Checking other boxes like industrial investment, improving infrastructure, handling the corona epidemic, increasing health and transport infrastructure across districts and regions-like Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, or making the lives of common people and workers, who were too keen on migrating, easy and providing them jobs within the state.
Bringing crime under control, rather sending shivers up the spine of many-a-bahubalis, or priming Uttar Pradesh for industrial investment, Yogi Adityanath, has transformed the state into a peaceful state, where people can move freely, and women feel safe. Checking other boxes like industrial investment, improving infrastructure, handling the corona epidemic, increasing health and transport infrastructure across districts and regions-like Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, or making the lives of common people and workers, who were too keen on migrating, easy and providing them jobs within the state.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
250 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 6, 2023
I am not surprised why Yogiji government won the 2nd term. Lots of facts and information are mentioned in this book. The seed current government is sowing now will be seen after 5 or 10 years later. I have seen lots of people make jibes on UP. Now happy to see lots of work going on. They deserve respects and I think those days are near.
April 2, 2022
Phew!!! is the first word which comes to mind once you have finished this book. This happens not because it is an exhaustive read, but simply because of the amount or rather the quantum of work which has happened in the last 5 years of the Yogi Government.
Candidly speaking, it really makes you question as to, has all of the above work which has been mentioned by the author actually materialised / taken shape or is it just another eulogy written by an admirer of the incumbent person/government. Here is where the analytical part of the author comes forward. Shantanuji corroborates every statement of his with requisite data from the years of the previous governments corresponding Yogi Government. On a lighter note, this might be one of the reasons, why Shri T V Mohandas Pai has written the Foreword for this book(for the uninitiated, Shri Pai in his Talks/Lectures after having rattled data for half an hour straight will go ahead and say "Let me give you some data...".)
Well, at my end I would like to say that hailing from Lucknow and working with the Cottage Industry and it's grassroot level workers, one can vouch for the changes which have happened in the state of Uttar Pradesh, during the last 5 years. To cite an example from my own experience, when during the time of Covid, I spoke to my artisans about the availability of food with them, they stated that the Government has provided them with so much food, that they can even share it with me, if required!.
Post Script : A humble suggestion to Shantanuji. If you can provide pictorial testimonials for a lot of readers who do not belong to Uttar Pradesh, or won't be travelling anytime soon, it will go a long way in cementing the facts stated in this book. This can happen with an updated version of the book.
Candidly speaking, it really makes you question as to, has all of the above work which has been mentioned by the author actually materialised / taken shape or is it just another eulogy written by an admirer of the incumbent person/government. Here is where the analytical part of the author comes forward. Shantanuji corroborates every statement of his with requisite data from the years of the previous governments corresponding Yogi Government. On a lighter note, this might be one of the reasons, why Shri T V Mohandas Pai has written the Foreword for this book(for the uninitiated, Shri Pai in his Talks/Lectures after having rattled data for half an hour straight will go ahead and say "Let me give you some data...".)
Well, at my end I would like to say that hailing from Lucknow and working with the Cottage Industry and it's grassroot level workers, one can vouch for the changes which have happened in the state of Uttar Pradesh, during the last 5 years. To cite an example from my own experience, when during the time of Covid, I spoke to my artisans about the availability of food with them, they stated that the Government has provided them with so much food, that they can even share it with me, if required!.
Post Script : A humble suggestion to Shantanuji. If you can provide pictorial testimonials for a lot of readers who do not belong to Uttar Pradesh, or won't be travelling anytime soon, it will go a long way in cementing the facts stated in this book. This can happen with an updated version of the book.
July 17, 2022
A book that seems like more of a report card rather than a memoir.
To the one's who have been keenly observing the turnout events after yogiji getting elected as CM would know how the transformation of UP had taken place from being a most maligned state even with a lot of potential in being a exemplar state in India. An analytical approach to the governance of Yogi's administration with hard hitting facts and figures.
Many things stated here in this book you might have heard or read on many online portals & yet there are many accomplishments that didn't gain attraction from media since they are more interested in cases that serve thier propaganda. This was an informative and interesting read which makes you think how a good administrative team of people can change even the most outlawed
State to a well established one..
To the one's who have been keenly observing the turnout events after yogiji getting elected as CM would know how the transformation of UP had taken place from being a most maligned state even with a lot of potential in being a exemplar state in India. An analytical approach to the governance of Yogi's administration with hard hitting facts and figures.
Many things stated here in this book you might have heard or read on many online portals & yet there are many accomplishments that didn't gain attraction from media since they are more interested in cases that serve thier propaganda. This was an informative and interesting read which makes you think how a good administrative team of people can change even the most outlawed
State to a well established one..
March 19, 2022
The most notable thing for me was the amazing framework provided by the author to analyse any state government’s performance
Another notable thing this provides various details of how a government machinery can be transformed using technology & regular monitoring.
The details on the various schemes by state & central government is really noteworthy
This one book provides more information than any analysis on TV or any other popular media outlet.
The start of the book sets the tone & should dispel all myths why the Yogi government was voted back to power.
The 3 things - the integrity of Yogiji, the restoration of law & order & electricity are the core tenets of revival. Many of us take the last points as granted. Sense of security for self & family is paramount
The chapters 4 & 5 details the foundations being laid for the economic revival using road connectivity & enabling industries
The chapters 6 & 7 focuses on social aspects like restoration of merit based education & medical facilities
Chapter 8 details of the various talents for Farmers as they are one of key aspects of UP.
The book closes with the highlights of revival of the celebration of Sanatana Dharma which is a much needed cultural renaissance
Note order in which these topics were presented are remarkably similar to how a person may prioritise the choices in his life
Another notable thing this provides various details of how a government machinery can be transformed using technology & regular monitoring.
The details on the various schemes by state & central government is really noteworthy
This one book provides more information than any analysis on TV or any other popular media outlet.
The start of the book sets the tone & should dispel all myths why the Yogi government was voted back to power.
The 3 things - the integrity of Yogiji, the restoration of law & order & electricity are the core tenets of revival. Many of us take the last points as granted. Sense of security for self & family is paramount
The chapters 4 & 5 details the foundations being laid for the economic revival using road connectivity & enabling industries
The chapters 6 & 7 focuses on social aspects like restoration of merit based education & medical facilities
Chapter 8 details of the various talents for Farmers as they are one of key aspects of UP.
The book closes with the highlights of revival of the celebration of Sanatana Dharma which is a much needed cultural renaissance
Note order in which these topics were presented are remarkably similar to how a person may prioritise the choices in his life
Read
February 10, 2022The Monk who Transformed Uttar Pradesh
In this book author Shantanu Gupta, the biographer of Yogi Adityanath writes about the transformation of UP under the new CM in the last 4.5 years. Indeed, the track record of achievement is impressive and profound and the author gives an enormous amount of verifiable data to back his writing. The book is very objective in nature.
It would have been good, if the book had anecdotes from Yogi Adityanath's role as CM.
UP will soon go to the polls and citizens will decide whom they will entrust the next government.
In this book author Shantanu Gupta, the biographer of Yogi Adityanath writes about the transformation of UP under the new CM in the last 4.5 years. Indeed, the track record of achievement is impressive and profound and the author gives an enormous amount of verifiable data to back his writing. The book is very objective in nature.
It would have been good, if the book had anecdotes from Yogi Adityanath's role as CM.
UP will soon go to the polls and citizens will decide whom they will entrust the next government.
July 20, 2022
Yes it is inclined, but the author substantiates his claims with numbers.
Full of stats, feels like reading a report card 😆
Full of stats, feels like reading a report card 😆
May 14, 2023
"For example in Sitapur district, notorious thugs, gangsters and most wanted criminals started voluntarily reporting at the police stations in UP. Some even promised to help the police to speed up their investigations."
A well researched book backed with hardcore numbers and interviews with various people. It covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of Yogi Adityanath's administration.
A well researched book backed with hardcore numbers and interviews with various people. It covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of Yogi Adityanath's administration.
June 19, 2025
In "The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh" by political commentator and author Shantanu Gupta offers a hagiographic yet meticulously researched narrative of how Uttar Pradesh’s political and administrative landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. The book is both an anecdotal and data-driven account of how a state once infamously bracketed as part of the “BIMARU” group signifying backwardness has emerged as a surprising model of governance in recent years.
The book is organized thematically, covering various sectors and aspects of governance such as -
🍀 Law and Order Reforms
🍀 Industrial and Infrastructure Development
🍀 Pandemic Management
🍀 Migration and Employment
🍀 Women Safety and Public Perception
🍀 Regional Development of Purvanchal & Bundelkhand
Each section is bolstered with government data, statistics, news reports, and on-ground examples, aiming to showcase the “scale and speed” of transformation, as promised in the subtitle.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The author makes a credible attempt to move beyond rhetoric by supplying facts, figures, comparative statistics, and official reports that illustrate a visible shift in UP’s law enforcement efficacy, infrastructure projects, and fiscal management. From the improved Ease of Doing Business rankings to the crackdown on criminal mafias, the author marshals enough evidence to make his case persuasive.
🔸The book successfully deconstructs the stereotype associated with the term “UP Waala Bhaiya” by offering a sociopolitical reframing of the identity. This cultural reclamation theme is interesting and helps connect governance with psychological pride and public morale.
🔸Unlike many political books that sidestep the COVID crisis, Gupta dives deep into Uttar Pradesh’s pandemic response, especially focusing on quarantine centers, migrant return logistics, testing infrastructure, and vaccination efforts. This section gives administrative depth to Yogi Adityanath’s leadership profile.
🔸A substantial portion is dedicated to how the “bahubali raj” has been subdued, law and order have improved, and police accountability mechanisms have been enhanced, especially in districts notorious for criminal dominance.
✒️ Areas for improvement :
▪️Uncritical glorification
▪️Little engagement with counter-narratives or dissenting views, which reduces the book’s academic neutrality and makes it less analytical, more celebratory.
▪️Absence of voices from the opposition, civil society, or grassroots critics
▪️Oversimplify complex systems, ignoring the contributions of bureaucrats, institutions, and other parallel developments that may have contributed to progress.
▪️Case studies are interspersed with statistical interjections that may not always flow smoothly, making the reading experience occasionally jarring.
In conclusion, it is a significant political document for anyone interested in contemporary Indian governance, state-level transformation, or the rise of saffron politics with administrative legitimacy. While it may not satisfy the intellectual rigor of an academic, it is a solid journalistic narrative with undeniable political relevance.
It is a must-read for political observers, students of governance, and those interested in the trajectory of India’s most politically decisive state.
The book is organized thematically, covering various sectors and aspects of governance such as -
🍀 Law and Order Reforms
🍀 Industrial and Infrastructure Development
🍀 Pandemic Management
🍀 Migration and Employment
🍀 Women Safety and Public Perception
🍀 Regional Development of Purvanchal & Bundelkhand
Each section is bolstered with government data, statistics, news reports, and on-ground examples, aiming to showcase the “scale and speed” of transformation, as promised in the subtitle.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The author makes a credible attempt to move beyond rhetoric by supplying facts, figures, comparative statistics, and official reports that illustrate a visible shift in UP’s law enforcement efficacy, infrastructure projects, and fiscal management. From the improved Ease of Doing Business rankings to the crackdown on criminal mafias, the author marshals enough evidence to make his case persuasive.
🔸The book successfully deconstructs the stereotype associated with the term “UP Waala Bhaiya” by offering a sociopolitical reframing of the identity. This cultural reclamation theme is interesting and helps connect governance with psychological pride and public morale.
🔸Unlike many political books that sidestep the COVID crisis, Gupta dives deep into Uttar Pradesh’s pandemic response, especially focusing on quarantine centers, migrant return logistics, testing infrastructure, and vaccination efforts. This section gives administrative depth to Yogi Adityanath’s leadership profile.
🔸A substantial portion is dedicated to how the “bahubali raj” has been subdued, law and order have improved, and police accountability mechanisms have been enhanced, especially in districts notorious for criminal dominance.
✒️ Areas for improvement :
▪️Uncritical glorification
▪️Little engagement with counter-narratives or dissenting views, which reduces the book’s academic neutrality and makes it less analytical, more celebratory.
▪️Absence of voices from the opposition, civil society, or grassroots critics
▪️Oversimplify complex systems, ignoring the contributions of bureaucrats, institutions, and other parallel developments that may have contributed to progress.
▪️Case studies are interspersed with statistical interjections that may not always flow smoothly, making the reading experience occasionally jarring.
In conclusion, it is a significant political document for anyone interested in contemporary Indian governance, state-level transformation, or the rise of saffron politics with administrative legitimacy. While it may not satisfy the intellectual rigor of an academic, it is a solid journalistic narrative with undeniable political relevance.
It is a must-read for political observers, students of governance, and those interested in the trajectory of India’s most politically decisive state.
June 23, 2022
Good quick read. More of a report card. Lots of statistics. Wish the author had included a chapter on what else needs to be done, a course of action on challenges not met as well as some unforeseen challenges that were dealt with. I feel adding this would have made for a more interesting read.
Seems like the book was written in a hurry to be released before UP 2022 elections.
The book ends very very abruptly.
Could have been neatly summarised.
Seems like the book was written in a hurry to be released before UP 2022 elections.
The book ends very very abruptly.
Could have been neatly summarised.
July 9, 2023
Good read. Though structure is lacking. At many places data which could be put in tables is put in text thus increasing page numbers. Comparison with pre 97 is absent and historical examination of issues
June 19, 2023
Good book. Lots of statistics about the change in Uttar Pradesh during the first tenure of the CM.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews