The humane side of bureaucrats

Chanakya Grover

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What happens when a decorated IAS officer starts questioning his career and his life choices? What happens when he realises that no matter how many prestigious awards he get, it won't bring back the time he could have spent with his estranged wife and his disappointed children?  

The novel attempts to answer these questions through its protagonist Shubhojit Singh. The story takes off on the eve of Civil Sevices' Day where he is scheduled to receive the Prime Minister's Award. But he is far from being happy. Suchita Malik, author of Indian Memsahib, Memsahib's Chronicles and Women Extraordinaire,  in this book has attempted to break the stereotypes usually associated with the bureaucracy. Through Shubhojit's story, she has tried to bring forth the humane side of bureaucrats.

Shubhojit is struggling with loneliness and to find meaning and purpose in his life once again. He wishes to undo the mistakes he has committed with his family and make them understand his side of the story, but he's unsure if he will ever get a chance to do so. But when he is bedridden and his ex-wife and his children come to visit him. He finds support in this redemptive from his mother who has also come to visit him from their native village. The two talk to his kids about the village life and Shubhojit's bureaucratic life; a life that comes with many expectations but takes a heavy toll on the personal lives of the officers. While going through this process, Shubhojit is forced to ponder over many existential questions.

Even though the characters and their tribulations seem relatable, one cannot empathise with them much. They seem quite prim in their thoughts, speech and actions and that robs them of their emotional vulnerability that comes with any human conflict. They fight with each other over issues they've been harbouring for years but instantly show such amazing understanding and change that seems too idyllic. Malik could have included more anecdotes from bureaucrats’ lives to make a better case for the hardships they face.