Oh Kolkata

 After quite some time, I had a chance to visit Kolkata. The Institute of Engineering and Management there hosted me for a keynote address in their International Case Conference. 

We had visited Kolkata several times, and also went on a river cruise on a police launch thanks to a friend there. Coincidentally, the same friend, now retired from his police job, was launching his book titled Police in Blunderland, too. So I hopped on to the bandwagon, and conversed with him at the launch. At Kaffee Am Salzsee, a nice little cafe in Salt Lake- courtesy an alum of IIMB who owns it. His parents were our kind hosts.

Sky en route Kolkata.

My student escorts at the IEM conference -above- Paushali and her classmate.

Rvolving restaurant at Biswa Bangla Sarani, New Town.

With Naveen Das, above. With Sudeshna and Shakti below. Book Launch.

With Dash, the author.

 

Upcoming Book Launch in Kolkata

 A friend, classmate and P-in-C from IIMB, who is also IPS and a Ph.D. (aise dost hain hamare), wrote a book. I am conversing with him about it. Since a pic is worth a thousand words, here are the pics worth two thousand .. 

If you like books, him, or me, and live in Kolkata, do make it on Sept 1st.

Book Review- Police In Blunderland

 This is a brand new book from a retired cop. And he spins quite a tale- actually, there's a sting in every tale. The book comes from his varied experiences of policing, and a few home truths about life in the bylanes of India. Literally, because that's where cops spend much of their life, unless they are in an A.C. office - that's usually a luxury, at least in the first few years of service. This cop is also an MBA from IIMB, and is doing a Ph.D. in Management from IIT Delhi. So, unusual credentials and perspectives in many ways.

Obviously, I can't disclose the plots, since there is intrigue, drama, suspense, reality and lots more. You would have to devour it yourself to be able to enjoy the multidimensional look at the life of a policeman, warts, blunders and all, from the inside! Suffice it to say that it covers a wide range of subjects, from Durga Puja crowd-management in Kolkata to the Purulia Arms drop case, and lots more!

Definitely readable, even if you have read a few of the chapters in the form of blogs. It's rare that you get glimpses up and close into how tough being a tough policeman is!