Half Lion: How PV Narsimaha Rao transformed India

I remember pout face of PV Narasimaha Rao during my growing up years. For us, at interiors of Punjab, life was usual during 1991-1996, but little did I know that I myself reaped benefits of 1991 reforms when I got a job even before I completed my studies. I confirm the huge gap between the life before and post liberalization ( may be not immediate post reforms ) and am a witness to how middle class has expanded over the years and how many families moved from lower middle class to higher middle class with their kids earning the salaries, their parents could only dream of. Hard work was always there, but India was lacking opportunities and 1991 reforms provided exactly that. A perfect example of goveranance, where government enables the economy to grow, but doesn't the keep the tight control. I am and should be thankful to PVN Rao for what he did during his era as prime minister.

I had always heard about 1991 or PVN Rao/MM Singh refoms, but I wasn't aware that how these reforms were brought in with sheer will power, intent and vision. Political atmosphere wasn't conducive, as it almost never is, but champions do navigate through the challenges and don't just wait for the right moments. PVN Rao had his own mouse moments as explained in the book and he was, no doubt, power hungry and more dedicated to Congress, probably, than the nation. He was no messiah. Messiahs hadly survive in Indian politics.

I admire the man more for his positives than criticize him for his negatives. He could have just survived 5 years with temporary solutions and rolled back reforms when economy was in better shape, but he decided to stick to his reforms and thus changing the Indian politics forever. It was good to know more about Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, India's nuclear programme and many other important milestones in India's modern history through this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who was born in 80s or 90s for sure as they would be able to relate to many of the events that happened during their childhood, but they couldn't appreciate the significance of those at that time. I am happy that I read this book. I learnt a lot and carry with myself a lot of lessons about leadership, conviction and divine intervention.

I am also sad to know how PVN Rao was treated during his last days, not even receiving a respectful and deserving departure/funeral. Sonia Gandhi could be resentful to him as he had tried to rise above the Gandhi family in Congress, but other Congress leaders should have shown a spine. Full respect for MM singh for standing with PVN Rao even when no Congress leader wanted to associate himself with Rao. History will treat Rao generously and it is high time, Congress should also appreciate their former leader.

Anywhere But Home: Adventures in Endurance

I just finished reading this book 'Anywhere But Home: Adventures in Endurance' by Anu Vaidyanathan. This has been an easy, pleasant and a very casual read. It was really refreshing to know that an Indian woman can go to such great heights in an endurance sport. Being a very amatuer runner myself, I am a bit exposed to endurance sports. So, it really surprised me that Anu took so many international travels, just to run/swim/bike in another country, not to mention hassle of carrying her bike along. I have been wondering about the financial implications of this hobby as well. I would never take my hobby sports to such an extreme level, but then that's why I am reading the book and Anu is the one being celebrated in the book. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a motivation to go many steps further in your endurance sports journey. I am impressed, but I may not try ironman myself. I don't think I am such a strong-willed person.

Though I enjoyed reading the book, I was looking for some tips or tried/tested ways that help you survive or prepare for ultraraces. During the whole journey, I kept looking at information that I could use during my runs, but I don't remember any such take-aways. With such a grueling schedule, back-2-back races, I was also expecting a chapter about Anu nursing an injury and then overcoming that (which never came).Probably she was injured sometime, but it is not mentioned in the book. I am not sure how she prepared her body for such extreme ends and what diets helped her. She also didn't follow proper sleep schedule and still aced these marathons. Iron-lady in true sense.  So, don't read this book if you expect to learn some insights about how ultra-athletes champion the ultraraces.

I was inclined to leave this book mid-way, but somehow pushed through it, which I don't regret.

Starting this journey to write about the books I read. Thanks Anu Vaidyanathan for being the first.