Reflections by IG Chowdhury

The book is a collection of events during the author's journey across the globe in different roles from teaching to consulting to working in business. The articles have been previously published in newspapers and now compiled into a volume. Divided into ten sections the events in the author's life are chronicled thematically. Amusing, though discomforting at times, the events also reflect the changes that have happened over his time. Much was before globalisation and expansion of business to grab the planet. Each place had its way of dealing with changes as they occurred. Altogether a composite experience that should be of interest to readers, young and old.

The book uses many anecdotes to elaborate on its theme. These are amusing, can be hurtful at the same time. I had a similar experience at a Middle Eastern airport. It was in the seventies and I was trying to buy some gift items. The shop assist was a local. Trying to be friendly with him I tried to speak in Arabic using words that I had learnt at school. He was amused and almost rolled over his seat. Later I realised that my words were akin to those used by Bankim in his classics such as 'Pathik tumi ki path harai acho' in Kapal Kundala.

The book is also historical as it traces back the days of the past through films, TV shows and books of the time. In a way it provides a pathway to the earlier time as the world evolved. Can be nostalgic to those who have experienced some of those days.

The book begins with the journey of the author 'across the seas', as he calls it. It was not easy as things were different in many ways, from eating to commuting to socialising. People looked different and behaved different; the colonial days being not far behind. It took a while for things to homogenise through increased migration and globalisation.

The book has laments on the failure of the country to keep up with some changes as in education. Many compromises were made to cater to popular demands. One definition of leadership is ability to say No in a difficult situation. This has not happened. The casualty is quality and some ethical standards.

There are sections on the author's fascination with subject areas such as Astronomy. This is understandable as it was the time of Sputnik followed by the Voyager. In spite of all the advances, the riddles that bugged the best minds at the time still defy comprehension. In a way the book is an expose of a young mind that was at best restless with his time.

An interesting part of the book is the section on the rise of business and technology. Business as an activity has always been there. But it is the volume that made the difference, thanks to successive industrial revolutions, turning into a respectful vocation. This transformation is nicely chronicled, in particular the rise of computer as it walked out of the wall closet to the table top. The rise of business education from its focus on accounting to management in general is nicely portrayed. Altogether, a nice compilation, readable and enjoyable at the same time. Recommended for business students in their final year of studies.