Harsh Mander, uncommonly, quit the IAS in the aftermath of the Gujarat riots of 2002. In this consistently shocking book, he elicits the reasons behind his disenchantment with the civil services and the stories of hope that continue to dot the land.
Mander’s gravelly voice matters, since the events that have unfolded in the wake of the riots — including the contradictory findings of two commissions set up to look into the causes of the fire that broke out in coach S6 of the Sabarmati Express — have brought us no closer to the truth about the incidents of that dark time.
As Gujarat makes great strides in progress and investment, Fear and Forgiveness is a timely reminder of the need to shun fear and seek forgiveness for past injustices.
FEAR AND FORGIVENESS
THE AFTERMATH OF MASSACRE
Harsh Mander
Penguin
Rs 299; 219 pages
