<table> <tbody> <tr> <td>The author retired from the IAS in December 2010. A keen environmentalist and trekker he has published a book on high altitude trekking in the Himachal Himalayas: THE TRAILS LESS TRAVELLED. His second book- SPECTRE OF CHOOR DHAR is a collection of short stories based in Himachal and was published in July 2019. His third book was released in August 2020: POLYTICKS, DEMOCKRAZY AND MUMBO JUMBO is a compilation of satirical and humorous articles on the state of our nation. His fourth book was published on 6th July 2021. Titled INDIA: THE WASTED YEARS , the book is a chronicle of missed opportunities in the last nine years. Shukla's fifth book - THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER'S DOG AND OTHER COLLEAGUES- was released on 12th September 2023. It portrays the lighter side of life in the IAS and in Himachal. He writes for various publications and websites on the environment, governance and social issues. He divides his time between Delhi and his cottage in a small village above Shimla. He blogs at http://avayshukla.blogspot.in/</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
WhatsApp groups are an unparalleled medium for exchanging news and views- and therein lies the problem. Ever since the right wing juggernaut started rolling in 2014 we have been divided as a nation as never before, in our ideologies, political loyalties, religious proclivities, levels of inclusivity and tolerance.
The first rule of excavation is that when you find yourself in a hole, you should stop digging. It appears, however, that our venerable…
The ever effervescent PG Wodehouse once said that golf, like measles, should be caught young as it builds character. For it takes a strong…
These days Mr. D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, is talking of, and worrying about, the legacy he will leave behind when he retires…
Some Economists opine that in a heavily regulated and policed economy (like India), corruption should be viewed as “virtuous bribery”- it acts as a deregulation instrument, greases the wheels of the economy, cuts red tape and promotes quick decision making.
Restore The Wild In The Wilderness [ The second of two blogs on the subject. The first was published on the 31st August, 2024.]…
For the last two weeks now the otherwise tranquil state of Himachal has been roiled in a vortex of Islamophobia, despicable politics, violence and…
India is going through another great Renaissance, as ordained by a gentleman whose own educational qualifications are shrouded in doubt and about which RTI…
Kangana Runout is all over the news these days like a bad rash, there’s just no getting away from her interviews, statements and tweets….
