Book Review of 'As I Look Back' by G. Raghava Reddy - Visitor's Book Review
by Barnali Saha
(Nashville, TN, USA)
As I Look Back
There are some books that make you think: think about your earthly peregrination, was it fruitful and plump with versatile experiences, or did it wither, emaciate and suffer from inanition? ‘As I look Back’ by the Raghava Reddy Gongidi is one such book, in the gamut of great literary works that you may have read, that will ask you this question. The book is as versatile as is the author who writes it — witty and straightforward to the core, this book has great social connotations. In a world wrought by conflict, disease and pain, the author’s image, as described in the book, is as attractive as Oliver Twist. His verdant experiences from being born a rich zamindar boy in a feudal society to an IPS officer offer an in-depth review of our society, and point out its flaws and malpractices. The initial chapters of the book, soaked in childhood innocence are a delight to read. The sumptuous treat grows more intriguing and inspiring when the author loses his parents to cholera, the monster that had once killed thousands of people with its cruel fangs, and is transferred to Hyderabad, a place where he begins another great new chapter in his novel of life. The incident of Mr. Reddy’s meeting with the father of our nation, Gandhi-ji, and his stay in the harijan hostel, despite hailing from the upper cast of the contemporary society, had a massive impact in his character, and I believe that it was this experience, among several others, that curved such a great person out of him.
I once read a dramatic Bengali novel named 'Dhatridevata' by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, written in the time when India was chained by the shackles of oppression by the British rule. Mr. Reddy’s character in ‘As I Look Back’ brought memories of Shibnath, Bankim Chandra’s hero in ‘Dhatridevata,’ a freedom fighter and a great character. Like Shibnath, our protagonist too takes part in the freedom movement of India, faces the pangs of foreign rule, and is inspired by Sarojini Naidu and other notable figures like veteran communist leader Ravi Narayan Reddy. He is one great fighter himself, who bravely offers his service to the oppressed country by participating actively in the country’s march towards freedom.
The book is almost unputdownable when the author delves deep into his ocean of experiences as an IPS officer. The palette of his thoughts is now richer with many different hues. The stimulating journey with glimpses in such cases as the conspiracy of Tarimala Nagi Reddy horripilated me. His description and crisp narration make the episodes a fascinating read. Mr. Reddy’s actions and advises as a police officer give a better idea of the Indian Police and Indian law and governance in general. The feeling that though, in many cases, seared by malpractices and corruption, India can still brag about its golden boys, people who will serve her till death do them part.
Over all, the book is a delightful study of life. Emotional, yet not mushy, clear and poignant — the book has the fascinating capacity to glue the readers. The narration — devoid of ostentation — is attractive in its representation of society and Mr. Reddy’s social values and principles. Principles and ethical values are the corner stones of the piece, and the author fondly delivers such advice as money can buy you a pillow but no sleep. The interactive narration, the lucid language, together with the verdant experiences of the author mixes and mingles to create a perfect and awe inspiring masterwork. I wish the author all the best as he continues his earthly peregrination, and continues to inspire us with his myriad actions as a farmer, a writer, and a great statesman.
I recommend this book with all my heart, and hope this book will continue to inspire the new generation of people in India and abroad. Kudos to Raghava Reddy Gongidi — a true hero of our nation.
