Soldiers are our real protectors: Rajiv Mehrishi

Union Home Secy Rajiv Mehrishi discusses his latest book with Aditi Nagar

You have written a book for UPSC aspirants... Tell us a little about it.

This book will definitely work for UPSC candidates. It is basically a reference book.

How did you take time out of your busy schedule as a Home Secretary to write the book

Our Prime Minister says we get tired if we think about work. It wasn't easy to take out time, but it was like a stress buster. I would write two or four pages to divert my mind whenever I got some time.

In this book many people have also written thought provoking articles ...

Many influential people have written for the book, one of them being Vasundhara Raje, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.They have shared their views on issues like governance, education, direct fund transfer, social backwardness, etc. Apart from CM Raje, Chief Economic Advisor of India Arvind Subramanian, Vice Chairman of Policy Commission Dr Arvind Pankhedia, NIPFP professors Dr Ajay Shah and Dr Ella Patnaik, and many other illuminories have shared their thought on different topical issues.

You had topped the UPSC in 1977. DO you think your expertise and experience contribute to help UPSC aspirants acquire on how to clear the exam from your book?

There are two major features of the UPSC exam that have not changed in the last 40 years. One is general awareness — the examinors want to ensure not only if the aspirant has sound knowledge of his own subject, but also general knowledge. This as a reference book will guide aspirants who appear for the the interview. You should not just know the subject you specialise in, but of the world in general and what's happening around you. One is required to be a jack of all trades with clarity in the head.

After retirement, would you consider becoming a full-time writer?

While I would like to write, I would spend time indulging in my other interests too, say cooking, for example.

Since you are our Home Secretary and also a writer... How much does incidents like Sukma rattle you?

I am not a literary writer, but anyone's demise is painful —whether jawans or naxals. All are citizens of India. Some are younger than my sons. Most of the people who take up arms against the state are indoctrinated or misled. Our armed forces are the real protectors.