A new book, released by the former President Ram Kovind, brings together an interesting collection of views from an eminent list of people in public life. Edited by former police officer R K Pachnanda, the book has been published by Pentagon Press, prolific publishers who have an enviable record of coming out with a title every week.
The capital witnessed a unique event where the book “MODI: From Vision to Reality” was released by India’s 14th President Ram Nath Kovind, in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar. An articulate and eloquent moderator for the event was none other than leading lawyer Nalin Kohli, who is also BJP’s spokesperson. The book has been edited by R K Pachnanda, currently the chairman of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. An IPS officer, Pachnanda has served in premium organizations such as CBI, BSF, CRPF and was Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
It’s an interesting compilation from a wide cross section of luminaries, ranging from politics, diplomacy, civil service, and the defence forces. Subjects are wide ranging, like water security, economic reforms, being a responsible global power, special focus on Indo-ASEAN relationship and others.
In his introduction, Pachnanda says “it is the proactive policies of Prime Minister Modi on every front that have made India an example for the world to follow. So much so, that even President Biden remarked…… I thank you for your continuing commitment to make sure democracies deliver”. In his view, Modi has been the torch bearer of peace and development to, successfully, address matters like the Ukraine war, climate issues, global recession, food security, bridging the digital divide, global value chains, and international peace and stability…
Contributors to the book include Meenakshi Lekhi, MOS, External Affairs and Culture who has cited India’s phoenix like rise through tumultuous times, a policy of resolute actions, vaccine diplomacy and friends with neighbours, bringing peace and stability to J&K, among PM Modi’s big contributions to increasing India’s stature among the comity of nations.
Former Home Secretary and CAG, Rajiv Mehrishi has recounted the economic reforms introduced by PM Modi since assuming office in 2014. One such reform he has cited is the introduction by law, of inflation targeting in the Monetary Policy. By this the government made it incumbent on RBI to target that inflation in the country be 4%, with a tolerance limit of plus/minus 2%. The Monetary Policy was now not left to the whims of any individual but a committee of six persons. Another landmark reform has been the introduction of the Indian Bankruptcy Code.
Nalin Kohli, in his contribution, highlights how India has targeted attracting global investments, ensuring a new India in the making. He has traced the policies of the government towards small and medium enterprises, infrastructure development especially roadways, rail and aviation as these are critical to improving connectivity that will impact growth.
Among others, eminent defence analyst Maroof Raza recalls defence initiatives in the region, effectively creating India as a reliable defence partner.
