Reader's comments about River Valley to Silicon Valley

This is a sincere, simple and readable account of Abhay Kumar’s journey from the banks of the river Paimar to the portals of the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi. This is a story many young Indians could relate to, those with rural and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds successfully transforming their personal lives and prospects by availing of the opportunities that India’s democratic system and its recent economic growth provide. In its own way, the book is a positive commentary on the process of change in Indian society, on the scope for self-advancement even to the point of becoming a part of the country’s elite through education and competition that now exists. The human content of the narrative will also touch many chords in the readers. The childhood memories of stories told by a grandmother, the venturing out from the family nest in rural India to an urban environment in search for better opportunities in life, and the presence of the father on the emotional landscape of an Indian boy. This is not a complicated book; it is an unpretentious and honest narrative of someone who wants to tell his tale and connect it to a rising India.

-K. Sibal, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation

"A TRUE INDIAN STORY,TOLD IN A VERY HONEST,HUMBLE AND INNOCENT WAY WITHOUT ANY DRAMA." "I could not believe my self that I just finshed reading your book!! I really don't enjoy reading novels much but your book was such that I could not wait to finish it.Believe me it was quite tough for me to read it on computer(no, I don't have any eye problems!) but I didn't waste a single minute and managed it with my daily house hold chores..It amazes me that we Indians are so different and still very much same with each other..Your village river and school days are very much same as my husband tells me the stories and your grandma is very very much like my own.. just two days before I planned to write about her and that very same day I found the poem about grandma in your blog and so I feel my grandma from the unknown world made me to reach youur blog! and the passage which deals with your home coming after success made me cry..."

-Rachana, author of the blog FLYING HOPES

"I have gone through some pages of your book but my wife did not allow me because she wanted to finish it first.In our nation ladies first rule is there so I have taken the backseat.I can judge how good your book is..... after seeing her so happy.I also liked it as it has opened some pages of my life also of those days.How sweet.... those.... days were".....
"Wishing you all the success for your book from both of us"...

-Deepak Bajaj, Rachna's Husband

"I just finished reading your novel...a gripping story I must confess, I didn't take a single break while I read it"."I'm glad you're done, now you can find a publisher, sit back and have him help you with the editing. I must mention that the poems are especially beautiful...my favorite lines, which i think are profoundly lyrical "I was not born, I did not die"
Keep that spirit up.
-Sanjukta Parashar, IPS (Hyderabad, India)A writer and a civil servant and the author of the blog Insanity/Ennui

"As soon as your book is published, I am buying several copies."

-Arulba, (Austin, Texas, USA)A writer, spritual thinker and author of the blog Dance of mind and A Mindful Distraction and her latest blog Minddance

"Al hamdu il allah...I have already gone through first chapter from your blog..Congrats for completing your first book. I am curious to know about your first reaction, feelings after finishing book.All the Best!!!Keep it up...Naguib Mahfouz (Egyptian writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988 for "Cairo Trilogy") in making".....
-Rajesh( An Indian Diplomat in Cairo,Egypt)

"Please accept my congratulations on completing the book.It seems very engrossing although I must admit that I have not read the entire book.But I must commend you for coming out with a personal but riveting story.At first glance,it is very interesting as it represents the churning and changes that are happening across India where pedigree no longer matters."
I hope this is just a beginning.
-Anjani(An Indian Diplomat in Mexico)

"First of all I take this opportunity to congratulate you on writing a very nice book. When the manuscript landed on my table, I just had a glance on the 'Introduction' of the book. It raised interest and I started reading the book, thereafter there was no stopping till the end. I am not a scholar or a qualified critique, but from a common reader's perspective having below-average level of knowledge of language/literature, I can say that it is a well-written book. Sequences are nicely arranged and keeps the reader engrossed till the end. I liked the story more because it looked somewhere like my own story. I am sure many-many more will relate themselves in the same way, specially the Hindi belt youths. The story is capable of hugely inspiring the youths having ordinary background specifically Hindi speaking ones and Biharis. Being a resident of Gaya and belonging to a ordinary farmer's family, the story really touched the core of my heart.
I felt, the end should have something more. Perhaps something should have been said about the political journey that the country has undertaken during last 50 years, and more specifically during last 20 years, about the energy that was unleashed in Hindi speaking belt among middle castes after Mandal and its impact on such phenomenal success stories. This is just my humble and may be ignorant opinion.
I once again wish you a all the best and hope the book will find a good publisher and will be a grand success. I sincerely believe that it has real potential of becoming a famous book.
It will be more purposeful if the book is published in Hindi as well. Right now, I am not aware of a person who is good in Hindi writing, but I will keep this in mind and let you know if somebody comes to my knowledge. I shall certainly recommend the book to my friends. I once again wish you all the best."

-Manoj Verma( A colleague working in Moscow )

"Thanks for sharing the book.I read it two times over and found it very moving. I realized that it really takes a lot to crack the civil services exam. I doubt how much of patience I have to sit and prepare a second time for the exam. And both my optionals are new to me. Anyway, I am not giving up so easily, will go through the motions to know it for myself. "

-Ashish Mishra(A Civil Services aspirant in New Delhi and a former employee of a multinational company in Singapore)

"Its nice to know that that four publishers have shown their interest to see your book"Three Generations". Best of Luck! looking forward to attend your first book release function or at least get a signed free copy of your book. I have downloaded the soft copy of your book and read part of it including your JNU days. Its interesting read but I think, still better if you can relate your biographical account with something bigger. To give an idea I recently read 'In An Antique Land' by Amitav Gosh He traces a story of a mysterious Indian slave of a Jew Merchant who settled for some years in India in 11th century, married an Indian woman along with his own story ( he did his PhD work in Egypt) , So he is able to tell more than just narrating his own life experience. Arundhati Roy wrote her God of small things from his barsati in Delhi.I am just giving an idea how you can mix biography along with some bigger idea. "

-Devesh Uttam, Diplomat, Damascus, Syria

"River Valley to Silicon Valley" is a vivid, touching and inspirational account which majority of Indians would relate to."
- Dr. Aman Puri, A dentist turned diplomat, Brussels, European Union

"Just had a glimpse of Abhay's new book.I must tell you Abhay,looks like a promising start.

And as they say 'morning shows the day....'so we expect many more from your side.Keep it up.....I am sure that the 'fourth generation' which is the next one will be equally proud of you because of some great work we all expect from you excellency.The "River Valley to Silicon Valley" is simple in style,honest in content and shows the way to millions of Indians how to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

-Abhishek Singh( An Indian Diplomat in China)

You will not believe this I was able to read your book in one sitting.I really liked the simple and down to earth style of telling the story,being a civil service aspirant myself, I could identify myself with the protagonist in various situations.One thing I felt was that the book ended so soon,and suddenly the focus was shifted from you towards your brother,but throughout the book there is no parallel plot running about the struggles which your brother might have gone through.I get the feeling the last chapter was written (which may not be the case) to justify the title Silicon Valley whereas the whole book talks about you as the central character.On balance I would say it is really a appreciable attempt,I enjoyed lovely poems which were put at the appropriate places,I would call your book a memoir,true life story.I also suggest if you could go for a Hindi translation of your book it will be inspiring to all those young Hindi speaking people who have a dream to fulfill, in one line if I have to express my opinion I would say "Its a simple child like account of a dream coming true despite all obstacles."

- Dr. Sumit Seth, Diplomat and author of the book "Review of the Forensic Medicine"

I deliberately caught the train to work rather than drive (I have a company car) as it provided time to read your fascinating book. I must say for me River Valley to Silicon Valley is written in the style of a master story teller, it captivated my interest on the train so that I was totally absorbed and unaware of passing stations and stops. I quickly became interested in your early family life, your aspirations and that of your family, struggles to matriculate and later life at college. I immediately felt as if I was walking with you in your life and hence have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The footnotes are also an excellent idea, as is the beginnings to quote a distinguished poet.

-Lindsay Byrnes-Author of the Blogs Lindsay Lobe & Malawi Group, Melbourne Australia

I started reading it and must admit, you have done a fantastic job. I was taken to your father's village and the charming atmosphere you paint so vividly. Rural India has always drawn for its simplicity and mystique quality, and your book has a touch of lyricism that brings about those facets in a wonderful way.
Bhaswati Ghosh- Author of blog "At Home, Writing and of her forthcoming book "Making out in America"New Delhi, India

In my opinion this book is good inspiration for young people all around the world, who does not have anyone for supporting. They need to be driven by this book to achieve more. It was easy to read it, very touching, amazing relations with friends and family too.

You want to know what the book has changed in me- it showed me the way I want my kids to bring up.

I can not turn things back, I can achieve off course more, but if i had another chance, if I got your book when I was teenager, perhaps I would not be who I am today. Such people like you show that we can achieve more, may be not to become a diplomat, president or top cat, but to achieve even small things, just to know what really are our goals and do all the best to achieve them.

- Malgorzata Kucharska, Wrocklow, Poland

Hi...nice to go through your book...enjoyed reading it and finished it in one go...I must say, lucidity is its hallmark as also the honest expressions...best wishes always...

- Swati Sharma IAS, Chandigarh, India

River Valley to Silicon Valley is about first transforming the dreams to reality and then to recapitulate the journey in a brief but pertinent print work, for the benefit of the millions of other budding dreamers to emulate the success story in their quest for leaps outside their restrictive environs to the fabled valleys !

- J.S.Dua, Civil Servant, Moscow, Russia

"River Valley to Silicon Valley' will make an excellent inspiration for the youth. The book develops extensive determination in readers. A real example for students from all classes.The author proves that the result of hard work is great." As a reader, I await second part of your story of success. Wish many more such laurels in future too.

-Gokulakrishnan P, Military Wing, Embassy of India, Moscow

TheBook'River Valley to Silicon Valley" was good, some portions reminded of the good old days at the college............a very good effort to summarize around 25 years in just a few pages............Congrats.Keep it up and give us some more such stuff to read.

-Sultan Khan, New Delhi

Just got over with "River Valley to Silicon Valley"... It’s a tough job to keep a book simple .You did it with mastery… The narration is very lucid and gripping. To say the least- it is inspirational and I was reminded of Paulo Coelho's writings… fits in a way in that genre. Good luck and keep writing… for the benefit of your readers…Congrats for the job once again!

- Sonam Chombay, IRS, Kolkota, India

I liked ‘River Valley to Silicon Valley’ a lot....finished reading it at one go...but I think it was too short....I wanted to read more....maybe you should start work on the sequel!
- Maitreyee Buragohain, Suwan, South Korea

Thank you very much for you book.
I just came to Delhi after a month long external tour.
I finished your superb book within few hours. It is very inspiring.
Hope it will motivate lakhs of River valley kids to reach Indian Foreign Service and Silicon valley.
- Dr. A. Prabaharan, Students for Harmony, New Delhi

Hi,

I liked your book. It is very spontaneous and endearing...very lucid. Smart first book. Strangely enough I know more about you now than when we were in CSRD(Centre for the Study of Regional Development, JNU). Very nice to know that your bhaiyya (elder brother) is doing so well. My dad is really appreciative, he thinks its very commendable that you overcame initial disadvantages . I'm sure it will really inspire Civil Service Aspirants.(Vajiram might just distribute it with their notes...and Jawahar Book Depot will gladly publish it) and that is where the problem lies...you've focussed more on how you got into the bureaucracy rather than the 'Silicon valley' part..your brother's experiences would have made an interesting read too, would have made your book richer. The writing is crisp but sometimes I thought I was reading an examination answer! That problem would probably get fixed by some formal training.. do some creative writing course.. get a hang of the techniques..and I'm sure the sheer passage of time and the incremental reading that comes will be good for you. But overall, I loved it.. especially because it is so unpretentious and non-bitchy. Best of luck for the next one.

-Rajasree Banerjee, Lecturer, Kolkota, West Bengal, India

River Valley to Silicon Valley takes you to the world where you yourself find being the protagonist of the novel.
- Aditinandan, New Delhi

hi ,

I have finished reading River Valley., it was an interesting read and i really was envious of you for being able to live such a fulfilling life.(esp Sidharth part,how much i like him)

Really when one is focused in life ,nothing is impossible.

I am sure your friends and folks are very proud of you.

Your story is so much like story of so many people who are making big ,coming from small places.

In fact in my opinion the children living in small places and small towns are doing much better than children in big cities,since availability of resources makes them complacent and there is absolute lack of motivation in there life.
-Taranjit Kaur, Hubli, Karnataka, India

Great to know that the book is making impression in the Indian media. Have got the book and tell you what, I finished it in a day! It is inspirational.
- Prince Thomas, Economic Times, Mumbai, India

Just finished reading your inspiring masterpiece. I have no words, except to say, I'm proud to have known a person like you.

- Sadia Khan, Banglore

I am happy that you wrote such an honest account of your life.It is very much like my own generation's story with different characters and different twists. I can easily identify myself with your story.

-Vishvambhar Nath, USA

I think you write something very brilliant with exact and keen expressions!
Your work has clear and honest ideas about India so that it wasn't difficult to understand the culture, society, atmosphere of Indian education(hmm..that's why Indians are so clever), mentality of three generations,... I'll happily translate your work from English into Korean.

- Youjin Huh, Freiburg, Germany

Introduction of River Valley to Silicon Valley

India is an enigma wrapped in several layers. It opens as much as one tries to get into its depth.
India is known to the world since the time of the Greek Historian Herodotus who believed that gold-digging ants existed in India. India since then has always been a blend of fact and fantasy for the outside world. Megasthenes, the Greek envoy to the court of the great Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya (320-297 BC) wrote a firsthand account of India in which he painted an idyllic picture of life in India. In the medieval times Arab travellers Al Beruni and Ibn Batuta wrote the greatest accounts of India. Despite these accounts by great travellers and scholars the myth and legend of India continued in absence of concrete information about this vast and diverse land.
The mysterious veil that covered India was lifted with the opening of the sea route to India from Europe and the arrival of the traders. These traders encountered a civilization with such a great diversity that they found it difficult to grasp the essence of India. The legend of India’s enormous wealth that had brought them here was real but they found a society ridden with great complexities of multiple castes, religions and languages and formed their own assumptions and prejudices over a course of time about India.

Since the time of the ancient Greeks to modern day, a variety of assumptions and prejudices about India have persisted in the mind of the outsiders. This is strange that the same assumptions and prejudices have lasted over two millennia.

‘River Valley to Silicon Valley’ is an endeavour to go into the depth of the enigma that is India through a story spanning over three generations of an Indian family. India over this time span has transformed itself from a slow growing backward British colony into a successful and modern secular democracy. Today India is a dynamic economy with one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world. It has emerged as a global economic power as the world’s third largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. The economic transformation of India has been miraculous in the last few decades. The percentage share of agriculture in the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country has slid below twenty percent while the percentage share of services amounts to more than fifty percent of its GDP.

India is now the focus of the global media attention. Its contributions especially in the Information Technology (IT) sector accompanied with its fast economic growth rate have brought India to the centre stage of global media attention. India’s fast rise in the IT sector has been noted by the world to such an extent that there is a threat of extreme stereotyping an Indian as a computer whiz kid or a software engineer. India’s world renowned success in the IT sector has infused positive energies in Indians and now this success story is being repeated in other areas including some more noteworthy ones like pharmaceutical, steel, space, and automobile industries.

Outsiders often think these changes to be superficial as millions of Indians still live below the poverty line; almost half of its children grow up malnourished and tensions persist in many forms and shapes in the society throughout the length and breadth of the country with a constant fear of rise of insurgency, outbreak of a riot etc. But India has undergone through some real and irreversible changes on the path of becoming a modern secular democracy with a fast growing dynamic economy.

‘River Valley to Silicon Valley’ is an account of such gradual and persistent changes that India has undergone in the past few decades. The greatness and beauty of India is in its diversity where grandpa in the River valley and grandson in the Silicon Valley coexist side by side. One at ease with grazing cows and growing vegetables in the green fields by the river and with his ‘river-valley civilization life style’ in the ‘agricultural age’ as he has been there since centuries, since the very beginning of mankind’s arrival while the other at ease with a new era of ‘information age’ where space and time hardly matter, jobs are available across the globe and business is conducted 24X7 online.

Foreword of River Valley to Silicon Valley

This is a sincere, simple and readable account of Abhay Kumar’s journey from the banks of the river Paimar to the portals of the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi. This is a story many young Indians could relate to, those with rural and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds successfully transforming their personal lives and prospects by availing of the opportunities that India’s democratic system and its recent economic growth provide. In its own way, the book is a positive commentary on the process of change in Indian society, on the scope for self-advancement even to the point of becoming a part of the country’s elite through education and competition that now exists. The human content of the narrative will also touch many chords in the readers. The childhood memories of stories told by a grandmother, the venturing out from the family nest in rural India to an urban environment in search for better opportunities in life, and the presence of the father on the emotional landscape of an Indian boy. This is not a complicated book; it is an unpretentious and honest narrative of someone who wants to tell his tale and connect it to a rising India. -K. Sibal, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation

Release of River Valley to Silicon Valley

River Valley to Silicon Valley -Story of three generations of an Indian family
Author- Abhay K.
ISBN-8189640399
Published in 2007 by BOOKWELL
Pages-208 Price- Rupees 195


Yesterday my long cherished dream came true when my book "River Valley to Silicon Valley" was released at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi by Shri Shankarsinh Vaghela, Hon'ble Minister of Textiles of India.


The book was introduced by Professor Pushpesh Pant, School of International Studies, JNU. Professor Pant was at his best while he introduced my book. His insight into the book even touched me as I could see my own book with a different light. It was an evening like no other. I was flattered by the presence of my friends and colleagues as well as my teachers who taught me at both Delhi University and JNU.