It was an exhilarating moment for me for more reasons than one. First it was the formal launch of my latest book, “I, the Citizen’. This book, which took nearly 6 years to write and 1 year to compile and edit, is being published by GRAAM and co-published by Vision India Foundation. This book was possible only because of the editorial support of Rohit Shetti who worked on it patiently for more than 9 months. This book would not have happened without life taking me to H D Kote more than 28 years ago. It would surely not have happened without the deep imprint of the inspirational message of nationalistic service of Swami Vivekananda. And the launch was happening at Cornell University, a place that has become a second home for me in the US and more importantly I was amidst friends who cherish and value my company. Gary Fields, the renowned economist who has lived and spent a year amidst the poor in India and Joe Grasso, a personal friend and the Associate Dean of ILR School at Cornell did the honours. Senior faculty, students and other invitees attended the event. This launch was mainly possible due to the efforts of Donna Ramil, Associate Director of International programs at ILR and her colleague Miguelina Tabar.
I am also thankful to my family, friends, students, well-wishers, colleagues at GRAAM & Vision India Foundation, and my indigenous brethren at H D Kote for being a part of this wonderful adventure. Video of the launch is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z7ZZJ-L7Qc
– Balu