Lucknow: Duvvuri Subbarao, former RBI Governor, reflects on his journey and the essence of public service in his latest book Just a Mercenary?. The title questions whether his contributions were driven solely by obligation or a deeper sense of purpose. Subbarao credits his formative years at Sainik School for instilling discipline, where his principal taught the value of focused effort and pride in small acts, like singing the national anthem with precision.
He candidly shares how his five years at the RBI were among the most challenging, marked by crises like the global financial meltdown. His wife’s encouragement helped him pen his experiences, which he believes will benefit future policymakers.
A standout memory includes his son’s excitement upon meeting cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin. Decades later, the tables turned when Azharuddin approached him on a ferry, showing how life comes full circle.
Subbarao also reflects on his IAS tenure, emphasizing the unique, hands-on learning it offers. Whether it was dealing with Naxalite issues in Andhra Pradesh or understanding the grassroots reality, he found parallels between his mechanical engineering background and administrative problem-solving.
Was he just a mercenary or a dedicated servant? Subbarao leaves that for readers to decide.
