New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS): This is a unique memoir peppered with life lessons and career insights - a treasure trove for management students, young professionals, IAS aspirants, bureaucrats, politicians and general readers alike.
Parameswaran Iyer led the implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which became the world's largest sanitation revolution, as Secretary of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
But Iyer is not your typical bureaucrat. With a far-from-usual career combining two distinguished tenures in the government and an eventful stint outside it, he likes to describe himself as an uncommon 'Insider-Outsider-Insider'.
In "Method in the Madness" (HarperCollins), he reflects on the unique path he chose – from cracking the IAS to becoming a globe-trotting World Bank technocrat, to playing the role of a coach to his professional tennis-playing children, to finally returning to India and implementing the SBM.
Written with humour and wisdom, this is an inspiring read full of key management insights, practical career advice, and valuable life lessons that will resonate with readers across age groups and professions.
"Family and friends had been encouraging me to write about my rather unusual and varied career, so I finally took the plunge and wrote my memoir. In addition to telling my story, I've tried to distil some key lessons and experiences into practical pro-tips for the readers, especially young professionals, to help them succeed in their careers," Parameswaran said.
"Parameswaran Iyer gives invaluable tips on being successful in the face of the most difficult challenges, including implementing the Swachh Bharat Mission. This is a memoir any reader will relate to - and gain from," Krishan Chopra, Publisher, HarperCollins India, said.
Iyer is currently the Global Lead for Strategic Initiatives in the World Bank's Water Global Practice. Prior to the SBM stint, he headed the innovative community-led Swajal Project in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the 1990s. He has over 25 years of global experience in the water and sanitation sector and has worked in many countries, including Vietnam, China, Egypt and Lebanon.
A fitness enthusiast, Iyer also served as road manager to his daughter and son on the pro tennis circuit during a two-year sabbatical from his professional career.