The Commissioner for Lost Causes by Arun Shourie, released on March 1, 2022, is an eye-opening account of his impactful career as a writer, editor, and minister. The memoire takes readers through dramatic events that shook institutions and governments, such as freeing 40,000 undertrials, exposing the Bhagalpur blindings, purchasing Kamla to expose human trafficking, and confronting privilege motions and contempt of court charges. Shourie recounts uncovering corruption, forgeries, lies, and the misuse of power by leaders, while resisting attempts to suppress press freedom.
In The Commissioner for Lost Causes, Shourie shares fascinating political stories, such as a deputy prime minister using fake documents against colleagues and people’s movements fading over time. The book introduces a variety of personalities, including honest leaders like JP, press barons, conmen, and indignant editors. It also reveals hidden truths about India’s political and bureaucratic history.
Arun Shourie, recognized as one of the fifty “World Press Freedom Heroes,” gives an honest and straightforward account of his life. This honest and detailed narrative also discusses Shourie’s own trials, including his dismissal and reinstatement as editor, and the challenges he faced while battling vested interests. While the book is packed with valuable insights, some parts are overly elaborate and repetitive. Nevertheless, The Commissioner for Lost Causes remains an essential read for young lawyers, journalists, corporate leaders, and anyone interested in understanding India’s turbulent political and legal history.
Availability & Details of book
The Commissioner for Lost Causes, authored by Arun Shourie, was published by Penguin Viking on March 1, 2022. This hardcover edition has 616 pages and is available for purchase in English at ₹841. You can also find the Kindle version for ₹448, which is a great option for those who prefer reading digitally. The book is available for purchase at major online retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Goodreads and the Penguin website. Reading it on Kindle is convenient as it allows you to carry multiple books in one device.
About Author of The Commissioner for Lost Causes
Arun Shourie was born on November 2, 1941, in Jalandhar, Punjab. He completed his schooling at Modern School in New Delhi and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Economics from Syracuse University in the United States, which he completed in 1966. His strong educational background laid the foundation for his diverse career as an economist, journalist, author, and politician.
Arun Shourie is renowned for his significant contributions to journalism, literature, and politics in India. As a journalist, he played a crucial role in shaping public discourse through his work at The Indian Express, where he served as Executive Editor and later as Editor. His investigative reporting and fearless coverage of sensitive political issues have earned him a reputation as one of India’s leading journalists.
Shourie has authored several influential books that delve into various aspects of Indian society, politics, and history. His works include critical analyses of corruption, governance, and the challenges facing India. Some of his notable titles include The Fall of the Hindu Right, Eminent Historians: Their Technology, Their Line, Their Fraud, and The Commissioner for Lost Causes, which reflects on his experiences and insights into India’s bureaucratic and political situations.
In addition to his journalistic and literary work, Shourie served as a Union Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where he was responsible for the Disinvestment and Communications portfolios. His tenure in politics was marked by efforts to reform and streamline government processes.
Shourie’s work is characterized by his commitment to transparency, accountability, and social justice, making him a prominent voice in Indian public life. His writings continue to inspire readers and provoke thought on important national issues.
Themes in The Commissioner for Lost Causes
- India’s Political and Bureaucratic Issues: In The Commissioner for Lost Causes, Arun Shourie gives a simple and clear view of India’s political and bureaucratic systems. He shares his experiences of dealing with corruption and the misuse of power, helping readers understand how the government works behind the scenes.
- Rich Character Portrayals: The book is filled with “delicious tales” of various personalities, from noble leaders to colorful and short-sighted individuals. Shourie introduces readers to figures such as JP, a president, prime ministers, a deputy prime minister, chief ministers, a conman, indignant editors, and a “great warrior,” the press baron. These character sketches add depth and engagement to the narrative.
- Examination of Press Freedom and Government Relations: Shourie discusses significant incidents, including efforts to get governments to accept legislation against the press and the unseating of chief ministers. These accounts highlight the delicate balance between media freedom and governmental authority, emphasizing the challenges faced by journalists in holding power to account.
- Personal Reflections and Memoir: As a former editor and minister, Shourie reflects on his own life, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences. This memoir The Commissioner for Lost Causes provides an honest retelling of his journey, including the calumny hurled at him, his dismissal, and his being recalled and removed again, offering readers an intimate look at his professional and personal challenges.
- Detailed Accounts of Historical Events: The book The Commissioner for Lost Causes delves into dramatic incidents like the Bhagalpur blinding’s and the purchase of Kamla, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of India’s history. These detailed narratives provide context and understanding of the socio-political climate of the times, enriching the reader’s knowledge of the country’s past.
- Exposure of Corruption and Scandals: In The Commissioner for Lost Causes, Arun Shourie highlights some of the most significant corruption scandals and political controversies of his time. The book provides a detailed account of the Bofors scandal and other instances of misuse of power, offering readers a rare glimpse into the darker side of Indian politics. Shourie’s investigative approach ensures that these scandals are thoroughly documented.
- Battles for Justice and Human Rights: Arun Shourie’s efforts to expose injustices, such as the Bhagalpur blinding case and the plight of undertrial prisoners, form a central theme in The Commissioner for Lost Causes. His dedication to human rights and legal reforms reveals the challenges of fighting for justice in a system plagued by bureaucracy and corruption. These stories inspire readers to understand the importance of persistence and integrity.
- The Role of Media in Democracy: The Commissioner for Lost Causes explores the critical role of the press in safeguarding democracy. Shourie recounts his struggles to publish sensitive stories and the resistance he faced from political powers trying to suppress press freedom. His experiences underscore the importance of a free press in exposing truths and holding leaders accountable.
- Social and Political Commentary: Beyond personal and professional anecdotes, The Commissioner for Lost Causes provides insightful commentary on broader social and political issues. Shourie examines topics like caste discrimination, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the evolving role of governance. These reflections offer readers a deeper understanding of the societal dynamics shaping India’s history.
Why You Should Read and buy The Commissioner for Lost Causes
Reading The Commissioner for Lost Causes is essential for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of India’s political and bureaucratic systems. The book provides valuable insights into issues like corruption, ethical leadership, and the role of media in democracy. Despite some dense and technical chapters, the compelling stories and Shourie’s firsthand experiences make it a worthwhile read. It offers a deeper understanding of India’s history and culture, particularly for those who are passionate about politics, government, or social justice. The detailed accounts of significant events and the exploration of important themes ensure that readers will find it informative and engaging.
Final Thoughts
The Commissioner for Lost Causes is a compelling memoir by Arun Shourie that offers an in-depth look into India’s political and bureaucratic systems. Through engaging storytelling and well-developed characters, Shourie provides valuable insights into the fight against corruption, the importance of ethical leadership, and the critical role of the media in a democracy. Despite some challenges with writing style and structure, the memoir’s firsthand accounts make it a significant read for anyone interested in India’s history and governance. Whether you are a student of politics, a journalist, or simply a curious reader, this memoir offers a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that will resonate long after you turn the last page.
