Marydasan John

The book "Politics, Policy and Predictions: Views from the Front Row of Parliament" by Derek O'Brien, Rajya Sabha MP and leader of the All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party, throws light on issues plaguing governance in the country. Arranged in 68 succinct chapters across six sections, the book takes readers into vital areas of governance where the rot has set in, largely because of rulers' lack of empathy and indifference to people's lives.

Fr Xavier Vadakkekara is no more. A personality who inspired scores and mentored many is gone. He lived a life unlike many others. In death, too, he took a different path by donating his body to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. A life without pretensions ended without any, in death too. For me, it is goodbye to an unbroken relationship lasting over two decades with Xavier Achen (I called him so).

Fr. Varghese Alengaden is unlike any other priest; he is unlike any other motivational speaker, animator, trainer or writer. So his autobiography too should be unlike any other memoirs. The proof is in the pudding. His recently released ‘life story’ Ho Jayega (It will be Done) is a testimony to an inspiring life devoid of any facade or pretense.