Women of Influence by Rajni Sekhri Sibal

‘The Guru: Guru Nanak's Saakhis’ is a collection of 500-year-old anecdotes about an inquisitive child who questioned the world around him – a perceptive teenager who thought rationally in an irrational world – an informed youngster who looked for the logic behind the extant norms and mores – a wise and empathetic human being who tried to obliterate prejudices that were deep-rooted in society – and a gentle, serene and pure soul who spread harmony, peace and compassion. The narratives, built on oral recounts, underscore the wisdom of a pure gentle soul with a world-view that is rational.

The book explores events in Guru Nanak Dev's life that give an insight into the thoughts and beliefs of a sagacious and humane person – an enlightened soul. Rajni Sekhri Sibal, a civil servant and a prolific writer has released her latest book ' The Guru: Guru Nanak's Saakhis', a collection of saakhis about the life of Guru Nanak – the wise and compassionate founder of Sikhism. The subjects and geographies are different, ranging from a panchayat election in Punjab during the height of militancy in the 80s to Naxal prone Chanderpur in Maharashtra to the Perumon tragedy in Kerala and right across to the orchid plantations in Arunachal.Mrs. These stories span different generations-the oldest is set at the Bikaner border during the Indo-Pak war and the latest about the UP sand mafia in 2015. This book is a collection of narratives that provide an insight into some episodes where the protagonist displayed immense courage and commitment. Having worked in the civil services for thirty-seven years, Rajni has seen things at close quarters. Rajni Sekhri Sibal narrates stories that have been untold - about the work of ten strong and effective women who left an impact. Most of the books in the public space are autobiographies of men narrating how important they were and the important people they interacted with daily while in service.

Women of Influence a compilation of the work of a few women who have walked that extra mile and made a difference despite major pressures in governance.

Women of Influence by Rajni Sekhri Sibal