ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

THE LION, THE ADMIRAL AND A CAT CALLED B. UMA VIJAY LAKSHMI – LESSONS FROM LIFE AND MANAAGEMENT

Recounted in a lucid style of a consummate storyteller, the book is a collection of fascinating autobiographical stories on the unpredictability of life’s experiences. I immensely enjoyed reading the stories. The book is a must read for all readers of non-fiction.

-   - Samir Barua, Former Director, IIM, Ahmedabad

This is a great book about life and various life situations the author faced as a student, teacher, officer, CEO, customer, and most of all as a citizen. The settings vary from Indian Navy to coal mines to IIMs, banks, colleges and public places to the corporate sector. These are situations any one of us may face but few of us observe so well and respond to them the way one should, to get the best out of it and also contribute to the future of the society

-   - – T.V. Rao, Former Professor, IIMA; Chairman TVRLS; and Founder President National HRD Network

In his inimitable unputdownable style, Raghu captures some of the major happenings of his professional life in this book. Knowing him and Meena, and our common love for IIMA, the book was a sentimental journey for me. And talk of journeys. the chapter 'Journey to Nowhere' captures the bus trips that Raghu and I experienced together joyfully. While 'furiously typing or writing away every single day, with unvarying regularity' may be the key to success to his book writing in his own words, the beauty that he brings out of his thoughts, feelings and experiences in his eventful career lends to a great reading joy in this book.

-   - – G. Raghuram Former Director, IIM, Bangalore and former Professor, IIM, Ahmedabad

A wonderful compilation of life moments, described in such detail that I could vividly imagine and experience them as I read.

-   - Hema Ravichandar Strategic HR Advisor and former Group Head, HRD, Infosys

In the best of times, it is difficult for an author to write about his own life-experiences. The question always arises: Who would really care? But Raghunathan writes with such expert aplomb and confidence that one is drawn into his life wanting to know more. Some of the insights from the book are as relevant to everyday life as they may be to formal management situations. His choice of words and his sense of humour linger long after one has finished reading the book. One often smiles inwardly in sincere appreciation. A fine book to read.

-   - Suresh Krishna, Industrialist and former president, Confederation of Indian Industry

Absorbing account of an accomplished individual, the book is a splendid tour de force of a versatile life. Having traversed through the armed forces training, Academia, Corporate and higher education, and written in a candid manner, Raghu tells us how he met life on his own terms, established creditable standards, and boldly confronted inequities, corruption and bureaucratic oddities without turning the Nelsons’s eye.

-   - K. Jairaj, – Additional Chief Secretary (Retd), Government of Karnataka-

A captivating read that draws valuable lessons from daily experiences, encouraging innovative solutions and a deep sense of fulfilment from dedicated and responsible work. Readers will connect with the author’s journey and share his enthusiasm for making a meaningful impact on society, solving problems, and making a difference. As a young Cadet Officer and Raghu’s batch mate at INS Venduruthy in 1976, I am amazed at the authenticity of the memories he brings out in the chapter on the Good Admiral. The rest of the book is equally authentic and engaging.

-   - – Rear Admiral Sanatan Kulshrestha (Retd)