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Who am I?
I like to imagine that I am a practitioner of human affairs – on the lines of Kautiliya, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, or Burke. But the reality is that, at least so far (!), I’ve been a mundane bureaucrat who has spent nearly three decades eking out a modest living (sufficient for my modest needs, though) by managing public policy projects and large organisations on behalf of governments in India, and by providing public policy advice and managing rather smallish public policy projects in Australia.
The more enlightened souls amongst you will discern, of course, that there remains a much deeper aspect to this simple question: "Who am I?". That aspect I (and who, pray, is this "I"?) – I will explore in one of my future books currently being conceptualised. It is a question the response to which can take us to ultimate happiness – if explored with certain approach or logic. Let’s leave that aspect for a future discourse, for now.
What’s my background?
I was a member of the
1982 batch of the IAS (India’s elite, senior executive service) till I resigned in January 2001. Thereafter I’ve been working as a modest, mid-level public servant in Victoria (Australia) doing many interesting things between 9am to 6 pm, five days a week .
If you are curious to know about my school or educational ‘history’ and jobs held, I’ve got lots of information at
my Linkedin page and on an
old web-based resume. You can also check out my
academic and training certificates – and browse through a (rather flippant)
old home page. (Try the "beach wear" option if you have plenty of
idle time on your hands!)
What’s the proof I know anything?
Moving on to more controversial issues. I am supposed to know something. But what is that something? Whether what I have been taught’ at great expense by the Indian/ Australian/ Japanese and taxpayers is sensible or useful is a moot question.
As a result of what I have learnt, one thing I do know – that I know very little. Not only are my faculties limited in many ways (like any other ‘normal’ human) but the knowledge area I have covered I very limited. But most importantly, I know that all the certificates in the world will never be a substitute for a strong dose of critical thinking and self-reflection. Believe in no one is my motto. Find the truth for yourself‘ is what I advocate.
What do I believe in?
I believe none of us can even scratch the surface of the Truth about this world (in every way – i.e. in perfect detail) in our lifetime. Because we know so little, we are forced to believe in a lot of things. That can be quite dangerous. However, I do believe that the principle of maximising freedom, subject to accountability, can help mankind achieve both peace and prosperity. We need the freedom to think and to be.
Consequently I profess the political and social philosophy called classical liberalism. To find more about this perspective please browse through my books, writings and publications. Whatever else you do, please do read my 2008 book, Breaking Free of Nehru – and try to provide me with feedback on my draft manuscript, The Discovery of Freedom.
What’s the best way to keep in touch with me and my ‘work’?
I’ve got into the habit of announcing almost everything I do, on the internet. Very convenient. Like the flower that spreads its seeds in the wind. Who knows where the seeds will find fertile soil?
It is therefore quite easy to keep in touch with my work:
- You can subscribe to my blog where I post thoughts on various issues.
- You can also be my internet friend on Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo, Myspace, Yahoo , Sulekha, Orkut, or Shelfari. I’m quite open to making new friends since I’ve got unambiguous political motives and I need friends to carry my message and become my supporters! See, I’m very transparent and don’t hide my motives! But in doing so I would like to assure you that my message is for your own good. Have a think about it. No compulsion.
- You could even become my ‘fan’ (on Facebook). I don’t mind fans. This is an important task – to reform the world. Why not have fans who are willing to help spread the message of freedom?
What do I do apart from being a faceless bureaucrat?
I do mainly three things in my spare time:
One: India-related political work
Since February 1998 I have done (and started again) a fair amount of political work to promote liberalism in India. I’m currently developing the
Freedom Team of India (FTI) – a concept that I proposed in
Breaking Free of Nehru initially in draft form in mid-2006, but kick-started in December 2007.
[
Recap: In mid-2005 I had started the
Liberal Party of India along with a handful of excellent people but that fizzled out. Prior to that, between 2004-05, I had promoted the Swatantra Bharat Paksha (Party). See the
decision of 2004 re: Swatantra Bharat Party (pictures). Earlier, in 2000 I had proposed starting work towards a liberal political party in India but there were no takers. So there were these three failed attempts before FTI.]
What has been the result so far? Nothing. It would appear that I am a total failure as a reformer. I could argue in my defence that there is not much of a demand for freedom in India yet. But I believe I must persist. I don’t see much choice but to keep advocating the right thing, irrespective of whether I succeed or not (of course
want to succeed and so I do review and change strategies). Do join me either as a
member of the Freedom Team or as a supporter on
Facebook.
Two: A bit of policy work on India
Three: Manage my chronic RSI
I developed a very bad case of RSI in 1998 due to excessive typing (PhD stuff, IPI, etc.). My extremely painful and difficult experience with this muscular problem is discussed here:
My (now 11) year experience of RSI – and its ‘cure’. Once I find time, I will write a book on this subject.
Regards
Sanjeev Sabhlok
That’s it for now, folks! I’ll update this page periodically when I find a spare moment.
