An Extraordinary Life

Over the last two decades the exploits of one man an IIT-Bombay alumnus changed the way mainstream India looked at Goa and the political goings-on in the country's smallest state.An Extraordinary Life traces the life and times of Manohar Parrikar through the informed voices of his relatives friends foes bureaucrats and IIT contemporaries. The daily battles of a gifted individual are brought to the fore as he encounters love and vices. But more importantly it showcases his rise in politics from the son of a grocery store owner in a nondescript town asanghachalak in Mapusa town an Opposition MLA and leader to a chief minister (on multiple occasions) and finally to a defence minister. Review This biography of Manohar Parrikar is more hagiographic than critical and silent where it matters -- ScrollThe authors provide a 360-degree view to the many turns Parrikar's political career took even as Parrikar moved from Goa to Delhi and to Goa again -- DailyOThe book is a sympathetic political biography mirroring the quicksand politics of Goa.In this biography Parrikar emerges as an astute leader adept in manipulative politics but with accomplishments way behind his potential -- Deccan HeraldA nuanced and sensitive narration the book claims to be an insightful and captivating read complete with the informed voices of his relatives friends foes bureaucrats and IIT contemporaries -- Economic Times About the Author Sadguru PatilSadguru Patil has been working for various Marathi newspapers since 1995. He has worked as chief reporter with Dainik Gomantak and is now the bureau chief with the Goa edition of Lokmat. He has covered politics extensively and all major political developments in Goa in that period.Mayabhushan NagvenkarKnown for his irreverence and occasional spells of unemployment Mayabhushan Nagvenkar has been a journalist for nearly twenty-two years in Mumbai Delhi and Goa. Currently he is the state correspondent for the Indo-Asian News Service based in Goa largely covering politics and reviewing books.