| READING ROOM |
| Harjiv Singh, Co-founder,CEO, International, Gutenberg Communications |
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Harjiv Singh, Co-founder and CEO,
International, Gutenberg Communications |
What are you reading at the moment? What did you recently finish reading? What have you learnt from it?
I am currently reading On Literature by Umberto Eco. I recently finished reading FDR by Jean Edward Smith. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) was the 32nd president of the United States of America. His is a fascinating biography of leadership, vision and unwavering confidence in the future. He was the longest serving US President of the US, elected to a record four terms. During his presidency – 1933 to 1945 – the US went from the depths of despair during The Great Depression to the zenith of power culminating in the victory over the Axis powers at the end of World War II. Afflicted by polio when he was 39, FDR was paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life, but his exuberance and positive attitude led him not only to the Presidency of the US but made him one of the pivotal figures of the 20th century.
His life also has contemporary resonance as the recent turbulence in global financial markets is in some ways akin to the economic challenges FDR faced during the first term of his office. As we deal with the challenges of today's economic environment, it behoves us to remember FDR's words, "…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
The one book all leaders must read...
Instead of a book, I would suggest reading Percy Shelley's sonnet Ozymandias. It is a reminder to us all about the futility of hubris.
One book everyone in your sector should pick up...
We provide strategic communications counsel to clients on how to communicate their brands and shape perceptions of their strategy amongst various audiences globally. The one book I thoroughly enjoyed was Cold Steel by Tim Bouquet and Byron Ousey. It is an insider's account of the acquisition of Arcelor by Mittal Steel. It describes how Mittal Steel's proactive, perceptive and thoughtful public relations campaign trumped the old school approach followed by Arcelor.
What kind of books would you normally buy while travelling?
I am a bibliophile, so while I enjoy reading books on history (Ramachandra Guha), economics (Joesph Stiglitz), biography (Ron Chernow), fiction (Dan Brown), and literature (Orhan Pamuk). I often explore new authors and topics.
Have you written any books? If not, do you plan to write in future? Pl also specify the topic you intend to write on.
I enjoy writing but mostly essays and articles. Have not written a book yet, but it is certainly a possibility. It would most likely be either a biography of someone I admire or something historical.
The books you grew up with? What did you like most about it?
I enjoyed reading Enid Blyton and Hardy Boys as they were full of adventure and exploration.
Your book shelf consists of....
Biographies, History, Science, Philosophy, International Affairs, Economics.
Where do you shop for books?
I enjoy shopping for books in musty old bookstores in New York like The Strand in Manhattan and the weekend book vendors on the South Bank (in front of the National Theatre) in London and Bahri Sons at Khan Market in Delhi.
Has your reading habits changed in the past four or five years? If so, how....
Not much, reading has always been my favourite 'sport'.
One book you cherish that you received as a gift... and who gave it to you.
That would be The Selected Poems of Robert Frost which was given to me by my wife.
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