The Lion, The Admiral, and a cat called B.Uma Vijayalakshmi by V. Raghunathan is an engaging memoir that provides a humorous and unique perspective on management, life choices, and career adventures in India from the 1970s to the present day.
Published by Westland Books, this work is more than just a memoir. It’s a reflection on the changing landscape of India over several decades, viewed through the lens of Raghunathan’s varied career paths and personal experiences.
Raghunathan is a well-known academic, author, and corporate leader with a string of bestsellers to his name. He has served as a professor of finance at IIM Ahmedabad, president of ING Vysya Bank, CEO of GMR Foundation and director at the Schulich School of Business, Toronto (India Campus). Additionally, he has been an adjunct professor at SDA Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, and the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.
Raghunathan has been a naval cadet, IIM professor, bank president, and foundation CEO. His experiences span from judging a Punjabi gaali competition to building one of India’s largest padlock collections. The book presents each such life situation as an adventure and a learning opportunity. Throughout the book, Raghunathan’s sharp wit and inquisitive nature shine through, offering a beacon of hope in challenging times.
Suresh Krishna, Industrialist and former President, Confederation of Indian Industry commended Raghunathan’s ‘expert aplomb and confidence’ in storytelling which makes one want to read more about his life. Rear Admiral Sanatan Kulshrestha (Retd.) said — ‘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 Lion, The Admiral, and a cat called B.Uma Vijayalakshmi promises to be an insightful and entertaining read, offering a unique perspective on India’s evolving social and professional landscape over the past five decades.