Touching Distance - The Great Indian MBA Dream


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The advance copy from my publisher arrived on March 4, 2011. Holding this book in my hands, reading the words that were mine, left me somewhat shaken, stirred and delighted. Its a feeling that lasted 45 minutes or so. I had to say I ended up with a case of mild shock - the kind that I experienced when I was in love with a beautiful girl and she let it slip that she felt likewise.

I have to say that I did think I could write, but didn't really think I'd be published.

The book began as an attempt to rediscover a few laughs post graduation in 2003. More than half the chapters were penned back then. I was flippant to begin with, my only objective being to recreate a few situations and retell stories, sitting as I was in a dead end role post my MBA. To get my friends (especially those featuring in the book) to at least read my ruminations I gave my first set of stories a very serious title - 'The ISB Book' which helped generate mock gravitas. The individual episodes were called 'Chapters', and when my publisher first asked me what the title of my proposed book was, I simply said, quasi-ironically and completely facetiously, 'The Great Indian MBA Dream', feeling somewhat foolish that I didn't really have a title but also trying to be self-deprecatory about my own work.

After the customary rejections from a bunch of publishers there came one acceptance(verbal) from an excellent, experienced and decorated editor. The contract took two years to manifest, during which I'd simply given up, thinking of this as another of life's ropes which came loose as I tugged on it, while trying to stay afloat in the shark manifested waters of ennui. Following the contract, which served as a second wind in my sails, more writing followed, with deadlines and a finished manuscript. I still told myself this was all another dummy rope, my way of preparing for a damp squib. Then came the oceanic delays, and finally the publish run, culminating in a courier that I was so excited to receive.

The Title
My preference for the title was 'Touching Distance'. While walking back from a 5Km daily run, with my brain full of oxygenated blood, I observed that we all believe that we're within touching distance of our desired reality (given that our imagination tends to what we believe we can achieve and acquire). Touching Distance. It resonated very strongly with the theme of the book as well. I had a title!

My publishers insisted that we retain the longer title to ensure that we would be visible and buzzing on bookshelves. I hope they are proved right.

The Cover
I loved being involved in the design of the cover. The graphic artist showed me a few photos and abstract designs but I didn't agree with that line of thinking. Some of you know me for a dilettante painter, and given my interest areas, I suggested that we go with a night sky, then go with a colour theme that Van Gogh used in Cafe Terrace. I had to have yellow, my favourite colour on the cover, of course. The stars were changed. I'm pleased with the result. You can't really go wrong with the palette of a Master, can you?


In Stores
Shortly. My publisher was very pleased with the pre-order interest the book generated. The book is available on Flipkart with the customary online discount.

Facebook
Please help spread the word. Hit the 'Like' button. The FB page is
http://www.facebook.com/TouchingDistance

I also decided to go with my given name, considering that I was advised to use 2 of my names instead of three for brevity, and every other two word combination of my 16 letter loooooong name sounded less than optimal.


Endorsements
Please look for the on my Facebook page. The Dean of ISB, Ajit Rangnekar was super nice in providing an endorsement as was Sanjeev Bikhchandani. Others are forthcoming.

Your Reviews
I'm eager to hear what you think. Please leave a review on Flipkart or on the Facebook page, or hopefully both.

Typos
Finally, typos are inevitable, some having been introduced just prior to the print run (which I can't explain), and my publishers assures me that we'll clean it up as soon as we have a second print run (which means we have to sell the first set) :)

Launches
Very exciting, and are being planned. Should announce them here and on the Facebook page. I hope you'll come. The plan is to do three or more cities.