Dehradun, May 19 -- Mussoorie's Kitabghar estd 1843 Courtesy Stephen Alter

By: Ganesh Saili

'I'd like to thank the Mussoorie Library Committee for letting me use their space to study for the last two years,' said Anil Rawat at a function held to felicitate him on his selection to the Uttarakhand Civil Services.

Given his humble background (a 'first' from the Kempty village of Jaunpur), he remains a shining example of the miracle of a new India unfolding in our times.

Ask for Gandhi Chowk, Library or Kitabghar, and you will be in the same place. Forty years ago, as a fresher, I was applying for membership.

'Be careful!' warned Auntie Maisie Gantzer, Honorary Secretary, who had held the fort, like other illustrious members of her famil...