Archive · 25 Sep 2026
S.Y. Quraishi’s India and I Recounts 100 Memories
S.Y. Quraishi wrote a book about important moments from his life.
It is not a full autobiography that tells everything in order.
Instead, it has 100 short stories or memories.
These memories describe his childhood, work as a civil servant and time at Doordarshan.
They also explain his work with elections.
Some stories discuss what it was like to be a Muslim officer in India.
Quraishi describes a case in which his religion was considered a reason to remove him temporarily from a post.
He also writes about meeting Mohan Bhagwat and says that talking can help reduce division.
The review says the book is easy to read, entertaining and thought-provoking.
S.Y. Quraishi’s India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir presents 100 short, self-contained essays rather than a conventional autobiography.
The vignettes cover Quraishi’s childhood, college years, civil-service career, mentors, administrative experiences and passion for guitar.
Several essays recall his work as a young district officer in Haryana and his tenure as director-general of Doordarshan.
A significant section examines his service as chief election commissioner, including election-observation assignments in India’s neighbourhood and other countries.
Quraishi also discusses religious identity in the civil service and his 2022 meetings with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat.
- Who
- S.Y. Quraishi, former civil servant, chief election commissioner and director-general of Doordarshan.
- What
- Quraishi’s book presents 100 memories and reflections in short essays rather than as a conventional autobiography.
- When
- The book includes his 2022 meetings with Mohan Bhagwat; the review does not specify its publication date.
- Where
- The experiences span India, including Haryana, Gurgaon—now Gurugram—and the Election Commission of India, as well as election assignments in other countries.
- Why
- Quraishi uses selected life and career episodes to explore administration, elections, identity, prejudice, dialogue and personal memories.
- Book
- India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir
- Author
- S.Y. Quraishi
- Publisher
- Hachette
- Price
- Rs 699
- Structure
- 100 self-contained short essays or vignettes
- Former position
- Chief election commissioner
- Other major role
- Director-general of Doordarshan