BREAKING THROUGH: A Memoir

Isher Judge Ahluwalia

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This is the life story of Isher Judge Ahluwalia, one of the leading Indian policy economists of her generation. Born into a family with eleven children and limited means, where she was one of the first to attend university, she takes us through her journey to Presidency College, Delhi School of Economics and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She chronicles her career as a young policy economist fighting against the Indian economic orthodoxy that underpinned the license-permit-quota Raj, as an institution builder leading the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), one of India's leading economic think tanks for over a decade, and also her most recent role in focusing attention on the challenges of urbanization in India.

Narrated with candor and from the heart, this is also a story of a woman balancing career and family, and trying to stay close to her roots as her life path takes her through the power corridors of New Delhi, both through her own career, and through a 50-year-marriage to Montek Singh Ahluwalia. An outsider to Delhi, who ultimately became the consummate insider, Breaking Through is an account of a remarkable life that was witness to remarkable times.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Pioneering Career: Ahluwalia reflects on her groundbreaking career as an economist, breaking barriers and achieving success in a male-dominated field.

  2. Academic Pursuits: The memoir delves into Ahluwalia's academic journey, from her early education to her doctoral studies and research in economics.

  3. Contributions to Policy: Ahluwalia highlights her contributions to economic policy in India, including her work on urban development, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.

  4. Role as an Advisor: The book discusses Ahluwalia's role as an advisor to government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions, shaping economic policy and discourse in India and beyond.

  5. Challenges and Triumphs: Ahluwalia shares the challenges she faced as a woman in academia and public service, as well as the triumphs and successes that came from perseverance and determination.

  6. Intersection of Economics and Social Issues: "Breaking Through" explores the intersection of economics with social issues such as gender inequality, urbanization, and poverty, offering insights into the complexities of development challenges in India.

  7. Advocacy for Gender Equality: Ahluwalia advocates for gender equality and women's empowerment, both through her research and her own experiences as a trailblazing woman in the field of economics.

  8. Personal Reflections: The memoir includes personal reflections and anecdotes from Ahluwalia's life, offering readers a glimpse into the personal motivations and values that drove her professional pursuits.

  9. Legacy and Impact: "Breaking Through" reflects on Ahluwalia's legacy and impact as a leading economist and policy advisor, inspiring future generations of scholars and policymakers to make meaningful contributions to society.

  10. Call to Action: Ultimately, the book serves as a call to action for greater inclusion, diversity, and equity in the field of economics and beyond, highlighting the importance of breaking through barriers and creating opportunities for all.

Language English
ISBN-10 9390260280
ISBN-13 9789390260287
No of pages 184
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Rupa Publications India
Published Date 20 Aug 2020

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