The symbiotic relationship between good governance, integrity, ethical conduct and universal values has been acknowledged since times immemorial.  However, it has come into prominence in a big way in recent times, the world over, particularly in the context of public policy making and delivery of public goods and services.  Dr. Mohan Kanda’s magnum opus has, therefore, come at an opportune time when the country finds itself in the midst of an unprecedented politico-administrative churning.  It explores a vast gamut of ethicalprinciples and practices that the civil servants of today have to bear in mind at all times.  Practical wisdom to deal with ethical and moral dilemmas faced by the bureaucracyhas been presentedprecisely and succinctly through a wide range of case studies.  A must read for all aspirants as well as new entrants to the esteemed portals of civil services.

 Vivek K. Agnihotri, IAS (Retd.)

Former Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha

"It is a very refreshing and timely book, written by someone who has practiced ethics and Dharma all his life in his career of more than three decades of governance.  The lessons from various case studies so convincingly bring out the dilemmas faced by practitioners in different situations and how then to determine the righteous path? Even Arjuna faced these questions when he turned towards Lord Krishna for guidance.  But while challenges as well as perception of what is right and what is wrong may vary in different ages, the basic tenets of ethics and Kartavya for larger public good ever remain the same. This publication will undoubtedly serve a big need at this juncture when the governance is the focus of national debate."

Dr. Mohan Kanda retired fromthe Indian Administrative Service (Andhra Pradesh Cadre) in 2005 (?). In his long and distinguished career, he served in various capacities atthe State as well as at the Centre, including as Secretary (Department of Agriculture) Government of India, and Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

He holdsa Doctorate in Cooperative Agricultural Credit.

After retirement from the Service, Dr.Kanda served as a Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Government of India, and as a Member of the Steering Committee of the Planning Commission for the formulation of the 12th Five Year Plan for “Agriculture and Allied Sectors”.

Currently, Dr.Kanda is a Member of the Board of Supervision of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD); Visiting Faculty atthe Centre for Atmospheric Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi; Adjunct Faculty atthe Indo-German Centre for Sustainability, Department of Humanities and Social Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai: Member of the Court, Central University, Rajasthan; and Member of the Board of Management of the Sri SathyaSai Institute of Higher Learning, Andhra Pradesh.

Dr.Kandahas helped shape severalnational policies including the National Policy on Agriculture, the National Policy on Cooperatives and the National Policy on Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Project-Affected Persons. He has also contributed significantly to the formulation of the law governing Multi-State Cooperatives.

Earlier publications by Dr.Kanda include;

1.            The Tinctured Canvas – Concept Practice & Strategies in Rural Development (Published by BharatiyaVidyaBhavan, Bombay)

2.            Vasundhara – An Anthology of Land Resources in India (Published by the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology[CAPART], Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India)

3.            Forgiving Earth – The Dynamics of Policy Support Reforms for the Millennium Farmer in the Asia Pacific Region (Published by Catalyst Publications, New Delhi)

4.            “Not by Others’ Hands” – An Anthology of a Century of Credit Cooperatives in India (A tribute to the Cooperative Movement in the International Year of Cooperation 2012) – Published by Global Research Publications, New Delhi.