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An Indian Woman in Islamabad

An Indian Woman in Islamabad

1997-2000

Ruchi Ghanashyam
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As the first Indian woman diplomat stationed in Islamabad, Ruchi Ghanashyam unveils the intricacies of cross-border relationships and the relentless drumbeat of history as witnessed through the prism of political upheavals. From 1997 to 2000, Ghanashyam and her husband traversed the labyrinthine corridors of Islamabad, bearing witness to seismic events that shook the region to its core. From the thunderous echoes of the India-Pakistan nuclear tests to the harrowing shadows of the Kargil conflict, their tale unfolds against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. In a riveting twist, A.R. Ghanashyam, the author’s husband, unveils his first-hand account of the tense moments preceding the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking, offering a gripping glimpse into the heart of crisis management.

Yet, amidst the tumult, Ambassador Ghanashyam’s narrative delves deeper, unravelling gender dynamics in a society steeped in tradition and inviting us to contemplate not just the challenges facing Pakistan but also the boundless potential for change and understanding. Through her discerning analysis, she exposes the layers of tradition that shape societal norms, offering a compelling examination of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the region’s sociopolitical landscape.?

This timely and compelling work stands as a testament to the enduring power of diplomacy in navigating the currents of global affairs.

Imprint: India Viking

Published: Aug/2024

ISBN: 9780143466987

Length : 240 Pages

MRP : ₹699.00

An Indian Woman in Islamabad

1997-2000

Ruchi Ghanashyam

As the first Indian woman diplomat stationed in Islamabad, Ruchi Ghanashyam unveils the intricacies of cross-border relationships and the relentless drumbeat of history as witnessed through the prism of political upheavals. From 1997 to 2000, Ghanashyam and her husband traversed the labyrinthine corridors of Islamabad, bearing witness to seismic events that shook the region to its core. From the thunderous echoes of the India-Pakistan nuclear tests to the harrowing shadows of the Kargil conflict, their tale unfolds against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval. In a riveting twist, A.R. Ghanashyam, the author’s husband, unveils his first-hand account of the tense moments preceding the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking, offering a gripping glimpse into the heart of crisis management.

Yet, amidst the tumult, Ambassador Ghanashyam’s narrative delves deeper, unravelling gender dynamics in a society steeped in tradition and inviting us to contemplate not just the challenges facing Pakistan but also the boundless potential for change and understanding. Through her discerning analysis, she exposes the layers of tradition that shape societal norms, offering a compelling examination of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the region’s sociopolitical landscape.?

This timely and compelling work stands as a testament to the enduring power of diplomacy in navigating the currents of global affairs.

Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback

Ruchi Ghanashyam

RUCHI GHANASHYAM joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1982. During her career of thirty-eight years, she worked in various capacities at the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of India, including as director (Pakistan) and secretary (West). Outside India, she served in the Indian embassies in Damascus, Kathmandu, Brussels and Islamabad, as well as the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York. She was India’s high commissioner to Ghana, South Africa and the UK, where she retired in 2020.

Post retirement, she has written newspaper columns and articles as well as chapters for books. She has also participated in seminars and panel discussions, speaking on India’s foreign policy to students in India and the UK as well as at think tanks. She is a member of the board of patrons at the India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, University of Southampton, and adjunct faculty at the Manipal Centre for European Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. She is also involved in social work.


She is married to A.R. Ghanashyam, who joined the IFS in 1982 and retired as India’s high commissioner to Nigeria. They have two sons.

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