Beyond the Heaven-born Service

by Pushpa Sundar

English 280 pages 1 edition

‘This memoir must be read as an important part of women’s contribution to the history of contemporary India.’—Aruna Roy, political activist In this candid memoir, Pushpa Sundar shares her transformative journey from a dedicated IAS officer to a pioneering figure in Indian philanthropy. She reflects on the influences that shaped her worldview while growing up in the 1950s in Nagpur, a city rich in historical significance as the birthplace of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Sundar deftly explores the complexities of her environment, marked by influential figures like V.D. Savarkar and the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Sundar’s narrative unfolds through her college years at prestigious institutions, including the Delhi School of Economics, during the sixties. She examines the vibrant reimagining of Lutyens’ Delhi and describes Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s efforts to showcase independent India’s aspirations with landmarks like the Ashoka Hotel. During her tenure in the IAS, Sundar balances a demanding career with her roles as a wife and mother. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a woman in the service and the factors that led her to resign. She also highlights the contributions of luminaries like Verghese Kurien, the architect of the Amul revolution, and others she met while posted in Gujarat, who have left an indelible mark on Indian society. Beyond the Heaven-born Service also examines Sundar’s long tenure with the Ford Foundation in the seventies, spotlighting the impact of the controversial Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, enacted by the Indira Gandhi regime in 1976. Pushpa Sundar’s experiences and insights, both within India and abroad, make this book more than just a memoir; they inspire a new generation—especially women—to redefine success on their own terms.