"It was long, exciting journey"

Author's statement at the launch of "The Long Revolution", March 20, 2009, New Delhi

"Writing this book has been a fascinating journey. It was long and lonely at times but enjoyable all the time. It was a journey of discovery and learning and I was excited all the time while writing this book.

It was challenging too, because information technology has been a subject of great debate, discussion and public discourse in this country for the past more than a decade or so. There are too many myths and popular perceptions - and a lot of hype - about this sector. I had to cut through all this and present a clearer picture. How far I have been successful, it is for you – the readers – to decide. I am open to criticism and I welcome it.

It was also a challenge on another count – I was dealing with a period spanning half a century, and not just one or two decades. Some people warned me not to take this up, but there were many who encouraged me to go ahead. I am happy I did so. I was fortunate to have met and interacted with people who played a key role in different epochs of this sector. Some of them have been associated with this industry for close to half a century. Prof R Narasimhan was one such. He was the designer of India’s first digital computer in 1950s.Interactions with such people, coupled with research into archival records wherever possible, helped me decipher key turning points in this long saga of information technology in India."