A Bureaucrat Recalls

Insights of Capt. Narinder Singh IAS (Retd.) Through the Needonomics Lens

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A Bureaucrat Recalls by Capt. Narinder Singh IAS (Retd.) ISBN: 9789358162462, 2595, 128 pages Unistar Books Mohali (2024) translated in Punjabi Edition “ Uth Punjab Sian” by Prof Dharminder Singh Desh Bhagat University Mandi Gobindgarh ( 2025) ISBN: 9789349761650, 2350,135 pages Saptrishi Publications On August 8, 2025 —my auspicious birthday—I was privileged to attend the release ceremony of A Bureaucrat Recalls at Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh. The occasion was more than symbolic. It was a convergence of lived experience and_ reflective thought, embodied in the memoir of Capt. Narinder Singh, IAS (Retd.), whose professional journey spans the military, bureaucracy, and judiciary. From the perspective of Needonomics School of Thought (NST), I advocate that focuses on fulfilling needs rather than chasing endless wants—this memoir is not just a recollection of a life in public service. It is a rich source of insights for present-day Needo-governance— as a _ street SMART(simple, moral, action-oriented, responsive and transparent) governance model that balances efficiency, ethics, and empathy.

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Book

The memoir is structured into 14 substantive chapters, each spotlighting a specific theme from Capt. Singh’s career and observations:

1. Gazing Bureaucracy with Magnifying Glass - A candid look at the machinery of governance.

2. Valuable Mantras for Professionals - Principles distilled from decades of service.

3. Partition and Its Imprint on High Court - Historical context shaping institutional character.

4. Justice Delivery System visa-vis Civil Services - The interplay between two pillars of democracy.

5. High Court’ Bar Association — Its Activities - A microcosm of legal and professional culture.

6. Medical Canopy in High Court - Welfare and support systems often overlooked.

T. Drugs Destroying Humanity - A Cause of Worry - A social and economic crisis in Punjab.