Chandrashekar is the author of ‘Kaveri Vivaada – Ondu Aithihaasika Hinnota,’ which delves into the long-standing Cauvery river dispute.
Published Aug 13, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 14, 2024 | 10:06 PM
Retired IPS officer C Chandrashekar. (Supplied)
At the three-day Book Brahma Literature Festival 2024, retired IPS officer C Chandrashekar shared his insights on his journey from a life in law enforcement to becoming an author.
Known for his tenure as the Mysuru City Police Commissioner and his service in the Intelligence Wing of the police, Chandrashekar has authored the book ‘Kaveri Vivaada – Ondu Aithihaasika Hinnota,’ a Kannada work that delves into the long-standing Cauvery river dispute.
The English version of this book, ‘Kaveri Dispute – A Historical Perspective’, was also penned by Chandrashekar himself, showcasing his deep understanding of the issue from both a historical and legal standpoint.
When asked about his session titled “The Literary World of Policing,” Chandrashekar reflected on the common misconceptions about the relationship between policing and literary pursuits.
“The general perception is that policemen are far removed from literary activities and cultural engagements. But this is not wholly true. Many officers and men in the police possess the sensitivity to react to human situations and document them, though not many may have written about it,” he said.
Despite having authored a significant book, Chandrashekar humbly downplayed his role as an author, stating, “I have only written one book, and that alone does not qualify me as a writer. However, it is important to acknowledge that policemen too can have a profound understanding of human situations, which can be expressed through writing.”
Discussing whether it is a natural progression for retired IPS officers to become authors, Chandrashekar pointed out that not all officers choose this path.
“If you look at the number of people who have retired, not all of them have written, though some have. The ratio of those who have written about their experiences in the police to those who have not is dismal. The conception that a wealth of information gathered during service naturally leads to writing is slightly misguided. Writing requires not just information but also a perspective,” he explained.
In today’s era of podcasts, true crime stories, and ebooks, Chandrashekar offered a nuanced view. He acknowledged the thrill that comes with reading or hearing about crime but questioned the lasting value of such works.
“Books like The Day of the Jackal and The Da Vinci Code are thrilling and hard to put down. But once you know who did it (the crime), would you read it again? Probably not,” he mused.
Chandrashekar further elaborated, “Thrillers are there for you to read, and it’s like a railway timetable. So once that information is made available to you, it’s no longer of any value to you. But it doesn’t happen with writers like James Joyce. It doesn’t happen with writers like Dostoevsky, and surely it doesn’t happen with writers like Ken Follett.”
In contrast, he emphasised the enduring appeal of classic literature, such as James Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. “These books invite you to revisit them repeatedly, each time offering new insights.”
Chandrashekar’s book on the Cauvery dispute is a significant contribution to understanding the historical complexities of this long-standing issue.
“In my book, I’ve highlighted Karnataka’s claims that were not acknowledged for over 200 years due to historical and political realities,” he shared.
He stressed the importance of revisiting these issues with a fresh perspective, especially as the political landscape has evolved. Chandrashekar’s transition from a distinguished police career to becoming an author exemplifies how experiences in public service can offer rich material for literary exploration.
His work on the Cauvery dispute not only sheds light on a critical regional issue but also challenges the notion that law enforcement and literature are worlds apart.
As he continues to reflect on and write about human and societal issues, Chandrashekar remains a testament to the depth and sensitivity that can be found within the ranks of the police.
(Edited by Neena)
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