UPSC Secretary and Author Shashi Ranjan Kumar visits Chandigarh, terms Sadda Punjab book ‘Gazetteer of Punjab’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 8, 2026: Senior IAS officer and Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Shashi Ranjan Kumar, who is also an acclaimed author, visited Chandigarh for a special signing event of his latest literary work, The Decline of Hindu Civilization.
During his visit, the UPSC Secretary held an engaging intellectual session with renowned author and mentor Munish Jindal. The duo engaged in a wide-ranging discussion covering the nuances of governance, historical perspectives, and the current socio-cultural fabric of society.
On this occasion, Munish Jindal presented a copy of his widely appreciated book, Sadda Punjab, to the UPSC Secretary. In a reciprocal gesture, Shashi Ranjan Kumar presented his book, The Decline of Hindu Civilization, which offers a thought-provoking narrative on the accomplishments of a civilization and its gradual descent into obscurity.
While appreciating the academic rigor of Munish Jindal’s work, Shashi Ranjan Kumar remarked that Sadda Punjab holds the potential to serve as a “Gazetteer of Punjab” for researchers, scholars, and students. He noted that the book provides an exhaustive and authentic understanding of the history, culture, and socio-political landscape of the state.
Expressing his gratitude for the encouragement, Munish Jindal stated that such interactions with distinguished personalities—who contribute significantly to both public administration and literature—are deeply motivating. He added that such exchanges provide an intellectually enriching perspective for young aspirants and readers across the region.