Wit in the Corridors of Power: Prof B P Acharya’s Creative Legacy
Humorous sketches offer satirical glimpse into Indian civil services
Bureaucracy is often viewed through a lens of strict files and serious meetings, but a new book is changing that perception with a splash of humor. Prof B P Acharya, a distinguished retired IAS officer, has unveiled "Obtuse Angle," a unique collection of cartoons that serves as a window into the soul of Indian bureaucracy.
A Satirical Look at Governance
"Obtuse Angle" is not merely a book; it is a refreshing commentary on the life of a civil servant. The title stems from a clever play on words: while people often view events from an "acute angle" (a critical look), a cartoonist searches for the "obtuse angle"—the funny and humorous side of things. Through his perceptive eye and artistic pen, Prof B P Acharya transcends routine officialdom to reveal the ironies, challenges, and absurdities inherent in government life.
Drawing comparisons to legendary cartoonists like R.K. Laxman, the book captures the essence of a bureaucrat's perplexing and sometimes frustrating journey. It highlights that self-reflective humor is a high form of courage, using art to bridge the gap between the state and its citizens.
The Man Behind the Sketch
While his cartoons simplify the complex, Prof B P Acharya’s career in public administration has been defined by massive, concrete achievements. Serving as the Special Chief Secretary for the Government of Telangana and Director General of the MCR HRD Institute until October 2020, he led pioneering initiatives in human resource development that trained over 100,000 employees.
His strategic vision was instrumental in shaping the industrial landscape of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As Secretary of Industries & Commerce, he spearheaded the development of Genome Valley, India's first world-class science cluster. During his tenure as Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), he established over 20 global industrial clusters, including the Financial District and Sri City SEZ, creating employment for over 40 lakh people.
Continuing the Legacy
Even after retirement, Prof B P Acharya continues to influence policy as an Advisor for Industrial Cluster Development to the Punjab Government and as a Professor of Practice at Centurion University. Whether through the sharp lines of a cartoon or the strategic planning of an industrial zone, his work remains a testament to how creativity thrives within the structured confines of governance.
