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S.N. Malik: An Autobiography
S.N. Malik's Autobiography is a glorious account of his fascinating life and career. Filled with anecdotes from his idyllic childhood, his growing years, his career, and his personal life, this memoir offers many nuggets of wisdom as we follow his journey. He recounts his beautiful childhood rudely disrupted by the 1947 Partition that led his family's escape to India from his beloved Sheikhupura, which turned into a hellhole following the tragic massacre of 22,000 residents, with just three pieces of clothing; then goes on to describe his educational journey through difficult times as his family struggles to find its moorings in unfamiliar lands and their eventual rehabilitation. Mr Malik offers readers a glimpse into his rich 25-year corporate career as he narrates his experiences of wading through the wonderland of Licence-Permit Raj and the Emergency that blocked the nation's progress and how people worked around the system to get anything done. It is inspiring to read how he successfully managed during these times by sticking to his principles of honesty, integrity, and commitment-values he carried to the public sector, where he headed some of the largest PSUs. He did not compromise on defending his values, even at the risk of losing his high-profile job and its perks, and continued to take his companies to new heights. Mr Malik makes valuable observations about the true role of a business enterprise, the missed opportunity to reform the public sector, the future of the public and private sectors, and the need to make our society a little less unequal to ensure national stability. The poignant saga of his personal life is a heart-warming read where the reader is introduced to many fascinating characters and delightful tales along the way.