Originally published in Marathi by Shafi Pathan, translated into English by Vikrant Pande
New Delhi, 7th October 2026: Penguin India announces the acquisition of Tukaram, the biography of IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, currently serving as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The book, originally written in Marathi by Shafi Pathan, noted Marathi journalist and writer will now reach English readers in a translation by prolific translator Vikrant Pande.
The book follows Tukaram Mundhe from a financially difficult childhood in rural Maharashtra to his success in the UPSC examinations. It explores the experiences that shaped his character and his early years in civil services, where his insistence on transparent, rule-based administration brought resistance and controversy.
At its heart, Tukaram is about ambition, resilience, integrity and the cost of standing by one’s principles. In Vikrant Pande’s translation, a story that has already resonated deeply with Marathi readers will now be available to English readers for the first time.
Speaking of the book, author Shafi Pathan said, ‘I am originally from Nagpur, where I spent 25 years working in the print media. During my long journey in journalism, senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe was posted twice in Nagpur to lead its administration. As a media representative, this gave me a rare opportunity to observe his fearless style of functioning from very close quarters. His unwavering resolve to work tirelessly for public welfare, without bowing down to any pressure, always deeply inspired me. However, his absolute commitment to honesty often became a source of immense trouble for him. It was a struggle so intense that he had to face 25 transfers in a span of just 20 years. As a journalist, witnessing Mundhe’s relentless struggle used to deeply disturb me. This very restlessness drove me to dive deep into the roots of his uncompromising nature. What emerged from that intense research cemented my decision to write his biography. I have taken an objective look at his journey, right from his challenging childhood to becoming an IAS officer, alongside his pathbreaking decisions and his fierce insistence on public service. The Marathi edition has resonated incredibly well with readers, creating a milestone record in Marathi literature. As an author, I am fully confident that this book will receive the same immense love and appreciation from readers in its English edition as well.’
Translator Vikrant Pande said, ‘To write the story of Tukaram Mundhe is a privilege in itself, though I am merely translating the original work done by Shafi. It will help the story to reach across India and abroad. What attracted me to the biography was the inspirational journey which Tukaram Mundhe took to achieve his dream job as an IAS officer. He has not stopped at that and continues to work tirelessly to do what is right and what needs to be done. The story of his life will not only inspire many who wish to take up a career as an IAS officer but for anyone who believes doing the right thing matters, even if it comes at a personal cost. It is an example one can follow as a citizen of India. I wish we have hundreds of such people who collectively can transform India. They are our heroes and have full support of the citizens.’
Gurveen Chadha, Executive Editor, Ebury Press and Penguin Veer, Penguin Random House India, said, ‘Tukaram is much more than the story of an IAS officer. It is a compelling account of a man shaped by hardship, who overcame formidable odds through sheer determination and built a career guided by an unwavering commitment to public service. What makes his story particularly fascinating is the tension between personal conviction and the realities of administration. Shafi Pathan brings together the many chapters of Mundhe’s life to create an inspiring and thought-provoking portrait of a civil servant who has consistently chosen to stand by his principles, and we are delighted to bring this remarkable Marathi biography to a wider English-language readership.’
Tukaram will be published under Ebury Press in January 2027 and will be available online and in all leading bookstores.
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