My Tryst with the Projects: Bhakra and Beas

My Tryst with the projects–Bhakra and Beas is the story of the construction of India’s two big dams, namely, Bhakra and Beas in the years following the independence of the country. It describes, vividly and frankly, the difficulties and obstacles faced by the Indian engineers in the execution of the two huge and complex dams, the working together of Indian engineers and scores of American specialists led by M.H. Slocum and consequential imbibing by the Indians, in a large measure, the professional dedication and work-culture of American construction life, the enthusiasm and pride of Indian engineers and workers in regard to these "temples" of modern India. The book also unfolds the social environ of the work-force-their joys and sorrows, mutual jealousies and ill-will, intrigues and gossip-as also their noble and self-sacrificing deeds. The author, apart from delineating with ease and felicity contemporary personalities from nearly all walks of life-politics, business, professions, industry, education, administration–with whom he came into contact, also comments upon the important events at regional, national and international levels both in subject India and free India. Additionally the life of the author and that of his family in village Burail, Sargodha (Shahpur) Rohtak and Lahore brings out what is acknowledged as a significant trend of the period viz., the emergence and burgeoning of middle classes in the province of the Punjab under the impact of the British rule.