The dichotomy India faces today, having one of the most extensive social networks in all sectors: healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, education , yet the continuous comparison with the worst and lowest human development indices, formed a nagging and worrying thought that perhaps pushed the author, Sumita Dawra, to write “Poor but Lively in Karimnagar”. Karimnagar is a district in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh and is also ranked 250 in the list of "Most Backward Districts of India". What makes the poor stay poor, how there are gaps in the government's development programs and ways to improve it forms the core essence of the book. Why is the topic important for us administrators? Given that huge budgetary allocations are set aside every year for social sector programs, as well as the fact that India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, such prosperity and government efforts are unlikely to translate into visible development. Through the book, the author researches alternative governance paradigms for better outcomes, in the form of effective decentralization, community empowerment and self-help groups, as well as competitive development. Analysis of the Book: The book is aptly titled, as it subtly and beautifully highlights that although India ranks abysmally in social indicators, there is still hope for a better tomorrow, which is in our hands. The book is encouraging and attempts to instill passion and a positive attitude in our minds with the undercurrent that resonates with passion, courage and determination to work within the system, innovate and build social capital. It encourages extrapolation of Karimnagar's experience into other......middle of paper......in various sectors. He also mentioned touching personal experiences such as an essay written by his daughter on the difference she felt when studying in an Indian school and a UK school and his reflections on the time a major epidemic hit his district, killing many poor people ignorant villagers just like she was admitted to the hospital with access to the best doctors. The book is an honest introspection and is a candid admission of the helplessness of IAS officers in certain cases, where all one can do is shoot arrows in the dark, learn, try and re-learn. . What makes the book an invaluable and inspiring read is the undercurrent: eternal hope, courage, and faith, straight from the heart. About the Author-Sumita Dawra is a 1991 batch IAS officer, belonging to Andhra Pradesh cadre. He currently heads the economic wing of the Embassy of India in Beijing, China.