Around Varanasi in Assi Days

Travel back to the early 1990s and step into the chaotic and hilariously relatable world of Raja— a stammering teenager with a knack for awkward situations and a stack of self-doubt. When Raja unexpectedly aces the gruelling IIT entrance exam, he’ s hurled into a whirlwind of cultural quirks, hostel antics and academic meltdowns. Set against the vibrant charm of Varanasi and the bustling energy of Calcutta, Around Varanasi in Assi Days chronicles Raja’ s adventures at Banaras Institute of Technology. From navigating eccentric seniors like Fatty and Funny to surviving sine die strikes and decoding UFOs (unidentifiable fried objects) from the Maharaj in the mess, Raja’ s journey is a laugh-out-loud ride filled with nostalgia, friendship and firsts of many kinds. Above all, it is a story of transformation— from a naï ve, stuttering bundle of nerves to a confident and eloquent young man. Packed with colourful Indian idioms, quirky anecdotes and a dash of madness, this novel is your ticket to a time when ambition and tradition collided in the most entertaining ways. Buckle up for a fun-filled romp through a world where dreams come true— but not without a few bumps along the way!

Raja Venkateswara started his journey in chemical engineering at an IIT, only to discover it’ s more about mind-melting calculus than alcohol or pipelines. His ‘ skills’ led him to roles at Wall Street, tech firms and global financial services, where he morphed from an engineer and tech strategist into a consultant armed with a deadly arsenal of business frameworks. Over two decades, he advised and led firms in insurance, banking and high-tech industries, all while becoming a slave to MS Office (and later, Mac Office). After countless detours in life, including surviving education at four globa