Comments
“I have no hesitation in saying that this is one of the best books of this genre I have read.” “A fascinating account of the development of computing in India, and India’s achievement in the export market for software. It is written by a leading participant, and will appeal to the widest readership.” “The book is autobiographical while covering the development of the software industry elegantly. Mathai Joseph’s memory for detail is quite amazing.” “When we shared a house in Cambridge, UK, I didn’t suspect that Mathai Joseph, friend and senior student, was and would be one of the pioneers of the IT revolution that has overtaken India. Here is his modest and novelistic account of how he went about it.” “Digital Republic is required reading for anyone trying to understand the development of digital computing in India from its shaky beginnings in 1955. Not only has its author worked at several key institutions—including Cambridge University in the UK during the 1960s, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai and Tata Consultancy Services in Pune (where he retired in 2007 as head of research)—he also writes with directness, candour and variety, telling pointed and often amusing anecdotes about research and life in India, the UK and the USA from the 1950s until now. “ “This book vividly captures computing in the 1960s and 1970s and also Mathai Joseph’s work and challenges. It kept me fully absorbed.” “It’s a prodigious feat of memory, both enjoyable and informative. It brought back so many details I’d forgotten and told me so many things I didn’t know.” “I loved the youth, growing up, family and education histories: basically the story of becoming a computer scientist in a third world country. I really did get an appreciation for how the history and tradition of India made possible this unprecendented leap to world prominence in advanced technology. |