IAS Officer Atulya Misra Releases Novel Inspired by Tamil Nadu Forest Fire

A new novel, Testimony By Fire, published today by Rupa, draws inspiration from the 2018 Kurangani forest fire in Tamil Nadu and the real-life guide who aided trekkers during the disaster.

The book, authored by IAS officer Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Department of Sports & Youth Welfare, follows a protagonist who travels across India’s “aspirational districts” – areas identified as underdeveloped requiring focused administrative attention. Misra explained he wanted his character to explore these regions “without judgments,” seeking to understand the challenges they face. The novel reportedly took over a year to write alongside his demanding official duties.

Testimony By Fire features a protagonist, Ranjeeth, who rises to become President of India before experiencing a unique afterlife as a “walking ghost” accompanied by a narrator, witnessing the consequences of unchecked development. Misra, whose previous works include Oxygen Manifesto and Vultures of Paradise – both focused on environmental themes – says writing serves as a “stress-buster.” He has previously explored concepts like circular economy in his work.

The protagonist’s journey takes him to cities including Agra, Goa, Delhi, Rameswaram, Mumbai, and Manipur, highlighting environmental issues in each location. Misra indicated he is already considering his next project, potentially focusing on the Chennai floods. This novel arrives as India continues to grapple with balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Misra hopes the book will spark conversation about the challenges facing India’s developing regions and the importance of responsible development.