EASA hosted an engaging book discussion at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan on November 30, centered around An Indian Woman in Islamabad: 1997-2000 by Ambassador Ruchi Ghanashyam. The event brought together several members of the IFS family, including many who had served in Islamabad at various points in time, creating an atmosphere of shared history and insight.

The session was introduced by Coordinator Mrs. Aradhana Sharma, who welcomed the author, Ambassador Ruchi Ghanashyam, contributing author Ambassador A.R. Ghanashyam, and the moderator, Mrs. Ranjana Sengupta Raghavan. Ambassador Ghanashyam offered a unique and personal perspective on Indian diplomacy, recounting her experience as the first Indian woman diplomat posted in Islamabad. Her memoir, covering the years 1997 to 2000, intertwines her professional journey with personal reflections, set against the backdrop of significant geopolitical events, including the nuclear tests of 1998, the Kargil War, the Lahore peace initiative, and the hijacking of IC-814.

EASA members who had served in Pakistan at various times shared their own anecdotes, enriching the discussion with their firsthand experiences. The event was also attended by members online via Webex, broadening its reach. The session concluded with a gesture of gratitude from EASA President Mrs. Dolly Misri, who presented tokens of appreciation to the authors and the moderator, marking a thoughtful and memorable gathering.