Vikas Divyakirti Shares 5 Must-Read Books That Can Transform Your Perspective on Life and Society
Vikas Divyakirti Shares 5 Must-Read Books That Can Transform Your Perspective on Life and Society
Books have the rare power to guide, comfort, and provoke thought—often becoming lifelong companions in our personal journeys. Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, renowned educator, former civil servant, and founder of Drishti IAS, believes in the life-changing potential of good literature. Known for his deep philosophical insights and ability to make complex topics relatable, Dr. Divyakirti has recommended five essential books that, according to him, everyone should read to better understand life, society, and the human condition.
Here’s a closer look at the five impactful reads he suggests:
1. Godaan by Munshi Premchand
A timeless classic of Hindi literature, Godaan (The Gift of a Cow) offers a moving portrayal of rural India under British colonial rule. Through the struggles of Hori, a poor farmer, Premchand explores the brutal realities of caste, poverty, and social injustice. First published in 1936, the novel is a searing reminder of dignity, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression—its themes still deeply relevant today.
2. An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
More than a historical account, Gandhi’s autobiography is a journey into the mind of a man in constant pursuit of moral clarity. Covering his life from childhood to 1921, Gandhi narrates his experiments with truth, non-violence, and self-discipline. The book offers not just insight into India’s freedom movement but also into the personal evolution of a man who changed the course of history through ethical conviction.
3. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
In this groundbreaking global bestseller, Harari unpacks the history of Homo sapiens from prehistoric times to the modern age. Drawing from anthropology, biology, and economics, Sapiens questions long-held beliefs about human progress, culture, and systems of power. It’s an accessible yet thought-provoking read that reshapes the way we understand ourselves and the world we’ve built.
4. The History of Mankind by Friedrich Ratzel
Though lesser known today, this work by German geographer Friedrich Ratzel offers a unique cultural and geographic perspective on the development of human civilizations. The book examines how migration, environment, and social interaction have influenced the course of human history. It encourages readers to look beyond political events and appreciate the interconnected patterns of global human evolution.
5. Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder
A novel that doubles as a crash course in Western philosophy, Sophie’s World follows a teenage girl who begins receiving mysterious letters introducing her to philosophical thought. Blending fiction with philosophical discourse, Gaarder takes readers on a journey from ancient Greek thinkers to modern existentialists—awakening curiosity and encouraging critical reflection.
A Reading List for Lifelong Growth
According to Dr. Divyakirti, these books are not limited to students or civil service aspirants—they are for anyone who wants to think deeper, live meaningfully, and understand society with greater nuance. Each title opens a window to different dimensions of human experience—emotional, historical, philosophical, and cultural.
In a world flooded with fast information, these books offer slow, steady wisdom. As Dr. Divyakirti often emphasizes, true learning never ends—and a good book is often the best teacher along the way.
