New Delhi: Author and public policy professional Hrudananda Prusty unveiled his book Back to Village at a literary ceremony held at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday.
Bringing together distinguished personalities from public life, governance, academia and literature, the event celebrated the timeless relationship between individuals and their roots, while opening a meaningful conversation on rural India, youth aspirations and community development.
The book was formally released in New Delhi by Dharmendra Pradhan, Member of Parliament and Former Union Minister of Education, Government of India, in the distinguished presence of Prof. K. G. Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre and Former Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication; Dr. Ishita Ganguly Tripathi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.The distinguished guests joined the author in unveiling Back to Village, marking the occasion with a celebration of literature, memories, rural identity and the enduring importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the importance of staying connected to one’s roots while embracing the future. He remarked, “You have to be rooted and you have to be futuristic.”
Appreciating the larger purpose of the book, he further observed, “His book is not going to be a nostalgic book only but a call for action.” He appreciated the young, dynamic and talented author for choosing a subject that goes beyond nostalgia and encourages young people to remain connected with their roots while contributing to the development of rural India.
Sharing his personal connection with village life, Lt. Gen. Chandi Prasad Mohanty (Retd.), Former Vice Chief of Army Staff, remarked, “My village is something I’ve grown with…. It remains in the heart of my soul.”
Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh appreciated the author’s effort to bring alive memories and experiences associated with village life, saying He appreciated the author’s creativity, youthful perspective and thoughtful effort in bringing alive the memories, emotions and experiences that connect people to their villages.
Carrying the evocative tagline, “You may leave your village, but your village never leaves you,” Back to Village is a heartfelt reflection on childhood, family, village life, memories and the values that shape an individual’s identity.
The book captures the emotional connection people continue to share with their hometowns, even as education, professional aspirations and opportunities take them to distant cities and countries.
Through personal reflections and relatable experiences, Prusty brings attention to the familiar yet often overlooked aspects of village life — childhood friendships, family bonds, familiar lanes, traditions, festivals and the simple moments that leave a lasting impression on one’s heart.
Beyond nostalgia, the book raises an important question about the future of rural India. As young people increasingly move to cities in pursuit of quality education and better career opportunities, it reflects on the importance of strengthening villages through better educational facilities, healthcare, infrastructure, digital connectivity, local employment and entrepreneurship.
It encourages young people who have moved away from their hometowns to remain connected with their roots and contribute to grassroots development through their knowledge, experience and resources.
Hrudananda Prusty is an author and public policy professional who hails from rural Jajpur district of Odisha. His journey reflects a transition from engineering to public policy, driven by a deep commitment to social impact, grassroots development and nation-building. An engineering graduate from Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, he is currently serving with Government of India.
He was part of the Indian team for the BRICS 2026 Youth Track under India’s chairmanship. His commitment to social service took shape during his university years and continued through initiatives such as “Unlock Education” and “Unlock Smiles”, through which he supported underprivileged children in slum communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His contributions have been recognised through several honours, including the Pride of Odisha Award (2025), conferred by the Governor of Odisha, Padman of Odisha (2022) and Shree Award (2021). Alongside his public service, he is an author whose writings explore life, values, hope, humanity and the enduring connection between people and their roots.
