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Top 5 Books Recommended by Vikas Divyakirti for UPSC Aspirants and
Lifelong Learners
Introduction
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, the renowned founder of Drishti IAS and a celebrated
mentor for UPSC aspirants, is widely respected for his expertise in civil
services preparation and his passion for holistic education. Beyond coaching,
he emphasizes the transformative power of reading to cultivate critical
thinking, historical awareness, and philosophical depth. Drawing from his viral
recommendations and interviews, we explore the 5 essential books Vikas
Divyakirti advocates for students and lifelong learners.
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1. Godaan by
Munshi Premchand
Genre: Literary
Fiction | Themes: Rural India, Social Inequality
A cornerstone of Hindi literature, Godaan paints a poignant
picture of pre-independence rural India through the struggles of Hori, a farmer
yearning to own a cow. Divyakirti highlights its exploration of poverty, caste
dynamics, and colonialism, calling it a “masterpiece” for understanding
India’s socio-political roots13. The
novel’s vivid characters and moral dilemmas make it indispensable for grasping
the complexities of Indian society—a recurring theme in UPSC exams.
Why Read It?
- Offers insights into agrarian struggles
and social justice. - Enhances understanding of historical
contexts for essay writing and ethics papers.
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2. The
Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
Genre: Autobiography
| Themes: Nonviolence, Self-Discipline
Gandhi’s autobiography, originally written in Gujarati, chronicles his journey
from childhood to becoming the architect of India’s independence. Divyakirti
praises it as a guide to ethical leadership and resilience, urging readers to
internalize Gandhi’s principles of truth (satya) and nonviolent
resistance (ahimsa).
Why Read It?
- Relevant for UPSC ethics and governance
sections. - Inspires aspirants to align personal
values with public service.
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3. Sapiens:
A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Genre: Non-Fiction
| Themes: Anthropology, Evolution
Harari’s global bestseller traces humanity’s journey from hunter-gatherers to
modern societies. Divyakirti recommends it for its interdisciplinary approach,
blending history, biology, and economics to explain how collective myths (like
money and religion) shape civilizations.
Why Read It?
- Strengthens analytical skills for GS
Paper I (History and Society). - Encourages “big-picture”
thinking about global trends3.
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4. The
History of Mankind by Friedrich Ratzel
Genre: Historical
Non-Fiction | Themes: Anthropology, Geography
Though less known today, Ratzel’s 19th-century work examines human evolution
through geographical and cultural lenses. Divyakirti values its exploration of
migration, agriculture, and environmental influences on societies—key topics
for UPSC’s history and geography syllabi13.
Why Read It?
- Provides foundational knowledge for
understanding civilizational development. - Complements modern research with
classical perspectives.
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5. Sophie’s
World by Jostein Gaarder
Genre: Philosophical
Fiction | Themes: Philosophy, Existentialism
This novel follows Sophie, a teenager exploring philosophy through letters from
a mysterious mentor. Divyakirti calls it a “captivating introduction to
philosophy,” ideal for demystifying complex ideas like existentialism and
ethics.
Why Read It?
- Simplifies philosophical concepts for
UPSC ethics and essay papers. - Encourages critical questioning—a vital
skill for future administrators3.
Why Vikas
Divyakirti Recommends These Books
Divyakirti’s selections reflect his teaching
philosophy:
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Blending history, philosophy, and sociology builds a
well-rounded perspective. - Moral Foundation: Books like Gandhi’s autobiography instill integrity and
empathy in future civil servants. - Cultural Context: Works like Godaan ground aspirants in
India’s socio-cultural fabric.
How to
Access These Books
Many titles are available in Hindi and
English, with free PDFs often accessible online (e.g., Godaan and Sophie’s
World). For physical copies, platforms like Amazon India offer affordable
editions.
Conclusion
Vikas Divyakirti’s booklist transcends exam preparation—it’s a roadmap to
becoming informed, ethical leaders. By engaging with these texts, UPSC
aspirants gain not only knowledge but also the wisdom to address India’s
challenges. Dive into these recommendations to enrich your preparation and
worldview!
Also Read: Best UPSC Books for Prelims and Mains