I would like to thank my wife Anuradha for her encouragement and support and for her many helpful suggestions. She was the first to read my manuscript.
I thank Joie Bose, poet, writer and creative person, who guided me in practical matters of writing and publishing.
My colleagues in offices where I worked, friends around the world and ordinary people I met often by chance – some at airports, hotels and game parks, others during voyages – people who shared their experiences and aspirations with me spontaneously. I am indebted to them.
The stories ‘A King’s Word’ and ‘The Prison Island’ are based partially on historical events, which were a source of inspiration for me.