“Ego & Kabaad Limited: New Dimensions of Sycophancy” by Ramesh Mendiratta is a sharp, thought-provoking, and socially relevant novel that takes readers deep into the hidden realities of workplace politics, administrative bias, personal ego, and the ever-growing culture of sycophancy. More than a fictional narrative, the book presents a striking reflection of the systems and environments that many professionals encounter in their everyday working lives.
At the heart of the novel lies a powerful observation: in many semi-government and corporate offices, the personal ego of the person occupying the highest chair can become an invisible force governing the entire organization. When authority becomes intertwined with ego and personal preferences, merit can be pushed aside, honest employees can be ignored, and those skilled in flattery can begin to gain an advantage over those who genuinely contribute to the organization.
Through its engaging narrative and satirical approach, “Ego & Kabaad Limited” explores the mental junk yard that can develop inside administrative systems. Files, procedures, designations, promotions, personal interests, and official hierarchies become part of a larger ecosystem in which human values and professional competence can sometimes take a back seat. The novel examines this environment not from a distant or imaginary perspective, but through the lens of experience, observation, and an intimate understanding of organizational functioning.
One of the central themes of the book is the phenomenon of superseding capable individuals. The story questions what happens when competence, honesty, sincerity, and hard work are repeatedly overlooked while personal loyalty and flattery are rewarded. It exposes the psychological and professional impact of such practices on individuals who choose to remain straightforward in systems that may encourage compromise.
The novel does not merely criticize this culture; it also offers a message of resilience. When an entire system appears determined to break the confidence of an honest person, surrendering one’s self-respect is not the only option. The protagonist’s journey highlights the importance of remaining patient, understanding one’s rights, and using lawful and legitimate means to challenge injustice. The book presents self-respect, awareness, perseverance, and knowledge of the law as powerful tools against institutional bias.
With its combination of satire, realism, workplace observations, and social commentary, “Ego & Kabaad Limited” invites readers to look beyond the surface of professional life. The book examines the subtle ways in which flattery, favoritism, fear, and hierarchy can influence decisions and shape careers. At the same time, it raises an important question about the cost such practices impose on organizations: when merit is suppressed and sycophancy is encouraged, how much productivity, creativity, and institutional integrity are ultimately lost?
The strength of the novel lies in its ability to discuss serious administrative and social issues in an accessible and engaging manner. Rather than presenting the subject through complicated terminology, Ramesh Mendiratta uses everyday language, sharp observations, irony, and satire to expose uncomfortable truths. His writing encourages readers to recognize situations that may otherwise remain hidden behind official designations, polished corporate language, and administrative procedures.
The author, Ramesh Mendiratta, brings decades of professional experience to this work. A retired Senior Engineer-Administrator, critic, and vigilant satirist, he has worked in senior positions across major government technical enterprises and has had extensive exposure to technical administration, management, organizational structures, and workplace dynamics. His professional journey has given him a close understanding of the functioning of large institutions and the human behavior that often shapes them.
At the age of 78, Mendiratta continues to demonstrate remarkable literary energy and creative engagement. His experience extends beyond engineering and administration, having also served as a member of a consumer court. This diverse professional background has allowed him to observe institutional systems from multiple perspectives and translate those observations into powerful literary and satirical expressions.
His earlier work, “Jungle Book of Management,” published in 2014, established another important milestone in his literary journey. The book critically examined the contradictions and hypocrisies often found within organizational behavior and management culture and received appreciation from several IIMs across the country. His writings have also appeared regularly in prestigious national magazines and newspapers, where his distinctive satirical voice has earned appreciation from readers and critics.
What distinguishes Ramesh Mendiratta’s writing is his ability to uncover difficult truths without unnecessarily complicating them. His satire is direct, observant, and rooted in real-life experiences. He examines the systems around us with the eye of an engineer, the understanding of an administrator, and the sensitivity of a writer.
“Ego & Kabaad Limited: New Dimensions of Sycophancy” continues this literary tradition. It is a story about offices, authority, ambition, injustice, self-respect, and the struggle between merit and manipulation. But beyond the workplace, its themes have a wider social relevance. The questions it raises about fairness, dignity, institutional accountability, and human behavior extend far beyond the walls of any particular organization.
The book is especially relevant for professionals who have witnessed or experienced workplace favoritism, administrative pressure, unequal opportunities, or the uncomfortable reality of seeing capable individuals overlooked. It can also appeal to readers interested in satire, management, organizational behavior, social commentary, and contemporary workplace culture.
At its core, the novel delivers a simple yet powerful message: an honest person may be pushed aside, but that does not mean they have to become “kabaad.” Losing a position, promotion, or opportunity does not necessarily mean losing one’s dignity. With patience, courage, awareness, and determination, even an individual standing against a powerful system can challenge injustice and reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
Today, Ramesh Mendiratta continues to live a creative and nomadic life, travelling between culturally diverse places such as London, Australia, Goa, Dehradun, and Delhi. His experiences across different societies and environments continue to enrich his understanding of people, institutions, and changing social dynamics.
“Ego & Kabaad Limited: New Dimensions of Sycophancy” is therefore not simply a novel about office politics. It is a satirical mirror held up to an entire culture of hierarchy, ego, favoritism, and flattery. It encourages readers to laugh at the absurdities of administrative life while simultaneously reflecting on the serious consequences hidden behind them.
With its powerful subject, practical observations, sharp satire, and message of self-respect, the book promises to be a compelling read for professionals, administrators, managers, employees, and anyone who has ever wondered why merit sometimes struggles to find its rightful place in an organization.
“Ego & Kabaad Limited: New Dimensions of Sycophancy” stands as another bold literary statement from Ramesh Mendiratta—an author who continues to question established systems, expose uncomfortable truths, and remind readers that even within the most complicated institutional machinery, dignity, honesty, and perseverance still matter.