Bangalore, DHNS: Tales of intelligent diplomacy, served with good cheer and camaraderie. The mix was instantly engaging at the launch of retired diplomat P J Rao’s book ‘Anecdotes From a Diplomat’s Life’ on Tuesday. Rao, who has served the government of India in various capacities at the UN and in many countries, said he pursued the idea of telling the story because of the educational value it carried.

The only surviving member of the trio of Indian officers — the others being Kewal Singh and Wilfred — who engineered the transfer of power in Pondicherry from France to India in 1954, Rao gave a sneak peek into the events that led to the transfer agreement.

‘Anecdotes From a Diplomat’s Life’ is published by East West Books and priced Rs 250.