<p>Diplomat-author Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was adapted into the Oscar-winning movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', is back with a new book about values deeply rooted in India.<br /><br /></p>.<p>'The Accidental Apprentice' revolves around Sapna, a confident Delhi girl who is put through seven tests to win the "biggest lottery ticket of all time".<br /><br />"What I write about is very different from my day job and hopefully my books help readers to get to know my country, India, a little better," Swarup, who currently serves as the Consul General of India in Osaka-Kobe in Japan, said during a launch event at the Nehru Centre here yesterday.<br /><br />"Through the character of Sapna, I have tried to depict the modern Indian woman, who is expressive, aware of her rights and is not afraid to raise her voice against injustice."<br /><br />"I began writing this book way before women's issues were brought to the fore with the Delhi gang rape case last December... I see it as a positive sign of sensitisation around the issue as the rage has now spilt out on to the streets," he added.<br /><br />Even though his day job in the Indian Foreign Service has taken his across the world, the 49-year-old author still describes himself as an "Indian India writer."<br /><br />"The distance perhaps lends a certain perspective. As a writer, I find the contradictions of India fascinating. Where else will you find a country that while still addressing primary issues like health, shelter and literacy is simultaneously able to compete at a global level in technology, business and culture," he said.<br /><br />Reflecting back on the success of his 2005 debut novel 'Q & A,' which was adapted for the big screen as 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Swarup made light-hearted references to the differences between his book and the movie adaptation.<br /><br />"Giving away the film rights to a book is like giving a daughter away in marriage. There will inevitably be a new name and you will be saddled with a son-in-law; and in India one never speaks ill of a son-in-law in public," he said.<br /><br />"While my book was about luck, the film was about destiny but it works as a film, which went on to be referred to as the first globalised masterpiece from India," added this "strictly weekend writer" who balances his diplomatic duties and passion for writing with ease.<br /><br />The Danny Boyle directed film eventually went on to win eight Oscars at the 2009 Academy Awards.</p>
<p>Diplomat-author Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was adapted into the Oscar-winning movie 'Slumdog Millionaire', is back with a new book about values deeply rooted in India.<br /><br /></p>.<p>'The Accidental Apprentice' revolves around Sapna, a confident Delhi girl who is put through seven tests to win the "biggest lottery ticket of all time".<br /><br />"What I write about is very different from my day job and hopefully my books help readers to get to know my country, India, a little better," Swarup, who currently serves as the Consul General of India in Osaka-Kobe in Japan, said during a launch event at the Nehru Centre here yesterday.<br /><br />"Through the character of Sapna, I have tried to depict the modern Indian woman, who is expressive, aware of her rights and is not afraid to raise her voice against injustice."<br /><br />"I began writing this book way before women's issues were brought to the fore with the Delhi gang rape case last December... I see it as a positive sign of sensitisation around the issue as the rage has now spilt out on to the streets," he added.<br /><br />Even though his day job in the Indian Foreign Service has taken his across the world, the 49-year-old author still describes himself as an "Indian India writer."<br /><br />"The distance perhaps lends a certain perspective. As a writer, I find the contradictions of India fascinating. Where else will you find a country that while still addressing primary issues like health, shelter and literacy is simultaneously able to compete at a global level in technology, business and culture," he said.<br /><br />Reflecting back on the success of his 2005 debut novel 'Q & A,' which was adapted for the big screen as 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Swarup made light-hearted references to the differences between his book and the movie adaptation.<br /><br />"Giving away the film rights to a book is like giving a daughter away in marriage. There will inevitably be a new name and you will be saddled with a son-in-law; and in India one never speaks ill of a son-in-law in public," he said.<br /><br />"While my book was about luck, the film was about destiny but it works as a film, which went on to be referred to as the first globalised masterpiece from India," added this "strictly weekend writer" who balances his diplomatic duties and passion for writing with ease.<br /><br />The Danny Boyle directed film eventually went on to win eight Oscars at the 2009 Academy Awards.</p>