Writer Shobhaa De met up with former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan a few days ago, around the time of Rajan’s book launch in the city. Shobhaa attended a private dinner hosted for the economist and from the glowing expressions on both of their faces it seemed as if there exists much mutual admiration between them. ‘The Third Pillar’ is Rajan’s latest book, which talks of the importance of local communities within the new global framework. Raghuram flew in from the US where he currently holds a teaching post at the University of Chicago and media reports here subsequently suggested that he might end up joining the Indian political bandwagon soon. Says Shobhaa: “Dr Raghuram Rajan is one of the world’s most brilliant economists. His latest book is incisive and insightful. The dinner hosted in his honour gave admirers a chance to interact with the man who may just come back as India’s Finance Minister, depending on how this election goes!” When we asked Shobhaa whether she thought Raghuram might be better off in the field of international academia rather than joining up the murky world of politics, her answer was terse and to the point: “India needs his expertise,” said Shobhaa, adding that Raghuram “is a visionary, a patriot and a role model.” So, now that he’s got the Queen D on his side, here’s wishing Rajan all the best for his career ahead!