Reading the fine print

Former Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob is writing a four-volume memoir and that covers sensitive times such as the destruction of Babri Masjid when he was Minister of State for Home. The first volume, Travancore Springs, was 8220;presented8221; to the Prime Minister on Saturday. Manmohan Singh, who has been quite liberal in releasing books of his friends in the academic fraternity and politics, was advised restraint. Therefore, instead of 8216;releasing8217; Jacob8217;s book, the Prime Minister 8220;accepted8221; it at a private function at his residence. That way, Manmohan gets to keep the friend happy and keep off the content.