Ashutosh Agnihotri Ashutosh Agnihotri is a 1999 batch IAS officer, currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Prior to this, he held the position of Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam in the Departments of Home Industries and Commerce, Transport, Sports and Youth Welfare etc. Born on 11 March 1974 in the city of Kanpur, he completed his MA in English Literature before joining the Indian Administrative Service. He also holds an MSc in Public Management and Governance from the prestigious London School of Economics. In his service career, he has served as District Magistrate in several districts in Assam, as well as carved a niche for himself in various capacities in the Government of Assam. He is aware of the sights and sounds around him and of the silence within himself. He can be contacted by email at ashuagnihotri@gmail.com He has written several Hindi and English books, including Os Ki Thapki; Spandan; Colors of My Wall: Not with the Same Brush; Love, Life and Longing and Peace of Mind: A Compilation of Random Thoughts, Looking at the Skies and Beyond and Kucch Adhure Shabd.