This is an autobiography of a French philosophy professor whose career trajectory was not a given. He almost drops out in the fourth standard, fails tenth standard but then goes on to finish his undergraduate studies with the help of subsidized education and parents fully supporting him with their meager resources. From that moment on, it's a story of consistent upward trajectory as the author studies abroad, finishes PhD and finally lands a professor's job at India's (arguably) most prestigious university.

The author hails from similar socioeconomic background as me and hence the book felt quite relatable. He also stresses the point that a person's success has much to do with systemic factors along with individual efforts. He also cautions against using a successful working class person as a token figure to demonize other working class people.

It was good to read Ahirani as it was sprinkled throughout the book. I wish the French phrases and sentences were used more sparingly though as Marathi readers cannot be expected to understand those but I suppose that was to drive home the author's relationship with the French language.

All in all it's a great biography if you are interested in Maharashtrian rural life and higher education in general.