Author interview: Divesh Mishra on his book A Simple Guide to Banking

Congratulations on the release of 'Simple Guide to Banking'. Have you been a banking professional?

For 34 years, of which the first 11 years with the State Bank Group and the last 19 years with HDFC Bank. I am fortunate to learn many things at these two great institutions.

What made you write a book on the subject of banking?

Banking is not taught in the class rooms. As a result, there are many misunderstandings about a career in banking, such as one needs to be a commerce student, a CA, or an MBA, must hail from a large city or to be having bankers in the family. Banking is fun and anyone having a flair for meeting people and an ear to listen can flourish as banker. I want to tell young boys and girls from the small towns and from little known colleges that they stand a fair and an equal chance to become top bankers. They just need to master the basics.

Do you feel most titles on banking do not give readers a clear idea about the subject?

I am not qualified to answer this as I have not read all the books on banking.

Which reader base are you targeting with your book?

Young boys and girls, homemakers, pensioners, people in uniform. All those who though that the banking industry runs like a club. However, this book is principally aimed at those young minds who aspire towards a career in the banking and financial sector.

What support and guidance did you receive in the process of writing this book?

Anything that I possibly could ask for. Ex-colleagues, family, my current team. Everyone happily contributed.