The book is an account of the author's pioneering work in the conservation of India's architectural and environmental heritage. MEMOIRS usually make interesting reading and when they are the memoirs of a vocal and dynamic campaigner there is the added anticipation of reading about what really happened behind the scenes. So when Heritage and Environment: An Indian Diary by Shyam Chainani was released, it was certainly something to look forward to. The book is Shyam Chainani's account of his work in the conservation and regulation of India's architectural and environmental heritage. The author's involvement with what is entirely a social cause is all the more selfless considering his own academic background. How many people with Indian Institute of Technology, Cambridge or Massachusetts Institute of Technology credentials would spend a large part of their lives battling a stubborn system? A "Moanie' Chainani certainly had such credentials and, no doubt, the opportunities to sink comfortably into a creamy-layer lifestyle, but he instead opted to be a "moanie'