For four decades, Reverend Valson Thampu served St. Stephen's College, Delhi. The last nine years of his tenure were rife with controversy, beginning with his stepping in as principal (OSD) in 2007. From accusations that he was 'Christianizing' the college to allegations that he curbed the fundamental rights of the students, Thampu was constantly in the glare of the media throughout his term as principal. What was the story behind these controversies? And why, as the world looked on, did Thampu stay on despite the threat to his reputation as well as the institution's?

In On a Stormy Course, for the first time, he reveals his truth about the incidents that took place during his turbulent years as principal of one of the most prestigious educational institutions in India. In doing so, he reveals not just the trajectory that education at St Stephen's seems to have taken but also the rot in the system that has brought the college to such a pass – and he lays down his views on how improving this system will serve social justice and, ultimately, the nation itself.