The Dramatic Decade focuses on one of the most fascinating periods in the life of this nation--the decade of the 1970s. This was when India found herself engaging with the true meaning of democracy. The nation displayed her commitment to liberty by extending full support to East Pakistan's struggle for independence. Later, between 1975 and 1977, during the Emergency, she found herself grappling with the limits of personal expression. Finally, in 1977, India saw the emergence of the politics of coalition, with the Janata Party--an amalgam of Indian parties opposed to the Emergency, comprising the Congress (O), the Bharatiya Lok Dal, the Jana Sangh and the Socialists--coming to power. This was a turning point in the history of the Indian legislature. This was the decade when Pranab Mukherjee committed himself to the role of a political activist. As one of the keenest observers of and participants in this dramatic decade, Pranab Mukherjee's insights are invaluable. Indeed, he nudges our impressions of the 1970s. For instance, recounting the urgent appeal for Indira Gandhi's mid-term resignation, he asks: Which democracy in the world would permit a change of a popularly and freely elected government through means other than a popular election? Can parties beaten at the hustings replace a popularly elected government by sheer agitation? Was it not prudent for those who were determined to change the government to wait till the elections which were but round the corner? Does the rule of law mean that the remedies available to the common man are to be denied to someone holding an elected office? [...] How could anybody replace her when the overwhelming majority of Congress MPs--with a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha--resolved that Indira Gandhi should continue as the party's leader in Parliament and thereby as the Prime Minister of India? Drawing from personal diary extracts, conversations with key players of the 1970s, and vital secondary literature, Pranab Mukherjee presents an exceptional portrait of a complex nation. Unflinchingly honest, with personal diary excerpts and conversations with the key players of the 1970s. An exceptional portrait of a complex nation. A rare account by one of the keenest observers of and participants in the 1970s and beyond. A keen analysis of and compelling take on one of the most contentious periods in Independent India's past: The Emergency. One of three volumes to provide a bird's eye view of modern Indian history from the perspective of one of India's most important statesmen.
PRANAB MUKHERJEE entered Parliament at the age of thirty-four and rose to become the 13th President of India. A man of unparalleled experience in governance, he has the rare distinction of having held various portfolios—sometimes concurrently—as Minister of Defence, External Affairs, Commerce and Finance. A seasoned parliamentarian, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha five times and to the Lok Sabha twice. He was a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest policymaking body of the party for a period of 23 years, till he became the president. A soft-spoken man of steely determination, Pranab has been the go-to person in times of crises, both for the Congress and others. His role as a consensus-builder and his ability to forge unity amongst diverse political parties has earned him the respect of one and all. Pranab Mukherjee’s grasp of international relations, financial affairs and parliamentary processes combined with his phenomenal memory make him one of the most important and admired politicians of contemporary India.
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Pranab Mukherjee....the dramatic decade....
This semi autobiography and semi biography of Indira Gandhi can be summarised as a silent ode to Indira...
Beginning from the pre independent era, touching up his birth, couple of snippets about his father, then a good build up to the formation of Bangladesh and then the actual heart of the matter which is the Indira Gandhi years!.
I must say though that the description and formation of Bangladesh has been dealt with a semi neutral mindset and the book is a must read till then!...
The moment the focus shifts to Indira the narrative is almost devotional and partial to the T!.....Even to the extent that he has penned down three chapters sugar coating the need for Emergency!....
At the end of which I guess even Pranab Da realized his folly and concluded that it was unnecessary!....
Then again the book written by Margaret Alva had similar thoughts about Indira and Sanjay Gandhi and Emergency but it was more honest in appeal and more away from putting the sheep clothing over the wolf!...
Of course like many biographies, this one too has lots of self moments and point of view which would of course be antagonistic to the other's viewpoint or in many cases the truth!....
The justification of political manipulations is something very consistent even to seasoned politicians!....
So while the opposition and ruling party alternate in the assembly, the general public suffers!!....the same old story!!....
At the end of it I fail to understand how someone so intelligent or strong can just give in to nepotism and the Raj!....
Also I fail to understand how Rajya Sabha which is an important body is having people who have lost faith of the people!
Is the membership to this prime body not by merit!??.... Only appeasement works as even concurred by Margaret!...
This attempt is a safe venture steering clear of any of the misdeeds of either Emergency or Indira or Sanjay!...don't expect any great revelations or scoops!.....read it to get a overview and move on.....