In here is no talk about the ‘Hindu way of life’ (thank you Naipaul) or other vague expressions and generalizations like that. There probably never will be a completely satisfying book about India but this one really far exceeded what I could have expected. “Indians are better speakers than listeners, and Indian politicians especially so.” So no complaints there.įinally, If You have time (remember it's 900 odd pages volume) and curiosity (Motivation is what gets you started, but habit is what gets you going) about the affairs of our country, it's a great book to own.Ĥ.75/5 to this near perfect book.
I can decide later which point of view I shall consider things from. Though this book attracted some criticism that author distorted some facts and truths in the wake of his unquestioning loyalty to the congress party which celebrates a rich legacy, I feel, at-least this book filled my huge knowledge gaps by relating me the events that occurred in 65 years after independence.
And this epic volume offers mountainous account of our pains (partition, Riots, assassinations of leaders), conflicts (never ending Kashmir problem, Nagaland 'land issues', trouble with tribal), humiliations (war with China), challenges (Constitution, New political parties, foreign policies, plans) and glories (inclusion of princely states, first general elections, wars with Pakistan etc.,) of our country. But ironically that is the most crucial period of our country which tests our integrity, intelligence, power, responsibility and many more constitutional lessons to come. Remember? none of our academic books mention what happened after India got its independence,either.
I was kept in the dark all these years about what happened once India gained its independence. To me, Indian history always meant what happened till 1947 (year of Independence) or perhaps my knowledge expands one little year further till Gandhiji's death. India is world's largest but least likely democracy. And if you don't know where you're going, you're probably going wrong. "If you do not know where you come from, then you don't know where you are, and if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going.
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