3 Review(s)

There is the story of non-alignment and security concerns, of war and peace, the reshaping of foreign relations and security parameters and efforts at domestic reconciliation in J&K, the North-east and, now, coping with the discontents and inequities that have led to Maoism. Verghese spent five years outside the mainstream with the Gandhi Peace Foundation to experience how the other half lives. His is not an armchair view but a truly hands-on story. He believes that an inclusive social base of Fraternity and equal opportunity holds the key to winning the future. Though not a history of India as such, the sweep of this volume, written with zest and humour, fills a gap in India’s post-Independence history. About the Author Born in Maymyo (Burma) in 1927, and educated at Delhi and Cambridge Universities, B.G. Verghese began his career as a journalist with the Times of India in 1949. The next 60 years saw the unfolding of a varied career – as Editor, Hindustan Times (1969-75) and the Indian Express (1982-86), Information Adviser to the PM (1966-68), Information Consultant to the Defence Minister (2001); Member National Security Advisory Board (1998-2000) and of the Kargil Review Committee (1999). He has served on several commissions, committees (water resources, the North-east, broadcasting, etc) and Was Indira Gandhi’s First Information Officer advisor, so had close and direct access to her and was witness to many key events during her time. As a journalist of 60 years’ standing, has witnessed the birth and growth of Modern India from 1947 onwards, including key events like the Emergency, the birth of the Janata Party, Operation Bluestar; the mergence of coalition politics, ‘permit raj’ and the subsequent opening up of the economy, the growth of insurgency in the North-east and else- where, the shackling and unshackling of the Media Outspoken and frank in his chronicling of all these events; from being Indira Gandhi’s admirer and supporter, he went on to become one of her staunchest critics; also strongly opposed to the Emergency and the Draconian measures to curb the freedom of the press, the mismanagement of water resources, and neglect of the North-east. His ringside view and active involvement in many of these issues gives weight and credibility to his analysis of all these events.