Indira Gandhi : A Comprehensive Political Biography
Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction : Methodology. 2. Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s efforts towards promoting National integration. 3. Emergency and its aftermath. 4. The contents and philosophy of 20 point programme with reference to Andhra Pradesh. 5. Administrative reforms nationalization of Banks and land reforms. 6. Indira Gandhi’s foreign policy. 7. Conclusion. Bibliography.
“Indira Gandhi: a comprehensive political biography” is a work that narrates the story of the late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, her influences, her vigorous political participation, insightful diplomacy and her aspiration to elevate India’s place in the world. It offers adequate insights into the political legacy, her foreign policy inheritance and her efforts to build on the foundations laid by her predecessors which include her father Jawaharlal Nehru.
The work vividly depicts her achievements as a politician and administrator and the various influences like Gandhi, her father Jawaharlal Nehru, Tagore that helped her in shaping her personality. The book also speaks at length of the concerted efforts made by Mrs. Gandhi for protecting and promoting the unity and integrity of the nation by dealing with the divisive forces with a heavy hand.
Emergency, the blot on the regime is also narrated vividly. Her relentless pursuit to banish poverty from the Indian soil and to herald in equity through nationalization of banks, imposition of land ceiling etc is also adequately dealt with. Her contribution to foreign policy which is immense and has to a great extent limited the formidable challenges that were coming from across the border from Pakistan has also been narrated vividly. On the whole, the author takes a critical look at her achievements and some of the domestic and foreign policy constraints that limited Mrs. Indira Gandhi from making India what she wanted to make.
Crisply argued and written, the book provides the reader a sharp focus on the life, times and achievements of the lone woman Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. (jacket)
