In The Name Of The People by K.R.Narayanan: Published by Penguin / Viking ; Pages ; Price Rs. 499/-

                             **************************

                                Shri.K.R. Narayanan, born  as  a dalit rose to become the  country's President from 1997 to 2002.  He was one of seven children; his father, a practitioner of herbal medicine, helped him go to a school run by Christian missionaries. A supremely talented student, he won a scholarship and went to college in the state capital. Because of his caste he was refused the teaching job that his exam results should have guaranteed. Instead, he was offered a post as a clerk.  Though friends remember  Narayanan as gentle and courteous, he had the stubbornness born of a lifelong fight against injustice. Academic brilliance won him a scholarship from a philanthropic industrialist and took him, just as the Second World War ended, to the London School of Economics. He studied under Harold Laski, mentor of many leading figures in Britain's former colonies. He returned to India in 1948, armed with a letter of introduction from Laski to Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru found him a job in the diplomatic service, where he flourished, becoming ambassador to Thailand, Turkey, China and—as a political appointee after his retirement—to America.

                                       In 1984 he entered politics, as a member of parliament for the ruling Congress party in a Kerala constituency. In 1992 he was nominated as the country's vice-president, taking the top job five years later. He filled the largely ceremonial post with distinction. He was no rubber stamp. Twice, on constitutional grounds, he questioned the government's decision to sack state governments. He also challenged the tradition that, after an election, the largest party automatically gets the chance to form a government, insisting it show evidence of a parliamentary majority.

                                   Few have a real understanding of who he was both as a man and a leader. What better way is there to get the sense of a man than through his words and deeds. The book under review  is a collection of articles, speeches and various other writings by K.R. Narayanan penned over 47 years. These are the words of a statesman; chronicling his rise from journalist to civil servant and from politician to President. The  book explains  the ideals, philosophies and beliefs central to our nation; namely diplomacy, democracy, nationalism and development. With the critical eye of a journalist and experience of an international ambassador, the author  talks about foreign policy and diplomatic matters . The current state of India's relationship with its neighbours requires an understanding of the history shared by these counties. Going as far back as 1966, there is a first hand appraisal of the ramifications of China testing its first nuclear device and the hostility between the two nations. The complex relationship between India and the US is another key political issue discussed. Narayanan's entire political career shows his dedication to upholding the fundamental principles of democracy and nurturing the spirit of nationalism. He understood that in order to implement lasting reform education was necessary. He praises the vision and intelligence of Ambedkar, Nehru and Gandhi ; who were not only great men of great importance to this nation but also his personal heroes.

                                 Narayanan made development a priority; be it human, infrastructural, scientific or technological. He encouraged research and development realising how pivotal science and technology was for the progress of a nation. He also emphasised the need for rural development and low cost housing.

                                           Narayanan demonstrates remarkable frankness. These memorable writings provide an insight both into the mind of the man who helped shape India and also into its fascinating history. In an eloquent Foreword Amartya Sen recommends this magnificent collection of articles by one of the most powerful thinkers and admirable human beings thatIndia has produced. The book is a real triumph of sympathetic understanding and clear headed analysis.

P.P.Ramachandran,

17-02-2012