What will you learn from this book
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Insider's Perspective: As a seasoned politician and close associate of prominent leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Fotedar provides readers with an insider's perspective on Indian politics.
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Political Evolution: Fotedar likely traces the political evolution of India, covering significant events, elections, and policy decisions that shaped the nation during his tenure.
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Leadership Dynamics: The memoir may shed light on the leadership dynamics within the Indian National Congress and the broader political landscape, including power struggles, alliances, and ideological shifts.
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Personal Relationships: Fotedar's narrative may delve into his personal relationships with key political figures, offering insights into their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and interpersonal dynamics.
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Policy Initiatives: Readers can expect to learn about the policy initiatives, reforms, and governance strategies implemented during Fotedar's time in office, along with the challenges encountered in their execution.
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Economic and Social Issues: The book likely addresses major economic and social challenges faced by India, such as poverty, inequality, infrastructure development, and communal tensions, from a policymaker's perspective.
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Foreign Relations: Fotedar may discuss India's foreign relations, diplomatic engagements, and geopolitical challenges, providing insights into the country's international stance and diplomatic efforts.
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Party Politics: The memoir may offer a nuanced understanding of party politics within the Indian National Congress, including internal dynamics, factionalism, and strategies for political survival.
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Political Philosophy: Fotedar's reflections may touch upon his political philosophy, ideology, and vision for India's future, as well as his views on democracy, governance, and public service.
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Legacy and Lessons: Ultimately, "The Chinar Leaves" may reflect on Fotedar's legacy in Indian politics and impart valuable lessons learned from his experiences, guiding future generations of politicians and policymakers.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 9351774767 |
| ISBN-13 | 9789351774761 |
| No of pages | 368 |
| Font Size | Medium |
| Book Publisher | HarperCollins |
| Published Date | 15 Oct 2015 |
About Author
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Memoir of one of Indira Gandhi's closest confidants
One day, soon after M.L. Fotedar had joined Indira Gandhi as political secretary in July 1980, she told him to sit at 1 Akbar Road. This would enable him to meet the people who came to her with various requests. She suggested a small room to serve as his workspace. But it was one she was emotionally attached to -- it was used by her son Sanjay, who had recently died in an air crash.For the rest of Indira Gandhi's final term in office, this room would be the nerve centre of Fotedar's work. Ordinary people and senior party leaders would come there for him to filter their requests and complaints. From assessing future leaders -- be it V.P. Singh, Pranab Mukherjee or Ahmed Patel -- with remarkable foresight, to straightening up those who were being difficult, he did it all.
The Chinar Leaves paints a portrait of a six-decade-long political career that began in Kashmir and gives insights into the murky world of national politics. Here are the stories of many careers that were made and unmade in the Congress. Among these are the saga of Narasimha Rao's no-holds-barred effort to stay in power, Amitabh Bachchan's falling out of favour with the Gandhi family, the machinations of succession after Indira Gandhi's death, Giani Zail Singh's tiff with Rajiv, and many more. Fotedar, for long the voice of political wisdom in the party, also passes his verdict on the current crop of Congress leadership and searches Indira Gandhi's will, to which he was a signatory, for the true successor to her legacy.
As a record of Indian politics at a time of momentous events, this is a frank and sometimes shocking look at recent history from the man who exercised immense influence from behind the scenes and whose impact continues to this day.