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PREVIEW — HALF LION BY VINAY SITAPATI
HALF LION: HOW P.V. NARASIMHA RAO TRANSFORMED INDIA
by
Vinay Sitapati
4.41 · Rating details · 1,889 ratings · 268 reviews
When P.V. Narasimha Rao became the unlikely prime minister of India in 1991, he
inherited a nation adrift, violent insurgencies, and economic crisis. Despite
being unloved by his people, mistrusted by his party, and ruling under the
shadow of 10 Janpath, Rao transformed the economy and ushered India into the
global arena.
With exclusive access to Rao’s never-before-seen per When P.V. Narasimha Rao
became the unlikely prime minister of India in 1991, he inherited a nation
adrift, violent insurgencies, and economic crisis. Despite being unloved by his
people, mistrusted by his party, and ruling under the shadow of 10 Janpath, Rao
transformed the economy and ushered India into the global arena.
With exclusive access to Rao’s never-before-seen personal papers and diaries,
this definitive biography provides new revelations on the Indian economy,
nuclear programme, foreign policy and the Babri Masjid. Tracing his early life
from a small town in Telangana through his years in power, and finally, his
humiliation in retirement, it never loses sight of the inner man, his difficult
childhood, his corruption and love affairs, and his lingering loneliness.
Meticulously researched and brutally honest, this landmark political biography
is a must-read for anyone interested in knowing about the man responsible for
transforming India. ...more
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Kindle Edition, 362 pages
Published June 27th 2016 by Viking
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Jun 10, 2020 Vivek V rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: biographies-autobiographies, politics
This is the story of a person who did all for his country but claimed little!
Please read the complete review here https://wp.me/p6rxcY-eH.
This is the story of a person who did all for his country but claimed little!
Please read the complete review here https://wp.me/p6rxcY-eH.
...more
flag 40 likes · Like · see review
Jul 12, 2016 Vikrant Rana rated it really liked it
I distincly remember loathing PVN during my growing years, mainly because he
gave an impression of a non decisive leader. Over the last decade, as we came to
know more about him inspite of all the efforts of the dynasty that still plagues
India, that perception has changed and thats an understatement.
Undoubtedly PVN (along with AB Vajpayee remain the finest PMs that India has
produced. It always amaze me how Indian polity is able to propel the best to the
top, inspite of it's vastness, all the I distincly remember loathing PVN during
my growing years, mainly because he gave an impression of a non decisive leader.
Over the last decade, as we came to know more about him inspite of all the
efforts of the dynasty that still plagues India, that perception has changed and
thats an understatement.
Undoubtedly PVN (along with AB Vajpayee remain the finest PMs that India has
produced. It always amaze me how Indian polity is able to propel the best to the
top, inspite of it's vastness, all the vested interests and characters. A first
rate scholar, a shrewd political mind and
PVN was the arhitect of modern India, still under works, who laid the
foundations in tougest of circumstances - lack of his own cultivated political
base, minority government, civil strife and the megalomaniac Sonia Gandhi. In
all these constraints, he dramatically opened the dead economy, revamped the
stale foreign policy and brought strife ridden states (Punjab, Kashmir & North
East) under control. Little wonder that the usurper Gandhi family have tried
everything to delete him out of the history books.
My homage to the great man to whom the modern India owes much, without even
knowing it.
This book itself is well researched with access to documents unavailable
earlier. At times though you feel that the author is in awe of Rao's personality
and achievement. Though Mr. Sitapati takes a critical look at PVN's
shortcomings, it could have been done more objectively. The writing is free
flowing and it was thrilling to complete this book in a single seating. ...more
flag 29 likes · Like · see review
Mar 07, 2020 Ashish Iyer rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: indian-author, indian-politics, biography, read-2020, non-fiction
Probably one of the few Prime minister of India i really admired.
This book talks about how PV Narasimha Rao made strides in Economy, Foreign
policy, Defense etc during his era. Millions of Indians including me owe our
jobs to PVN's economic policies. If India has finally emerged as a force to
reckon with, it is primarily due to the economic policies of PVN. Thanks to him,
he brought Manmohan Singh to politics and gave him finance ministry. According
to me, PVN and Vajpayee government new policie Probably one of the few Prime
minister of India i really admired.
This book talks about how PV Narasimha Rao made strides in Economy, Foreign
policy, Defense etc during his era. Millions of Indians including me owe our
jobs to PVN's economic policies. If India has finally emerged as a force to
reckon with, it is primarily due to the economic policies of PVN. Thanks to him,
he brought Manmohan Singh to politics and gave him finance ministry. According
to me, PVN and Vajpayee government new policies had helped in lifting millions
of Indians out of poverty over the last two decades. Even foreign economists
like Robert Shiller who called PVN India's Deng Xio Peng. And its hilarious to
see how Congress take credit for uplifting Indian economy, during that time
Congress were against Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. Even their mouthpiece
newspaper National Herald wrote against them.
From Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi's Yes-man, Rao became his own man and we
Indians cannot thank god enough for that. I love the way he changes his
character over the period of time and he started taking decisions. Also read
this book to know why some Congress and Sonia Gandhi's family hate Rao till this
date. Even Sonia Gandhi expected him to be her remote control like Manmohan
Singh who became Prime minister from 2004 till 2014.
At one time you have so much admiration for Manmohan Singh and Narasimha Rao.
Then you feel how can Manmohan Singh be so disaster when he was the Prime
minister. So many scams under his Prime minister-ship. Anyway i have a huge
respect for Manmohan Singh as a finance minister but not as a Prime minister.
Read this book to know the life of Narasimha Rao and along with this read India
Unbound by Gurucharan Das. You will love to see how Rao and Singh change the
direction of Indian economy. You will also know why Liberalization,
Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) is important in economy.
And i am giving one less star because i kinda felt this book was hero worshiping
Narasimha Rao. Still recommended. ...more
flag 26 likes · Like · see review
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Oct 07, 2016 Hrishikesh rated it really liked it
The biggest drawback of any biographical work is that it tends to gloss over the
faults of the subject, presenting a flawless picture. For the most part, this
book calls a spade a spade. Credit where credit is due, and criticism where it
is due. PVNR has been a fascinating figure in Indian History. This is a
well-researched and well-documented book, and I highly recommend it.
flag 16 likes · Like · see review
May 09, 2020 Rajat Ubhaykar rated it it was amazing
Shelves: india, favorites, biography, non-fiction
A marvellous biography that delineates PV Narasimha Rao's rise to power, first
as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and later as Prime Minister, as well as his
pivotal role in not just the 1991 economic reforms, but also in shaping India's
foreign policy, welfare schemes, nuclear programme, and in bringing peace to
Assam and Punjab. However, one aspect of his rule I would have liked to read
more about was the exact circumstances under which the Panchayati Raj system
gained constitutional status A marvellous biography that delineates PV Narasimha
Rao's rise to power, first as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and later as
Prime Minister, as well as his pivotal role in not just the 1991 economic
reforms, but also in shaping India's foreign policy, welfare schemes, nuclear
programme, and in bringing peace to Assam and Punjab. However, one aspect of his
rule I would have liked to read more about was the exact circumstances under
which the Panchayati Raj system gained constitutional status after the 73rd and
74th amendments. This minor quibble aside, Half-Lion is easily one of the best
biographies I've read. Highly recommended! ...more
flag 9 likes · Like · see review
Oct 26, 2018 Sajith Kumar rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: modern-india, politics
Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao (1921 – 2004) was the first Indian prime
minister outside the Nehru family who had lasted a full term in office. He
assumed office at a time of great upheaval not only in India but abroad too.
Kashmir and Punjab were rife with militancy and LTTE cadres were treading
roughshod over Tamil Nadu as part of their insurgency in Sri Lanka. The
country’s foreign exchange reserves were at the very bottom of the pit. Its long
term ally, the Soviet Union, was visibly crumb Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao
(1921 – 2004) was the first Indian prime minister outside the Nehru family who
had lasted a full term in office. He assumed office at a time of great upheaval
not only in India but abroad too. Kashmir and Punjab were rife with militancy
and LTTE cadres were treading roughshod over Tamil Nadu as part of their
insurgency in Sri Lanka. The country’s foreign exchange reserves were at the
very bottom of the pit. Its long term ally, the Soviet Union, was visibly
crumbling under the crushing weight of communism. The Shah Bano alimony and
Ayodhya issues had vitiated the atmosphere. It was a tough time even for a
politically strong man to start. Rao was not one, yet when he demitted office
five years later, India was a far better place. The central theme of this book
is about understanding how Narasimha Rao achieved so much despite having so
little real power and influence. It also explains how Rao tweaked the right
knobs of the system to bring about the world’s second largest middle class.
Vinay Sitapati is a political scientist, journalist and lawyer. He teaches at
Ashoka University and writes for the Indian Express.
Narasimha Rao is remembered for his procrastination and indecision in matters of
vital interest. Humorous epithets were cast on him such as ‘analysis till
paralysis’, ‘when in doubt, pout’, ‘symbol of procrastination, delay and the
status quo’, ‘charisma of a dead fish’ and ‘death is not a precondition to rigor
mortis’. Sitapati has been successful in dispelling such long accumulated
cobwebs on Rao’s intellectual caliber. He was quick and sharp in making a
decision and when he dithered, it was not because he was unable to tell good
policy from bad, but because sometimes the correct policy didn’t make good
politics. This is especially poignant in the Ram Janmabhumi issue.
Constitutionally, Rao had to heed the advice of the governor and chief minister
of Uttar Pradesh, who were insistent that the disputed structure at Ayodhya
would be safe and there was no need of enforcing central rule in the state. But
when it was demolished by karsevaks a few days later, politicians accused him of
inaction and bayed for his blood. On the economic sphere too, as protests
mounted, the pace of reforms slowed by 1995 in view of the elections scheduled
for the next year. The insurance reform bill had to wait twenty years to see the
light of day when Narendra Modi made it into his kitty of reforms in 2015. Rao’s
triple mantra of devaluation, trade liberalization and delicensing became
tainted with corruption scandals by mid-1990s. Harshad Mehta and Enron scams
took place. Mehta in fact alleged that he had paid Rs. 1 crore directly to Rao.
The welfare, power and labour sectors were where Rao could not do anything.
India’s foreign policy was, however, moved away from Nehruvian idealism to a
more realist and pragmatic pursuit of national self-interest. He was also
instrumental in developing the nuclear devises and keeping it ready for testing.
Sitapati argues that logistical and technical issues prevented him from testing
it.
Narasimha Rao was not a charismatic leader. Never in his career did the crowds
eagerly thronged the maidan to listen to him. He was always in a half-smirk,
neither fully committed to a smile nor fully to a frown. His political weakness
endeared him to the Nehru family who wanted a protégé. He was made the chief
minister of Andhra Pradesh to run Indira’s writ. But when he overstepped his
mandate and announced land reforms, he was summarily thrown out to political
exile for a while. Rao personally lost 1000 out of his 1200 acres of ancestral
farmland due to the ceiling on individual possession envisaged in the act. When
he was made the home minister in Rajiv’s cabinet after Indira’s assassination,
he was bypassed in the measures to suppress anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. Rajiv’s
office directly controlled the police while Rao was forced to keep a studied
silence. A large part of the blame for the riots which killed 2733 Sikhs must
thus be apportioned to Rajiv Gandhi.
When one considers how Rao transformed India, it is imperative that a clear view
of what existed before and what he brought in should be presented. The author
makes a brilliant assessment of India’s economic woes in the pre-Rao era. He
claims that it was Indira Gandhi and not her father who was responsible for the
economic disaster. Nehru’s policy was somewhat agreeable in the post-World War
period. However, by 1965, the thinking had changed when national economies began
to open up in East Asia. But India remained impervious to ideas from abroad.
Indira thundered on the economic front with three draconian measures designed to
thwart entrepreneurs in the country – large parts of the economy was reserved
for public sector enterprises, limited the size of business houses so that they
did not threaten the hegemonic power of the Congress party through licenses,
anti-monopoly laws, harsh labour laws and nationalization of banks and finally
by isolating India from the global market. The hallowed term ‘self-reliance’ had
also become a byword for mediocrity. The economic collapse caused the growth
rate to tumble leading to welfare schemes getting unable to make a dent in
poverty. This was not missed by experts in the government. By the mid-1980s,
policymakers had become convinced of the need for economic liberalization. What
was sorely missed was a political environment to support them. Rajiv Gandhi had
begun some reforms in 1985, but that sputtered to a stop two years later when he
became embroiled in the Bofors corruption deal.
The book ruefully portrays the morass the country had fallen into by the early
1990s. Rajiv’s lavish policy of deficit financing required overseas short-term
loans to be taken and repayment was due. By mid-1991, the country possessed
foreign exchange reserves worth only two weeks of imports whereas the minimum
safe level was funds for three months of imports. A default on external debt
obligations was round the corner. To add insult to injury, the IMF required
India to physically transfer 21 tons of solid gold from its coffers to that of
the Bank of England in London as surety to a loan. Contrary to many people
think, the ‘solution’ to the economic problem was not devised by Manmohan Singh
who was Rao’s trusted finance minister and a world-renowned economist. Sitapati
claims that the blueprint for economic reforms was prepared by senior
bureaucrats and handed over by Naresh Chandra, the Cabinet secretary, to Rao a
day prior to swearing in. It talked of fiscal discipline, dismantling trade
barriers and removing the licenses, permits and anti-monopoly laws that tightly
bound domestic entrepreneurs. Not only that, Manmohan Singh was only the second
choice of Rao. I G Patel, a former RBI governor and director of the London
School of Economics, was the first, but he politely declined the offer. Thus the
mantle fell on Singh who got a free hand to dislodge arcane regulations which he
himself was also partly instrumental for implementing in the Indira era. The
Rao-Singh team did wonders. Within just a month after swearing in, the currency
was devalued by 20 per cent, a new industrial policy that scrapped the
license-quota-permit system was announced and the first budget did away with
many controls that unnecessarily throttled the economy. In ten months’ time,
reserves grew to comfortable levels, enough for six months of imports.
The change in fortunes of a politician happens fast and totally unforeseen. This
book narrates it in good detail. Rao was denied a party ticket to contest the
1991 elections. That also meant the end of his political career – he was already
seventy. He was to turn to spirituality as the head of a Hindu ashram at
Courtallam in Tamil Nadu. Then everything changed on that fateful night of May
21, 1991. Rajiv Gandhi’s death by a suicide squad of the LTTE catapulted Rao to
the most powerful chair in India. However, managing his widow Sonia Gandhi was a
tiresome task. Not content with donating Rs. 100 crores of tax payers’ money to
the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rao conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest
civilian honour on Rajiv and even extended elite commando protection to Sonia’s
family. As prime minister, he spoke to her on phone twice a week, visited her
every week and obliged her whims in the party and government. However, by
mid-1993, rifts developed. When Sonia accused him on the slow progress of the
investigation into Rajiv’s death, he stopped meeting her altogether. After Sonia
became Congress president in 1998, Rao – the person and his legacy – was wiped
clean from its history books. He was denied a party ticket for the 1999
elections. When Rao died in 2004, the Nehru family plotted to deny him a place
for eternal rest in Delhi. Even his body was not given a chance to lie in state
in the Congress party headquarters.
The book neatly argues its case for rehabilitating Narasimha Rao to the rightful
place he deserves in the pantheon of Indian leaders. This is mostly hindered by
the opposition from the Congress party – Rao’s own party – which is motivated by
spiteful sycophants of the Nehru family who cannot digest the fact that Rao was
the only Congress prime minister not from the Nehru family, yet managed to
complete his full term in office. The author had access to the diary and
personal recordings of Rao, which helped him bring out a book that presents some
new facts unknown to anybody. A good number of photographs are included, as also
a comprehensive section of end-notes and a good index.
The book is highly recommended.
...more
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May 15, 2021 Shom Biswas rated it it was amazing
Shelves: read-in-2021
A very good book, exceptionally well-researched. Rather readable, never boring,
if sometimes repetitive - which is unavoidable considering the format Sitapati
chooses.
Writing a getting-his-dues portrayal, without being ever accused of hagiography,
is a tightrope; and Sitapati manages to walk that tightrope adroitly.
Will follow this with a detailed review later.
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Aug 08, 2016 Vishaka Datta rated it it was amazing
I was less than a year old when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, and a week away
from turning two when the 24 July 1991 budget that dismantled decades of
industrial policy was announced. And I have very hazy memories of staring up at
an old television screaming about the then worst electoral defeat of the
Congress party, and the ascension of Vajpayee as the prime minister.
I was, however, old enough to remember the controversy over the humiliation Rao
endured even in death, where his ashes were le I was less than a year old when
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, and a week away from turning two when the 24 July
1991 budget that dismantled decades of industrial policy was announced. And I
have very hazy memories of staring up at an old television screaming about the
then worst electoral defeat of the Congress party, and the ascension of Vajpayee
as the prime minister.
I was, however, old enough to remember the controversy over the humiliation Rao
endured even in death, where his ashes were left unattended, some time after
Sonia Gandhi refused permission for his body to enter the Congress headquarters
in Delhi, a practice followed with every deceased former Congress president, let
alone former prime minister. And all I ever heard of Rao's tenure as PM spoke of
a man in perpetual indecision. Vinay Sitapati's book is a start to set this
record straight for millenials like me.
Opening with a description of said humiliation at Rao's funeral, Sitapati
launches into the making of Narasimha Rao. From his birth to a prosperous
Brahmin family, Rao would go on to become one of the finest scholars in the
erstwhile kingdom of Hyderabad. After flirting with the idea of pursuing a
doctoral degree in astronomy, Rao would respond to the call of socialist
politics and join the Congress party. Sitapati beautifully (and later, a little
too often for my liking) sketches the contradicting roles that Rao has had to
play through his political career, starting with his short reign as Chief
Minister, which was a post that required him to be at once powerless (so he
could follow Indira's orders) and powerful (so he could convince others in his
cabinet to follow Indira's orders). The title is an obvious reference to the
mythical Narasimha, the creature which was neither man nor lion, and whose
contradictions positioned him as the only one capable of slaying Hirankashyap.
Sitapati's account is a meticulously researched one, thanks to the access he was
granted to Rao's personal letters, diaries and papers. Coupled with extensive
interviews with the who's who in the Congress party, as well as bureaucrats who
served in Rao's cabinet, Sitapati brings out Rao's side of the story to many
many controversies that, as I stated emphatically in the introduction, am too
young to remember. The story Sitapati narrates is one of a leader who , by the
time he became prime minister, could measure up his enemies, be aware of his own
blind spots and weaknesses, and hatch schemes that would make Machiavelli and
Chanakya proud, if not blush altogether, to push through radical changes in
India's economic policy. These abilities would go on to help him build a
political consensus on a variety of thorny issues that confronted India while
running a minority government through its full term of five years in ill health
and out of favour with Sonia Gandhi and the coterie of Nehru-Gandhi loyalists in
the party. During his tenure, India's industrial policy would get a makeover,
it's relations with the USA and China rewritten, its nuclear programme carried
through to near completion, the seeds of a social democratic republic sown (only
to be destroyed by later regimes), the Kashmir and Punjab militancy addressed
(albeit in a very controversial manner), and perhaps most importantly for the
Congress party, a brief glimpse of a Congress party shorn off the influence of
the Nehru-Gandhi clan.
Sitapati pulls no punches either while putting the reader practically in the
room with the Prime Minister through his ugly side. Whether pointing to evidence
that Rao was powerless but complicit in the Sikh massacres after Indira Gandhi's
assassination, his dithering and overconfidence that saw the fall of the Babri
Masjid, or his knowledge of his party's bribery of MPs that saw him survive a no
confidence motion, Sitapati never fails to bring to the reader the worst of Rao.
Some of the chapters that make for excellent reading are the ones that deal with
Rao's economics, especially the political deal-making that had to go through to
see it through parliament. What stands out in these chapters was his ability to
make the opposition parties (who outnumbered him) feel heard and part of the
decision making process, even though they were ideologically opposed to most of
Manmohan's reforms. That Rao was able to beautifully disguise the liberalization
within the garb of Nehruvian socialism is a stroke of political genius,
something which even Jairam Ramesh comments on in his own book on the 1991
budget.
In the end, Sitapati conclusively proves his point that Rao not only belongs in
the pantheon of radical reformers, such as Franklin Roosevelt, Deng Xiaopeng or
Lee Kuan Yew, but is in a league of his own if one considers how much he helped
legislate with little or no political power. ...more
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Jul 17, 2016 Santhosh Guru rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
Fantastic read. Like many, I didn't have any opinion about Narasimha Rao. I used
to think it was Manmohan Singh, who was the architect of the economic liberation
of 1991. But this author has established with facts and undeniable arguments
that MMS is a hedgehog and it was PV Narasimha Rao, the fox, who provided the
rock-like support and propelled reformations forward.
I am really awe at his diverse skills and ability to learn things extremely
fast. PVN is truly a polymath, who must be remembered Fantastic read. Like many,
I didn't have any opinion about Narasimha Rao. I used to think it was Manmohan
Singh, who was the architect of the economic liberation of 1991. But this author
has established with facts and undeniable arguments that MMS is a hedgehog and
it was PV Narasimha Rao, the fox, who provided the rock-like support and
propelled reformations forward.
I am really awe at his diverse skills and ability to learn things extremely
fast. PVN is truly a polymath, who must be remembered and we should get inspired
from.
I highly recommend it, if you like biographies or interested in Indian politics.
...more
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Jun 23, 2019 Ashok Krishna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Wish I could rate this book with more than 6 stars!
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Aug 20, 2022 Suman Srivastava rated it it was amazing · review of another
edition
Fascinating book. I have read a lot about the 1991 reforms and how the team led
by Manmohan Singh created them. This book talks about how those reforms were
sold politically. Also about PV Narasimha Rao’s role in helping create a new
foreign policy doctrine and even helping India become a nuclear power. Balanced
book and also talks about his flaws and mistakes. I’ve come away with more
respect for skilled politicians and the role they play in a democracy.
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Dec 03, 2017 Prathyush Sambaturu rated it really liked it · review of another
edition
Shelves: favorites
This book is a simple yet authoritative narrative of the story of P V Narasimha
Rao (PVNR) in the arena of Indian politics (and Congress) starting as a humble
party member, to a puppet Chief Minister of Andhra, to a humble significant
number two in the Congress, and ultimately to the most powerful office as the
Prime Minister of India. It presents Rao as the most underrated Prime Minister
of India who deserves credit for much of India's progress in the 1990s. The
author of the book points out th This book is a simple yet authoritative
narrative of the story of P V Narasimha Rao (PVNR) in the arena of Indian
politics (and Congress) starting as a humble party member, to a puppet Chief
Minister of Andhra, to a humble significant number two in the Congress, and
ultimately to the most powerful office as the Prime Minister of India. It
presents Rao as the most underrated Prime Minister of India who deserves credit
for much of India's progress in the 1990s. The author of the book points out
that Rao was one of the few Prime Ministers of India, who is vastly experienced
in dealing with issues both at the state level and the center unlike many of his
predecessors. He also analyses that, PVNR did learn a lot from each of his
failures as a Chief Minister of Andhra in the 1970s and his experiences as a
Union Minister, to play lion, fox, or mouse depending on the situation.
The author carefully provides pieces of evidence- collected by a thorough
research that includes a vast variety of sources- to support each of his
arguments. The central theme of this book is to examine, how a person lacking
political charisma and support from his own party members not only ran a
minority government for five years but also was able to achieve remarkable
success in various aspects such as Economic Reforms, Foreign Policy, Nuclear
Programme, etc. The author likens some of the tactics and strategies used by Rao
during his tenure as the Prime Minister to those suggested by Chanakya and
Machiavelli in the past. He also provides the narrative of how Sonia Gandhi and
the Congress disowned Rao after he stepped down as the Congress President,
obscuring him from the party’s past.
This book presents the various shades of Rao's personality as a scholar, a
writer, a devoted Hindu, a speaker of more than 10 languages, an enthusiast in
computer software. It also provides accounts of his relationships with his wife
and family, and two of his lady confidantes. It is a genuine attempt by the
author to project his view of P. V. Narasimha Rao without being biased in favor
of his protagonist. This book provides a good account of the enigma that is Rao,
also answering some of the lingering questions on of his role in various
controversial incidents that happened during his tenure as the PM and the Home
Minister.
I would like to end this review with the following quote by Natwar Singh on Rao:
"Unlike Nehru, his knowledge of Sanskrit was profound. Nehru had a temper, PV a
temperament. His roots were deep in the spiritual and religious soil of India.
He did not need to "Discover India". ...more
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Feb 19, 2021 Deepu George rated it it was amazing
PV Narasimha Rao has always been somebody whom i revered. What ever the world
around me say about him, i ve always looked upon him as somebody who changed the
history of my country.
As a person who had my childhood during the socialist times of Indira and Rajiv
and the times of change under Narasimha Rao and Manmohan singh I literarily
observed India around me changing from Black and white to colour. Although he
was one person everybody loved to forget, for me he was somebody who stood for
change PV Narasimha Rao has always been somebody whom i revered. What ever the
world around me say about him, i ve always looked upon him as somebody who
changed the history of my country.
As a person who had my childhood during the socialist times of Indira and Rajiv
and the times of change under Narasimha Rao and Manmohan singh I literarily
observed India around me changing from Black and white to colour. Although he
was one person everybody loved to forget, for me he was somebody who stood for
change.
This book mainly focuses on his years as prime minister and his earlier years
are just explained so as to give an understanding to the readers, how those
years changed his outlook and moulded him to be the prime minister he had been.
How he changed India economically is the main focus. How much he is
misrepresented regarding the Babri Masjid times by the media, the change in
foreign policy which he brought in for the better are all explained.
Although the title of the book is half lion... I would prefer a title Mouse and
the fox... Because he knew when to be a mouse and when to be a fox... The author
fail to put forward much details to explain the title of Half lion except his
name being Narasimha.
One drawback of the book is although this book works well in removing some of
the grey areas in his life, it just brushes through his darker side like the JMM
cases and other cases against him.. Those could have been delt in a little more
detail...
Anyway really enjoyed reading about the Prime ministerial years of the man who
changed india for the better ...more
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Jul 18, 2016 Umesh Kesavan rated it really liked it
Shelves: non-fiction, politics, biography
The book tries to answer the intriguing question "How could the head of a
minority government with so little leeway achieve so much in terms of economic
reforms and foreign policy?".The book combines political philosophy with
rigorous research to provide a sympathetic (and not hagiographic) portrait of
one of the most misunderstood and maligned leaders in contemporary Indian
history. A must read book to know a man who well and truly transformed India The
book tries to answer the intriguing question "How could the head of a minority
government with so little leeway achieve so much in terms of economic reforms
and foreign policy?".The book combines political philosophy with rigorous
research to provide a sympathetic (and not hagiographic) portrait of one of the
most misunderstood and maligned leaders in contemporary Indian history. A must
read book to know a man who well and truly transformed India ...more
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Mar 24, 2017 Aditya Kulkarni rated it it was amazing
Shelves: biographies-autobiographies
Excellent book on one of India's best ever Prime Ministers. The book as the name
suggests deals with how PV Narasimha Rao transformed India. When he took over as
the PM in 1991, Indian economy was in deep trouble, 3 states were troubled by
insurgency, and Indian foreign policy had to be changed. How PVN turned all of
these around, despite leading a minority government forms the majority of the
story. Vinay has done extensive research and has resurrected the legacy of PVN
Rao, the half lion. Excellent book on one of India's best ever Prime Ministers.
The book as the name suggests deals with how PV Narasimha Rao transformed India.
When he took over as the PM in 1991, Indian economy was in deep trouble, 3
states were troubled by insurgency, and Indian foreign policy had to be changed.
How PVN turned all of these around, despite leading a minority government forms
the majority of the story. Vinay has done extensive research and has resurrected
the legacy of PVN Rao, the half lion. ...more
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May 04, 2020 Raja Baradwaj rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2020
The Indian PM’s I admired growing up. I distinctly remember his Singapore
address, arranged by Lee Kuan Yew, the a senior minister in Singapore. When the
Pakistani High Commissioner, Salim Nawaz Khan Gandapur ambushed Sri. Rao with
his lengthy diatribe during Q&A. The way the Indian PM shredded him without him
even knowing what happened, is etched vividly in my mind.
This book gives a good view of who Sri. Rao was and his make-up. A very good
read !!
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Jan 12, 2021 Yash Sharma rated it it was amazing
Half-Lion, How P.V. Narasimha Rao Transformed India is a book which I strongly
recommend to every Indian out there, especially to the millennials.
This meticulously researched biography not only tells us about the man who
dismantled the License-Permit-Quota Raj of Indira Gandhi, but it also reveals
that how his own party treated a former Prime Minister who should have been
included in history books.
For the detailed article you can visit my website-
https://dontbignorant.in/p-v-narasimh... Half-Lion, How P.V. Narasimha Rao
Transformed India is a book which I strongly recommend to every Indian out
there, especially to the millennials.
This meticulously researched biography not only tells us about the man who
dismantled the License-Permit-Quota Raj of Indira Gandhi, but it also reveals
that how his own party treated a former Prime Minister who should have been
included in history books.
For the detailed article you can visit my website-
https://dontbignorant.in/p-v-narasimh... ...more
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Mar 01, 2018 Vinay rated it it was amazing
Best Indian biography I've read - what an amazing man. There's something to be
said for non-strongman leaders. Best Indian biography I've read - what an
amazing man. There's something to be said for non-strongman leaders. ...more
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Aug 29, 2017 Debjit Sengupta rated it it was amazing
In the early 1991, the Indian economy was going through its worst and egregious
phase ever. In other words , it was in tatters- a total financial mess. A party
was well positioned for power in next general election. However, the party had
grown itself by tethering to a single family. Prosperity without it was
unthinkable. The leader of the party was however assassinated. The reign of an
imbroglio and fractured nation was then handed over to a seemingly unimpressive
, harmless and powerless perso In the early 1991, the Indian economy was going
through its worst and egregious phase ever. In other words , it was in tatters-
a total financial mess. A party was well positioned for power in next general
election. However, the party had grown itself by tethering to a single family.
Prosperity without it was unthinkable. The leader of the party was however
assassinated. The reign of an imbroglio and fractured nation was then handed
over to a seemingly unimpressive , harmless and powerless person. He was
presented with financial predicament. This person neither had the charisma nor
had the popular support. He neither controlled parliament nor his own party. He
was always confronted by the dissidents within his party. Still, he had to
operate in a fractious democracy with several limits on his powers. However
unexpectedly, this underrated leader with his dexterity, wisdom, smartness,
sagacity and cunningness , was instrumental in bringing changes which
transformed economic dynamics of the nation, which not only put the nation back
on track but also grew at impressive rate thereafter. Obviously he is Mr. P.V.
Narshima Rao. He served for full five years . Despite odds, serving full term
can be considered protracted. The irony is that he was declared persona
non-grata by his own party who disowned him later, blaming him for some failures
during his tenure. As one of his ex-colleague Salman Khurshid rightly pointed
out that he is a tragic figure who is remembered for so much that went wrong but
not for so much that went right. Still nobody can deny his rightful place in
Indian history.
What was the crisis all about? India’s foreign exchange reserves at that point
of time could sustain only two weeks of import. The safe level is six times that
amount. This had hamstrung Indian economy. India had plunged into external debt,
lacking dollars to repay. Foreign lenders including IMF were withholding loans.
Finally to overcome the current situation, gold had to be mortgaged.
How was it created? Remittance from Indians working in Gulf region had dwindled
due to Gulf war crisis, upshot of which was price of oil getting trebled. Due to
political uncertainty in Delhi, there were some panic withdrawn of money ,
somewhere amounting to 900 million dollars. There were some reckless borrowing
during Rajiv Gandhi years. These short term loans were due in early 1991.
Moreover, the foundation of Indian economy was so weak that it was susceptible
and vulnerable to such uncalled changes.
What were the logjam that was making the economy sluggish? First , the economy
was dominated by public sector enterprise and private entrepreneurs could
operate in few restricted areas. Secondly, business house size was limited so
that none can challenge the hegemony of Central government that is ruled by
Congress. This was done by implementing various laws, which were made much more
stringent during Indira Gandhi times. These were licenses, anti monopoly law,
labour laws and nationalization of banks. As mentioned private sector was
permitted to operate in few areas only and that too requires licenses issued by
bureaucrats, who also determine how much these private enterprise can make and
at what price. Labour law was meant to protect labours but on the contrary,
companies began to hire few workers. Nationalization was done to improve rural
credit which however starved industrial houses of capital. Anti monopoly law
further curtailed the growth of the economy. Third, was isolating India from
global market. To become self-reliant, protection from foreign competition
became an integral part of government policies. This however reduced both flow
of money and consumer goods. Furthermore, there were restrictions on the import
of raw materials and technology , which Indian factories desperately needed.
Exports were not profitable because the currency was artificially valued.
The book is on P.V.Narshima Rao and yet in the last three paragraphs, he was not
even mentioned once. You cannot appreciate and hold the man in high reverence,
unless you know about the crisis and four decade policies that made Indian
economy chronic and inimical.
It was Jawahar Lal Nehru , who believed in socialism. Policies and decisions
were highly influenced by his thinking. It was a nascent economy and his
decisions still can be justified to some extent. However, in next decade, the
world economic order was changing , more prominently in underrated East Asian
nations. On her first stint as Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi who shared her
father’s ideology failed to capitalize in favour of the nation. In contrast, her
policies made Indian economy even more rigid. The socialist ideology that was
being followed was not aligned with the reality and the harsh truth was that it
had become quixotic and worthless. The ills of the economy were identified in
early 1980’s. Rajiv Gandhi too was in favour of dismantling state control over
the Indian economy but his reforms were just baby steps. Even he could not do it
despite the fact that he had the highest mandate ever in Indian history.
Now entered the scene was P.V. Narshima Rao. After taking over stock of the
situation, he began to create a team that consists of his opponents within the
party, who were appointed out of political compulsion. But his team in majority
consists of aficionados, who had similar thoughts, belief , vision and
disposition and one of them was Manmohan Singh, an apolitical person who
re-wrote his name in the history as the best Finance Minister of India.
Economists and experts have been pitching in for reforms in the last decade. The
implementation however requires political backing. This was easier said than
done. The duo had to overcome rigid Congress party, panicked industrialists ,
divided parliament and critics. To add to their woes, there were class of people
who benefited from the existing economy and were very powerful like business
houses, trade unions, rich farmers and in some cases politicians and bureaucrats
too. Each policies were picked up , some changes were made in it , then made it
look as if they have been piggybacking on Nehru’s Industrial policy. The fact
was however just opposite. These were done without any fanfare. This ploy of
using Nehru’s name as an exemplar ensured that at least his party was behind the
revolutionary changes.
What were the revolutionary changes? Industrial licensing except for industries
was abolished. Public sector monopoly was limited to few sectors only.
Anti-monopoly restrictions were eased and permitted level of foreign investments
was increased.
Babri Masjid demolition is one of the blots in his impressive career. This is
one fiasco , where his party men were too eager to put the blame on him. The
gathering of Kar-sevaks in large numbers was an insinuation of coming troubles.
He was assured by UP government of adequate security measures. Then President
rule cannot be applied on a State because of law and order had not failed prior
to demolition. Moreover, all decisions were based on consonance. Demolition
however, could not be prevented. When Sonia Gandhi became president of the
party, the seed of hatred by his own party men was already planted in her mind.
On the Babri Masjid issue, Mr. Narshima Rao was a subject of odium. Party
disowned him and even after death, his funeral was denied in New Delhi.
Prior to becoming the Prime Minister , he had bought with him wealth of
political experience as Union Minister holding key portfolios like Home, Defence
and Foreign, as well as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Let’s face it that he
was not a rectitude and did display Machiavellian characteristics at times.
Though allegation of JMM MP bribery , Enron and Harshad Mehta scam tarnished his
image somewhat but he had to his credit , myriad number of achievements, the
most revolutionary and sweeping being economic reforms. Apart from this,
employment guarantee and food security social schemes were initiated during his
reign. As we found out from the book ,his transformation of India was also
extended to foreign policy and national security as well. Though he was
mortified, and subjected to the jibes of his own party men but the fact is that
it was nation’s destiny that he was there at the right time and at right
position. It would not be right to say that History has judged him incorrectly.
Had it been the case , we would not have read books on him and writing such
reviews. Though disowned by his own party , BJP government built a memorial ghat
for him in 2015. We knew about the economic challenges and decisions that
facilitated quantum jumps. What difference author has bought here are hitherto
unreported backroom discussions and scuffle. Narshima Rao and Manmohan Singh may
be the face of the economic reforms but the author has also given due space to
his other team members like not forgotten Naresh Chandra and Amar Nath Verma,
who have made innumerable contribution . Also bought to the reading space is
dirty , nasty, and murkier world of politics. The author has covered every key
events right from pre-independence days. These events are put in chronological
order too. It’s informative and extensive. Every aspect is covered. The subject
matter deserves a reading and the author has done full justice to it. ...more
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Jul 29, 2016 Ankur Vohra rated it really liked it
I was not even 10 years old when Mr. Narasimha Rao came to power and it was only
round about 98/99 that I started following National Politics on a regular basis
with my source of Information being the regular media houses and the impression
that they had created on me for Narasimha Rao was of a leader who would cling to
anything- Money, Baba's anyone who has able to help him for the sake of being in
power and a leader who did not do substantive much for the country apart from
letting Mr. Manmoha I was not even 10 years old when Mr. Narasimha Rao came to
power and it was only round about 98/99 that I started following National
Politics on a regular basis with my source of Information being the regular
media houses and the impression that they had created on me for Narasimha Rao
was of a leader who would cling to anything- Money, Baba's anyone who has able
to help him for the sake of being in power and a leader who did not do
substantive much for the country apart from letting Mr. Manmohan Singh to bring
upon the reforms in the Indian Economy which was again not initiated by him but
merely brought upon by our Balance of Payment crisis in 91- That was the,
opinion till I had read this book. Now, I can see, how wrong I was and how
little did I knew about this great man.
A scholar, a statesman and a shrewd politician who knew how to not only survive
but also thrive in his circumstances. This book sheds light on his personality
and how he manoeuvred India out of some of the most tough and hostile times for
our country. A surviver, he knew how to make the most of the resources at his
disposal and now when you look in hindsight you can see clearly his legacy and
contribution to Indian state. A must read for anyone interested in Indian
Contemporary politics post the fall of Soviet Union and tumultuous years of
India's Economic Reforms, Babri Masjid, Insurgencies in Kashmir, Punjab and
North East. Through this book, you would not even know Mr. Narasimha Rao better
but you would also have a glimpse into those crucial years when he was at the
helm as the PM of our country although, I must say that writer seems to have a
soft corner and in awe of his subject. I think, he will surely get more people
to take notice and reflect on this amazing personality through this book.
I will recommend this one. ...more
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Aug 13, 2018 Yash Sharma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
The "Ninja Turtle'' who transformed India : P.V. Narasimha Rao
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Half lion, how P.V Narasimha Rao transformed india, is brilliantly reasearched
biography of the man who not only dismantled the so called
''licence-permit-quota'' Raj and opened up the Indian economy, but he also
applied in letter and spirit the ancient Vedic principle of Vasudhaiva
kutumbkam, which means 'The world is one big family'.
And the main USP of this book is The "Ninja Turtle'' who transformed India :
P.V. Narasimha Rao
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Half lion, how P.V Narasimha Rao transformed india, is brilliantly reasearched
biography of the man who not only dismantled the so called
''licence-permit-quota'' Raj and opened up the Indian economy, but he also
applied in letter and spirit the ancient Vedic principle of Vasudhaiva
kutumbkam, which means 'The world is one big family'.
And the main USP of this book is to understand how PV Rao achieved so much
despite having so little Power.
For more information You can visit - https://dontbignorant.in/ ...more
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Sep 01, 2016 Karthik rated it it was amazing
Completed the book half lion a book on Narashima Rao. The book starts with two
basic things one being PVN did not have the majority what Deng Xiao Ping had in
Chinaand second he hanlded India when all the borders were in boil
The book talks about how much of machivelisam he had and how he ran a minorty
government for 5 yrs with zero charisma
Surprising that after 1984 India only in 2014 gave a clear mandate. Do not miss
what he was doing during the destruction of babri masjid or how he handled Cli
Completed the book half lion a book on Narashima Rao. The book starts with two
basic things one being PVN did not have the majority what Deng Xiao Ping had in
Chinaand second he hanlded India when all the borders were in boil
The book talks about how much of machivelisam he had and how he ran a minorty
government for 5 yrs with zero charisma
Surprising that after 1984 India only in 2014 gave a clear mandate. Do not miss
what he was doing during the destruction of babri masjid or how he handled
Clinton during CTBT
The biggest revelation which came out from this book was unknown to me Deng and
PVN had lot of similarities..and both rose post thier purging. ...more
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Jul 04, 2016 Sankarshan rated it liked it · review of another edition
The abundance of footnotes, citations and reference material makes this book a
great read. It is a well rounded attempt to introduce the legacy of PVNR while
setting the context of his government and his political thinking. Also, the
anecdotes which bring up the basic decency inherent to a few members of the
establishment; or, the incredible pulchritude of politics when played by
seasoned actors is worth reading.
The writing is helped by the arrangement and break-down of the chapters. Go
ahead a The abundance of footnotes, citations and reference material makes this
book a great read. It is a well rounded attempt to introduce the legacy of PVNR
while setting the context of his government and his political thinking. Also,
the anecdotes which bring up the basic decency inherent to a few members of the
establishment; or, the incredible pulchritude of politics when played by
seasoned actors is worth reading.
The writing is helped by the arrangement and break-down of the chapters. Go
ahead and read this and perhaps the turbulent times would make more sense
thereafter. ...more
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Jul 19, 2016 Vidhu Shekhar rated it it was amazing
Amazing book. Writer has done good work collecting personal papers from PVNR's
family, though I suspect that the material is much more there and this could
easily have been 100 -150 pages more. The kind of life that PVNR lead!
In the drought of any credible sources for PVNR's period, one of the defining
period of India, and steered by a man who didn't even had majority, this is
definitely worth a read. Amazing book. Writer has done good work collecting
personal papers from PVNR's family, though I suspect that the material is much
more there and this could easily have been 100 -150 pages more. The kind of life
that PVNR lead!
In the drought of any credible sources for PVNR's period, one of the defining
period of India, and steered by a man who didn't even had majority, this is
definitely worth a read. ...more
flag 2 likes · Like · see review
Jul 30, 2017 Debjani Banerji rated it it was amazing
PV Narasimha Rao has always fascinated me. His Economic Revolution has
transformed India and where we are today. Unfortunately he was never given his
due and that saddened me. The genius and the knowledgeable man he was, I believe
history and his party should have given him much more respect than what he got.
This biography lucidly written by Vinay Sitapati is an easy read and you are
soon transported into the era of PV Narasimha Rao. And the end of the Congress
era with his decline.
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Aug 18, 2016 Sunjoy Shekhar rated it it was amazing · review of another
edition
Well written. Be warned, he will make you like Rao!
flag 2 likes · Like · see review
Nov 10, 2018 Ramnath Iyer rated it really liked it
Shelves: history, politics, economics, india
A favourable (and mostly fair) portrayal!
In democratic politics, especially in coalitions of disparate groups, it helps
to be able to change persona : to be a lion at times, pushing through one’s
agenda with ferocity, but be a fox at other times, waiting slyly for an
opponent’s weakness and acting only when the signs are propitious. With a name
that translates into half-lion, half-man, Narasimha Rao, who I regard as the
most important and best Prime Minister India has had in my lifetime, was per A
favourable (and mostly fair) portrayal!
In democratic politics, especially in coalitions of disparate groups, it helps
to be able to change persona : to be a lion at times, pushing through one’s
agenda with ferocity, but be a fox at other times, waiting slyly for an
opponent’s weakness and acting only when the signs are propitious. With a name
that translates into half-lion, half-man, Narasimha Rao, who I regard as the
most important and best Prime Minister India has had in my lifetime, was perhaps
pre-ordained to play that role to perfection.
But when the great leaders of India are mentioned, somehow Narasimha Rao is
often forgotten and doesn’t get the credit that he so massively deserved. This
is probably because he did not belong to the Nehru-Gandhi clan (indeed he fell
out of favour with Sonia Gandhi during his term as PM and sycophantic
Congressmen dutifully also sidelined him in his retirement). Nor was he an
eloquent speaker capable of casting a spell on audiences, as some of his right
wing successors have been. But what Vinay Sitapati’s book “Half Lion” highlights
is the range of matters in which his policymaking was decisive and significant
in altering the long term direction of India for the better.
This biography is therefore a much needed antidote to the general neglect that
most Indians have for Rao, even as they are pre-occupied with
self-congratulatory messaging on the country’s revitalized standing and enjoying
the fruits of economic growth, both of which would simply not have happened
without the vital changes pushed through by Rao in the Nineties, whose prime
minstership stared with a bankrupt country but who left behind one that was
thriving and on the verge of becoming a nuclear power.
The author draws on numerous interviews that he conducted with players in Indian
politics, and benefitted from access provided by Rao’s family to the prime
minister’s personal papers, of which there were meticulously kept tomes. While
the role of Rao in changing the Indian economic model away from faux-socialism
and doing away the growth stultifying “Licence Raj” is well known, his
difference in other lesser known and appreciated areas are brought out in this
largely favourable but mostly very fair portrayal.
The policies he implemented as education and health minister, both at the Centre
and earlier at the state level, were precursors to the large scale policies put
through with fanfare by later governments. Becoming wily fox when needed, he
quietly kept to himself the role of the industry minister and put through the
opening up of industry, to protests from many industrialists used to the old way
of doing things, even as attention and praise was focused on his technocrat
finance minister. Sitapati does a good job of highlighting these, as well as
Rao’s difficult and controversial roles at the time of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom
and the destruction of Babri Masjid.
These two episodes weren't high points in Rao's political life, and the author
could have been a bit more incisive in examining them. That little quibble
apart, a well written life story of a multi-faceted personality. ...more
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Dec 31, 2019 Sathappan Sathappan rated it it was amazing
Great well-written, thought provoking political book. I must admit I picked it
up only to read about the 1991 Indian economical liberalisation. Once I read
those chapters, I was intrigued by PV Narasimha Rao's motivation and thought
process. Then ended up reading the entire book in 2 days.
It is remarkable what he achieved in those 5 years. It is also remarkable how
his own party abandoned him in his last hour.
Manmohan Singh deserves all the praise he gets for the reforms in 1991. However
this Great well-written, thought provoking political book. I must admit I picked
it up only to read about the 1991 Indian economical liberalisation. Once I read
those chapters, I was intrigued by PV Narasimha Rao's motivation and thought
process. Then ended up reading the entire book in 2 days.
It is remarkable what he achieved in those 5 years. It is also remarkable how
his own party abandoned him in his last hour.
Manmohan Singh deserves all the praise he gets for the reforms in 1991. However
this book shows the reforms world have still happened without him, for PV's
first choice for finance minister was also a technocrat (IG Patel). Without PV
though, changes would have never happened as evidenced by scarce reforms enacted
by all subsequent prime ministers. PV deftly navigated politics and used every
trick in the book to overcome obstacles and changed a billion lives.
He had multiple opportunities to continue to be in power and he refused to take
short cuts for morality reasons. he knew aiadmk was a liability in 1996 and DMK
will win all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu (thereby deciding who the prime minister
will be) but stayed away from DMK due to their ties to ltte group who murdered
Rajiv Gandhi. He was given an option to break congress after 1996 elections to
take some MPs with him to merge with BJP. Rejected that also due to his loyalty
to a party, which cast him aside eventually.
This book shows how ideas are cheap but implementation is everything. Everyone
born in India owes a debt to Narasimha Rao and deserves to know the true story.
It is a shame he died poor and alone. This book does some justice to this great
man by retelling this quintessential indian story. ...more
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Apr 27, 2022 MAYANK BHARADWAJ rated it it was amazing
This is a story of a man who did a lot for country but never got recognition he
deserved.
This is biography of P.V. narsimha rao
'An honest man but a great politician '.
He was loyalist of Nehru-gandhi clan for more then 5 decades yet he was only
usurper to claim highest seat in Delhi Darbar which led to eternal hatred
congrese had for him despite his uttermost loyalty to the family .
This book talks about how prime minister Rao sailed Indian ship in its most
turbulent times to safe shore. This boo This is a story of a man who did a lot
for country but never got recognition he deserved.
This is biography of P.V. narsimha rao
'An honest man but a great politician '.
He was loyalist of Nehru-gandhi clan for more then 5 decades yet he was only
usurper to claim highest seat in Delhi Darbar which led to eternal hatred
congrese had for him despite his uttermost loyalty to the family .
This book talks about how prime minister Rao sailed Indian ship in its most
turbulent times to safe shore. This book talks about his rise to power via
always being a yes-man to Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. Decision made by him in
economy, foreign policies, defense etc shaped the pathway for the india of
future. When he was CM of Andhra as well as PM of india he took decision which
were good for common people and yet had concequences for his political career.
When he swore in as PM Indian economic was in Mayday calling but his Swift
actions to liberelize against he party ideology saved the economy.Apart from LPG
reforms he shaped modern India's foreign policy amidst the collapse of USSR.he
pacified Punjab, Assam and Kashmir.
I think the format sitapati choose is where details are repeatable but despite
it is never boring . Author explains the role of Rao as both prime minister and
home minister in controversial decisions like Babri mosque demolition. Author
reveals various shades or rao as a scholar, a Hindu Brahmin,a socialist, writer,
a speaker of more than 10 languages.
Rao was of the few congressmen of that era who were not Oxford-Cambridge elite.
Fir me the the view of gopal krishna Gandhi
" He was too shy of his own truths to our them straight ,but too honest to hide
them, He was too proud to be hypocrit".
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is keen to understand the eningma Rao
was. ...more
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May 12, 2022 Prahalathan KK rated it it was amazing
Not much is known about this former PM of India in spite of being the first Non
Nehru Gandhi family member to complete a full five years as PM. Hence, I was
curious to read this book and finished it wiser.
This is the story of a true blue Congressi, Nehru Gandhi Loyalist who was made
Andhra CM and then PM for the same reason - his perceived weakness and lack of
vote base. While Manmohan Singh is popularly perceived as the Finance Minister
who liberalized India, this book paints a picture of how P Not much is known
about this former PM of India in spite of being the first Non Nehru Gandhi
family member to complete a full five years as PM. Hence, I was curious to read
this book and finished it wiser.
This is the story of a true blue Congressi, Nehru Gandhi Loyalist who was made
Andhra CM and then PM for the same reason - his perceived weakness and lack of
vote base. While Manmohan Singh is popularly perceived as the Finance Minister
who liberalized India, this book paints a picture of how PM Rao plotted and
enabled all of that. How he deftly planned and maneuvered his party the
opposition and the country is detailed.
The book has an interesting chapter structure chronologically followed by
specific chapters on important topics. This focus helps ease of understanding as
a simple chronological narrative may have been tougher to grasp. Topics covered
include the demolition of the Babri Masjid, Managing Sonia Gandhi, Nuclear
Policy and his foreign policy ...more
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ABOUT VINAY SITAPATI
Vinay Sitapati
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Vinay Sitapati teaches at Ashoka University and writes for The Indian Express.
He has studied at National Law School Bangalore and Harvard University.
BOOKS BY VINAY SITAPATI
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