Book Description

This book traces the history of India’s struggle for freedom from circa 1915 to present day. Salient events from the 17th to 19th century are included to provide context to later events. The account narrated here is evidence-based, covering the four decades after M. K. Gandhi’s return from Africa. This is a historical narrative based on the facts and events that happened, backed by public domain records. These are further corroborated by Gandhi’s speeches, articles and letters written to the British authorities, with the ultimate aim of demystifying Gandhi’s Mahatmaship. The book highlights the series of missed opportunities and poor decisions made by the Indian leadership (primarily Gandhi and Nehru) during the course of independence and thereafter. These events and decisions have already affected the four generations of people. While there were several noteworthy freedom fighters who tried to steer things in more opportune directions, they were stymied by Gandhi’s authoritarian stance and his often-obstinate stand on social, economic, and political developments. This book looks critically at the decisions Gandhi made and their impact on modern-day India. Divided in seven sections, the first four sections discuss Gandhi’s leadership and his actions during the freedom struggle; the fifth section gives a detailed analysis of the 60 years of post-independence Congress regimes, during which Nehru and his dynasty’s policies destroyed the five pillars of democracy. Finally, the epilogue suggests a road map for the way forward.