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Matters of Discretion: An Autobiography
An absorbing, authentic and definitive account, by a former prime minister, of crucial events that had a significant impact on the nation’s destiny after independence. I K Gujral has penned his life story in a forthright and candid manner. He entered the political fray as a freedom fighter in the British era, and after the tumultuous events that rocked the Indian subcontinent in the wake of the partition in August 1947, crossed over from Pakistan to India, where he had to begin life from scratch. Despite facing tremendous odds, on the basis of his perseverance, resilience and never-say-die attitude, Gujral’s achievements allowed him to witness and shape India’s contemporary history. Gujral joined Congress Party and was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1964. He was the Information and Broadcasting Minister when emergency was imposed, which entailed arbitrary press censorship. Since he refused to bow down to the de facto powers, he was unceremoniously replaced and later sent by Indira Gandhi as India’s ambassador to the USSR, a post he handled with commendable tact and finesse. After his stint in Moscow, he returned to India and re-entered the ‘political whirlpool’ by joining the Janata Dal. He became minister for external affairs under V P Singh (1989) and Deve Gowda (1996). Gujral reached the pinnacle of his career when he became the prime minister on 1997. During his priministership, despite the exigencies and pressures of running a coalition government, he endeavoured to achieve progress in many spheres. The Gujral Doctrine (a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours) was widely acclaimed in both India and the West. This volume, a valuable addition to the literature on contemporary history, provides a deep insight into the political scene as it unfolded after independence and delineates the roles played by a wide spectrum of politicians, bureaucrats, and many others.
- GenresPolitics
520 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 5, 2014
Quite a compelling and readable work, giving quite a balanced view of Indian politics and diplomacy in the last three decades of the 20th century. Gujral was one of the illustrious occupants of the country's highest political office and paints a fair portrait of all he sought to do (and couldn't), given the political constraints he operated in - a range of egoistical, devious "allies" in and out of the government. His account speaks volumes of the maturity (or lack thereof) of prominent politicians across the political spectrum and how coalition politics is actually a loose confederation of warring tribes, with self-interest and other far from noble aims the primary objectives....
July 23, 2022
India's freedom struggle and independent India's political history as seen through I. K. Gujral's eyes and aptly penned with creative vocabulary, is his autobiography Matters of Discretion.
In his autobiography titled Matters of Discretion, former Prime Minister of India I.K.Gujral presents an elaborated account on his long, eventful tenure in India's political arena which dates back to India's struggle for independence. The former Prime Minister of India who also was an astute diplomat has thrown light on his days as a freedom fighter, and adversities which accompanied the nature of life Indians led during the pre-independence era. However, it is worth noting that I.K.Gujral's first stint in Indian politics was short-lived for reasons stated by him in Part II of the exclusive compilation. Matters of Discretion has the neatly elucidated matter divided into four parts. Each part highlights one common aspect of Gujral's identity and persona i.e. his political innocence, which is up for grasp to readers. The book collectively offers political wisdom in terms of author's interaction and experiences with several world leaders (mainly the political figures of USSR and USA). Also snippets on I.K.Gujral's early life inclusive of his childhood and education form the part of the elite autobiography.
The author has chosen to keep the first part of the book short, sweet, and simple. It begins with events marking India's freedom struggle in which the author's father was an active participant. Further, there is a chapter dedicated to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's death and political dilemma that followed in choosing his successor (for the post of Prime Minister of India). The subsequent chapters brings to fore the story of author's negotiation with Congress leaders for his first appointment in Parliament as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Communication (member of Council of Ministers) in Indira Gandhi's government. The first segment is so engrossing that it acts as a catalyst which sets readers on track for a journey involving I.K.Gujral's quest for excellence in Indian politics.
The second part begins with a detailed description of emergency encountered by Gujral after imposition of Emergency in India during second half of the decade of 1970-80; the first political crisis experienced by author in terms of his progress in India's political arena. Also, the section enlightens readers on rapid ascent of Sanjay Gandhi to post of President of All India Congress Committee in Indian politics, the ascendancy which helped him uphold his aura of notoriety. Besides, several other aspects of functioning of Indian political fraternity such as consolidation of political ties with Soviet Union, tackling of impact the partition had had on social structure on either side of the border, episodes of denigration of freedom of press, Indira Gandhi's fall from favour and Indian National Congress's loss of electoral and political power, emergence of a non-Congress political party as the new contenders for formation of government in India, impact of change in government on political ties with Soviet Union, author's meeting with Leonid Brezhnev as head of Indian Embassy in Moscow, impact of the Morarji factor on Indo-Soviet relations, Shah Commission's dealing of social and political turmoil following imposition of Emergency in the nation, political camaraderie shared by Communist Party of India (CPI) with Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Indian government's role in establishing peace in Afghanistan and Iran (two countries marred by the conflicting pro-USSR and pro-West political ideologies), period of crisis experienced by Janata Party due to conflicting political views of its leaders, story behind the dark horse of Indian politics Charan Singh's elevation to the post of Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi's re-emergence as an intimidating, dominant political leader in Indian politics, Indo-Soviet Nuclear Treaty and the Pakistan factor, Charan Singh's not-so successful talks with Pakistan as External Affairs Minister of India, Narasimha Rao's efforts to strengthen Indo-Soviet political bond, tragic tale of Sanjay Gandhi's untimely demise, and former President of India Sanjeeva Reddy's visit to the USSR find written space dedicated to it in this segment of the book for readers to explore and acknowledge.
The third part offers to readers a fascinating exposition of I.K.Gujral's re-entry into politics after his stint as diplomat in Indian Embassy at Moscow. The historic events covered herein are Punjab's dispute with Centre supporting formation of Sikh state and its repercussions, the resolute dilemma experienced by political parties in forming an alliance against Indian National Congress famously termed the call for opposition unity, the four-point formula facilitating alliance with Akali Dal, Operation Bluestar, Indira Gandhi's assassination, formation of Janata Dal and its rise in political ranks, the disturbing tale of a despicable kidnap with political motive in Jammu and Kashmir and the aftermath, existent political and border tension between India and immediate neighbor Pakistan, change in Devi Lal's political fortunes, Mandal Commission fallout, Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi debacle in Ayodhya, failure of V.P.Singh's government, global impact of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, Chandrashekhar's short-lived tenure as Prime Minister of India, Gulf War, fall of the Chandrashekhar government, the political drama that unfolded prior to Narasimha Rao's election as Prime Minister of India, discord within Janata Dal, discussion on Jyoti Basu as contender for post of Prime Minister, success story of the darkest of the dark horses H.D.Deve Gowda, fiasco following the uncalled for nuclear test, tackling of political stalwarts with varied persona - the triumvirate of Deve Gowda, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Sita Ram Kesri, and lastly the fall of Deve Gowda government which eventually opened the doors of Prime Minister's Office for the author Inder Kumar Gujral. The segment reflects upon the bonafide nature of political and social affairs in India which makes the read all the more interesting.
The fourth part is about I.K.Gujral's rise to top of political ladder; the behind the scenes political events and meetings that bolstered Gujral's prospects of getting elected as Prime Minister of India. The section of the book gives a deep insight on political hullabaloo experienced in the country following the defeat of Deve Gowda regime in the vote of confidence session of Lok Sabha, the Gujral Doctrine for foreign policy, the fodder scam (Lalu Prasad Yadav's brainchild), formation of Rashtriya Janata Dal, eruption of major political challenges during first few months of Gujral's tenure in Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the anti-incumbency factor which forced Gujral to forgo the office of Prime Minister, Gujral's life after resignation as Prime Minister of India, and formation of National Democratic Alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the helm of affair in Prime Minister's Office. The political drama which unfolded following his resignation is described in a vibrant manner by the author and serves as food for thought for readers. A standout indeed!
The autobiography concludes with a photo galleria that includes a few bright faces and facades.
The autobiography of I.K.Gujral titled Matters of Discretion is exquisite in its chronology of political events and occurrences. I.K.Gujral's Matters of Discretion secures 4 on 5 on my rating scale for its sheer incumbency - read as ability to hold reader's attention. Pick the autobiography for a read if you remember the political figure who sported a French beard while taking oath as Prime Minister of India in 1997 for we may not come across another Indian politician bolder than him. A brilliantly scripted autobiography. Matters of Discretion genuinely is inclusive of matters that matter. Enjoy reading and have fun. Cheers!
'A political expedition put forth with plain-spoken matter and a pinch of diplomacy is Matters of Discretion.'
In his autobiography titled Matters of Discretion, former Prime Minister of India I.K.Gujral presents an elaborated account on his long, eventful tenure in India's political arena which dates back to India's struggle for independence. The former Prime Minister of India who also was an astute diplomat has thrown light on his days as a freedom fighter, and adversities which accompanied the nature of life Indians led during the pre-independence era. However, it is worth noting that I.K.Gujral's first stint in Indian politics was short-lived for reasons stated by him in Part II of the exclusive compilation. Matters of Discretion has the neatly elucidated matter divided into four parts. Each part highlights one common aspect of Gujral's identity and persona i.e. his political innocence, which is up for grasp to readers. The book collectively offers political wisdom in terms of author's interaction and experiences with several world leaders (mainly the political figures of USSR and USA). Also snippets on I.K.Gujral's early life inclusive of his childhood and education form the part of the elite autobiography.
The author has chosen to keep the first part of the book short, sweet, and simple. It begins with events marking India's freedom struggle in which the author's father was an active participant. Further, there is a chapter dedicated to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's death and political dilemma that followed in choosing his successor (for the post of Prime Minister of India). The subsequent chapters brings to fore the story of author's negotiation with Congress leaders for his first appointment in Parliament as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Communication (member of Council of Ministers) in Indira Gandhi's government. The first segment is so engrossing that it acts as a catalyst which sets readers on track for a journey involving I.K.Gujral's quest for excellence in Indian politics.
The second part begins with a detailed description of emergency encountered by Gujral after imposition of Emergency in India during second half of the decade of 1970-80; the first political crisis experienced by author in terms of his progress in India's political arena. Also, the section enlightens readers on rapid ascent of Sanjay Gandhi to post of President of All India Congress Committee in Indian politics, the ascendancy which helped him uphold his aura of notoriety. Besides, several other aspects of functioning of Indian political fraternity such as consolidation of political ties with Soviet Union, tackling of impact the partition had had on social structure on either side of the border, episodes of denigration of freedom of press, Indira Gandhi's fall from favour and Indian National Congress's loss of electoral and political power, emergence of a non-Congress political party as the new contenders for formation of government in India, impact of change in government on political ties with Soviet Union, author's meeting with Leonid Brezhnev as head of Indian Embassy in Moscow, impact of the Morarji factor on Indo-Soviet relations, Shah Commission's dealing of social and political turmoil following imposition of Emergency in the nation, political camaraderie shared by Communist Party of India (CPI) with Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Indian government's role in establishing peace in Afghanistan and Iran (two countries marred by the conflicting pro-USSR and pro-West political ideologies), period of crisis experienced by Janata Party due to conflicting political views of its leaders, story behind the dark horse of Indian politics Charan Singh's elevation to the post of Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi's re-emergence as an intimidating, dominant political leader in Indian politics, Indo-Soviet Nuclear Treaty and the Pakistan factor, Charan Singh's not-so successful talks with Pakistan as External Affairs Minister of India, Narasimha Rao's efforts to strengthen Indo-Soviet political bond, tragic tale of Sanjay Gandhi's untimely demise, and former President of India Sanjeeva Reddy's visit to the USSR find written space dedicated to it in this segment of the book for readers to explore and acknowledge.
The third part offers to readers a fascinating exposition of I.K.Gujral's re-entry into politics after his stint as diplomat in Indian Embassy at Moscow. The historic events covered herein are Punjab's dispute with Centre supporting formation of Sikh state and its repercussions, the resolute dilemma experienced by political parties in forming an alliance against Indian National Congress famously termed the call for opposition unity, the four-point formula facilitating alliance with Akali Dal, Operation Bluestar, Indira Gandhi's assassination, formation of Janata Dal and its rise in political ranks, the disturbing tale of a despicable kidnap with political motive in Jammu and Kashmir and the aftermath, existent political and border tension between India and immediate neighbor Pakistan, change in Devi Lal's political fortunes, Mandal Commission fallout, Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi debacle in Ayodhya, failure of V.P.Singh's government, global impact of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, Chandrashekhar's short-lived tenure as Prime Minister of India, Gulf War, fall of the Chandrashekhar government, the political drama that unfolded prior to Narasimha Rao's election as Prime Minister of India, discord within Janata Dal, discussion on Jyoti Basu as contender for post of Prime Minister, success story of the darkest of the dark horses H.D.Deve Gowda, fiasco following the uncalled for nuclear test, tackling of political stalwarts with varied persona - the triumvirate of Deve Gowda, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Sita Ram Kesri, and lastly the fall of Deve Gowda government which eventually opened the doors of Prime Minister's Office for the author Inder Kumar Gujral. The segment reflects upon the bonafide nature of political and social affairs in India which makes the read all the more interesting.
The fourth part is about I.K.Gujral's rise to top of political ladder; the behind the scenes political events and meetings that bolstered Gujral's prospects of getting elected as Prime Minister of India. The section of the book gives a deep insight on political hullabaloo experienced in the country following the defeat of Deve Gowda regime in the vote of confidence session of Lok Sabha, the Gujral Doctrine for foreign policy, the fodder scam (Lalu Prasad Yadav's brainchild), formation of Rashtriya Janata Dal, eruption of major political challenges during first few months of Gujral's tenure in Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the anti-incumbency factor which forced Gujral to forgo the office of Prime Minister, Gujral's life after resignation as Prime Minister of India, and formation of National Democratic Alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the helm of affair in Prime Minister's Office. The political drama which unfolded following his resignation is described in a vibrant manner by the author and serves as food for thought for readers. A standout indeed!
The autobiography concludes with a photo galleria that includes a few bright faces and facades.
The autobiography of I.K.Gujral titled Matters of Discretion is exquisite in its chronology of political events and occurrences. I.K.Gujral's Matters of Discretion secures 4 on 5 on my rating scale for its sheer incumbency - read as ability to hold reader's attention. Pick the autobiography for a read if you remember the political figure who sported a French beard while taking oath as Prime Minister of India in 1997 for we may not come across another Indian politician bolder than him. A brilliantly scripted autobiography. Matters of Discretion genuinely is inclusive of matters that matter. Enjoy reading and have fun. Cheers!
'A political expedition put forth with plain-spoken matter and a pinch of diplomacy is Matters of Discretion.'
October 9, 2017
http://apnaorg.com/books/english/balr...
Matter of Discretion –Autobiography- Inder Kumar Gujral. Initial chapters depicting the life of joint family of his father Mr Avtar Narain family of Mr Achint Ram family whose son Mr Krishan Kant became ex Vice President of India is charming to reader because he can align with the circumstances of freedom struggle with British. One of his family members joined the revolutionary group and was arrested and convicted. Second fact which I find is partition of India which happened rapidly and people did not have the time to plan to sell their ancestral property and purchase new in India, could not be done and they had to begin life in India from scratch. Third, their families are active participating member of Congress and live a simple rustic life. Description of how his brother Satish Gujral lost his hearing has been described. His alma mater was Foreman Christian College, Lahore. Much praise has lavished on this premier educational institution and development of living on principles. Later joining Indian politics and ultimately becoming a Central Minister in Indira Gandhi Government, declaration of emergency, his posting as our Ambassador to USSR, his return to India after the completion of tenure, formation of Janta Party, his posting as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morarji Desai Government topples on double members of Janta Party and RSS, formation of Janta Dal, his election as Prime Minister move live a film on celluloid. It is a must read for
Matter of Discretion –Autobiography- Inder Kumar Gujral. Initial chapters depicting the life of joint family of his father Mr Avtar Narain family of Mr Achint Ram family whose son Mr Krishan Kant became ex Vice President of India is charming to reader because he can align with the circumstances of freedom struggle with British. One of his family members joined the revolutionary group and was arrested and convicted. Second fact which I find is partition of India which happened rapidly and people did not have the time to plan to sell their ancestral property and purchase new in India, could not be done and they had to begin life in India from scratch. Third, their families are active participating member of Congress and live a simple rustic life. Description of how his brother Satish Gujral lost his hearing has been described. His alma mater was Foreman Christian College, Lahore. Much praise has lavished on this premier educational institution and development of living on principles. Later joining Indian politics and ultimately becoming a Central Minister in Indira Gandhi Government, declaration of emergency, his posting as our Ambassador to USSR, his return to India after the completion of tenure, formation of Janta Party, his posting as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morarji Desai Government topples on double members of Janta Party and RSS, formation of Janta Dal, his election as Prime Minister move live a film on celluloid. It is a must read for
July 22, 2020
A nice book!! Gujral has put his truthful observations in his lifetime, both political and civil, in an easy to read fashion. He starts his journey from pre-partition through to his highest point as the Prime Minister of India. He openly mentions the tricks and connivance that politicians and bureaucrats did to stay in power and keep their masters happy.
August 11, 2012
It's written by former prime minister of India. Honestly described about his life, how it was started and stepped up gradually. It also discloses the dirty facts within politics. At the same time, it teaches some tools to be succeeded in politics.
June 7, 2016
fascinating tale of political intrigue........
December 13, 2020
Important book for we never read about the crucial third leg of our parliamentary system- the guys who almost made it to the top but could never dominate it unlike the Congress and the BJP. However, its a matter of great joy that such strange bedfellows have been relegated to the sidelines in today's times.
April 12, 2014
Ordinary pedestrian writing and people who like soap operas will have fun. I am appalled by the amount of effort the politicians need to spend to play the power games. Stupid us
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews