One Life Is Not Enough: An Autobiography

by K. Natwar Singh

Former Minister in charge of External Affairs Kunwar Natwar Singh's autobiography, One Life Is Not Enough, is an honest, searing account of the veteran's life as a bureaucrat, politician, and cabinet minister. Natwar Singh talks about his experiences in Delhi's political corridors and sets the record straight on several events, including the Volcker controversy.

Natwar Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service and served as a bureaucrat for 31 years. He joined the Congress Party in 1984 and became a Minister of State in the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's council, with the portfolios of steel, agriculture, and coal and mines in 1985. In this much-awaited autobiography, the former cabinet minister talks justly about his experiences and services in various ministries.

Singh has played a significant role in Indian politics for more than 20 years and has been a part of some of the most epochal events of independent India, including Indo-China talks and the formation of Bangladesh. In 2002, when the Congress party came back to power, Natwar Singh was appointed as the Minister for External Affairs. But his eventful career saw its end with the Volcker Report in the year 2005. His name appearing in the Iraqi food-for-oil scam forced him to resign from the cabinet and eventually from the Congress party.

Singh talks about all these events and the ups and downs of the Congress party in One Life Is Not Enough, an account of an insider. His association with the party allowed him to observe some of the historical events closely, and he talks about Pakistan in the 1980s under the rule of President Zia-ul-Haq, Indo-Chinese and Indo-USSR relations, and other sensitive developments.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, India, Politics, Autobiography, History, Indian Literature

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

K. Natwar Singh is an Indian politician and former cabinet minister. He was born on 16 May, 1931, and educated at Mayo College, Ajmer; Scindia School, Gwalior; St. Stephen’s College, Delhi; and Corpus Christie College, Cambridge. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1953 and has served in Beijing, New York, Warsaw, London and Lusaka. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1984. He is married to Heminder Kumari of Patiala, and their son, Jagat Singh, following in the footsteps of his father, has also entered politics.

Reviews

[Gopal Vijayaraghavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Natwar Singh is really fit for a political pot boiler. He is from a princely family, studied in Cambridge, was the first IAS/IFS officer from the state of Rajasthan, a career diplomat who rubbed shoulders with the powerful in the world, left career diplomacy to join Congress. He was a Cabinet Minister with his stars on ascendancy due to his proximity to Gandhi-Nehru family (the relationship extending to six decades) until an UN Report damned him to political oblivion(An American conspiracy?). The biography of such a politician will definitely be controversial and it did create controversy even before publication because of adverse mention of the first family of Congress. But for all its pre publicity hype, the bookd does not mention anything new to a keen observer of the Indian politics for the last four decades. The blunder of Pt. Nehru in the matter of handling of Chinese aggression, his immature handling of Kashmir Issue, Indira Gandhi’s blunder in sending army to storm Golden temple which resulted in her tragic death, Rajiv’s inept handling of Sri Lankan issue which led to his tragic death – Natwar Singh does not leave out but he does not say anything new which has not been documented.
Still the book is enjoyable with the poetical preface and a philosophical epilogue. The author details many of his encounters with literary greats like Garcia, R. K. Narayan, T.S. Pillai( a Malayalam writer – while knowledge of western literature is not surprising in a Cambridge educated man, it is really remarkable that Natwar Singh had a good knowledge of Indian vernacular writers). In the earlier chapters Natwar Singh is modest admitting his mistakes, towards the end the narrative gets less interesting with the unmistakable tone of his importance in repeatedly mentioning about “putting in a favourable word about somebody with the powers that be”(the notable example is the incident of Yakumin in Russia (pp 335-339)). There is one wholly irrelevant chapter on USSR and factual errors (e.g. the date of dropping of second atom bomb, the date of death of Sanjay Gandhi, imaginary arrest of M. Karunanidhi during emergency). But this book will be informative to those who have not been so well acquainted with the present day history.
Here is his pen picture of Smt. Sonia Gandhi :
“Her remarkable life reminds one of a Greek tragedy enacted on a vast Indian stage. She is every biographer’s dream. And while several have taken a shot at telling her tale, their efforts have been found lacking. In their books, substance and style are absent, as are analyses and understanding. From the day she set foot on Indian soil she has been treated like royalty; she had behaved like a Prima Donna. Over the years she has evolved from being a diffident, nervous, shy woman to an ambitious, authoritarian and stern leader...........................................From her privileged perch, she reigns and rules. Favours are granted piecemeal, lesse majeste is given short shrift. Beneath all posturing an ordinary and insecure person emerges. Her capriciousness is lauded. A fine-tuned personality cult is promoted. Politics has coarsened her”.
But what is left unsaid is that Natwar Singh typifies the tragedy of a left leaning Indian intellectual who realizes too late that for the first family in Congress the ultimate goal is absolute power. A story fit to be told by Sidney Sheldon.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether Natwar Singh was undone by those that he perceived were close to him or not, his outpouring of angst against them marks the theme of the book. He is articulate. Hence, his barbs are precise and incisive. He hardly smiled and his disgust and anger was almost always writ large on his face. His book too is a reflection of this part of his personality. Coming down so heavily against those that, as per his own admission, were so close to him, appears unethical. However, if Sanjay Baru could do it and make millions, why couldn't he. The book itself is interesting only in parts. As in so many autobiographies, the "I" factor dominates. There was so much wrong with the world and the "I" suffered on account of that. There is no introspection. But Natwar Singh was perhaps never known to introspect. He rode the high horse and when he fell, he cursed all around him.

[Amit Tiwary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have already read about Natwar Singh, I have read few of his other books as well. Some of the materials of the book has come from his own other books.

Other than clarifying on Volcker report in a subdued tone this book has the lively and emphatic narration by Mr. Singh. He had a remarkable career as a bureaucrat and diplomat and not so great as a political entity. He paid for the lost games in the field of politics as per him.

He has intentionally missed on his failed tenure with Mayawati and BSP where his political hunger to get back in Rajya sabha backfired. Not a single line on this! Some of the personal incidences like passing away of his family members are also not given or truthfully highlighted but that is his personal choice.

This book is a good read to know about Singh saab and his achievements. This book also provides consent on many speculations of yesteryear like Mathai being CIA agent, Manmohan unhappy with Sonia, and so on.

Please do read this book. This is not a remarkable book but it is important book as it throws light on one of the most popular/hated dynasty of the world post world war.

[Abhishek Shekhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't have sky high expectation from this book. But the choice of words and phrases will amaze you for sure. Though a little cliche and sometimes looks like one is reading a diary with no direction on story but then that's how memoirs are. Yes its a memoir only.
Good thing is that you will get a list of old books mentioned here and there which you might consider reading. Author has himself read a lot and has been editor for so many publishers that makes this book roadworthy even though it could have been better. The author and narrator look sound so different one a hero with class and should have rose to Prime Minister the other a loser with false allegations and betrayal.

[Viju · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that I expected much from the book, particularly after reading Not Just An Accountant (which still is the best book I've read that had focused on the UPA 2004-14 era) and The Accidental Prime Minister. But this 'autobiography' turned out to be a pretty damp squib without much enthusiasm. Perhaps it was just written for the sake of being written.

[Sandeep Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Life is not enough is the autobiography of Natwar Singh. The book chronicles the growth of Natwar Singh from privileged princely background to the Ministry of External Affairs and eventual expulsion from the Indian National Congress. With frank conversational language, the book delves deeper into India's relationship with China, Pakistan, US, Africa and UN at different periods of time. The second half is dedicated mostly to the relationship of the Nehru Gandhi family with Indian politics through the lens of Natwar. Natwar is scathing on US policies and Sonia Gandhi's reaction to the Voicker report. The book ends with well preserved letters from various Indian Prime ministers to Natwar Singh. As a person who has worked for every indian Prime minister, directly or indirectly, Mr. Natwar's account is an enthralling journey into evolving Indian democracy.

[Kumar Rishabh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book presents one sided account of the political events at national level and personal opinion on international issues, but it gives a very good account of political development of India and it's democracy since Independence. I suggest this book to all those who are interested in politics of India and open to different viewpoints. At the end - it was a satisfying read.

[Gopi Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating first person stories on international relations from across the globe by one of India's most seasoned and respected diplomats. If life in the foreign services intrigues you, there's enough to keep you glued, especially the middle sections from 1953-1984.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Life is Not Enough (Kindle Edition) by K. Natwar Singh- Autobiography- According to the autobiography, K. Natwar Singh is son of Bharatpur Royal family from Deeg. He was educated in Mayo College, Ajmer, Scindia School, Gwalior, St Stephens College, Delhi. He qualified for Indian Foreign Service and joined in 1953. He remained in service for 31 years. He was posted to China 1953-56, Permanent Mission of India, New York , 1961-66, India’s representative to UNICEF Board, 1962-66, Secretariat of Prime Minister of India 1966. He served as Executive Trustee to United Nations Institute for Training and Research 1981-86. He served as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs from 1982 to 1984. In 1984 he resigned from Indian Foreign service and joined the Indian National Congress Party. He was elected Member of Parliament from Bharatpur constituency. In 1985 he was sworn in as State Minister for Coal and Mines. In 1986, he was sworn as State Minister for External Affairs where he remained up to 1989. In 2004, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he was appointed Minister of External Affairs. He is an insider in Prime Minister’s office from 1966 to 1989. He has described his experiences. In the Book, “No Higher Honour: A Memoirs of my years in Washington: Condoleezza Rice has mentioned that during Pakistan attack on India, she had visited India as a representative of the President of USA for reducing tension in the region and had met K Natwar Singh. Thus, Natwar Singh has been an important Indian person in power. His autobiography could be written in a better manner so as to impress the coming generations about choosing career, difference between newly independent India and developments in 30 years, about his In-laws, the Patiala Royals etc. It is still a good read book.

[Roopinder Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natwar Singh was an IFS officer for over 33 years, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984. After resigning from the service, he became a politician and served in Rajiv Gandhi’s Cabinet. He was the External Affairs Minister in Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet, till he was named in a report on the Iraq oil-for-food scandal in 2005.
He has written many books earlier, but his just-released tell-all account of his life and politics has raised a furore in the Congress circles and in the medial in general. At 83, he has a sharp memory and the perspective of a person who had a ringside view of major events in India. Not as revealing as it is made out to be, the book has interesting perspectives on India’s relationship with China and Sri Lanka. Natwar Singh is a good writer, but this is a book with an agenda of getting even, as well as seeking to vindicate himself.

You can read my interview with Natwar Singh on my website: http://wp.me/p3cqX4-Om

[Himanshu · Rating 3 out of 5]

For all his follies, Natwar Singh has got the title spot on. Serving in various capacities from Nehru's time speaks of the immense amount of history which has unfolded before him. The book is peppered with lot many anecdotes. However one point still baffles me. If Natwar singh was really wronged by Sonia Gandhi in view of Volcker report scandal, his exposé of her corrupt dealings is very very feeble. Is he still expecting some political high offices from congress ?
I do envy his life as an IFS officer. He rubbed shoulders with almost all the important people of his time, the very people about whom I used to read in history books.

At the end I was expecting a more rational assessment of Sonia Gandhi and her legacy but what I got was a feeble protest.

[Sambasivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bureaucrat turned politician writes a political autobiography which is candid, honest and clear and could easily ruffle a few feathers. He comes across as a very highly experienced foreign affairs diplomat thanks to the multiple decades he spent in countries like China, UK and Africa. Good read.

[Swami Narasimhananda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An autobiography, a excellently written prose, and a concise history of major developments of Independent India.

[Sajith Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Television became widespread in India only in the 1980s. Many of us were schoolchildren then, and we were glued to the TV sets, be it showing news, agricultural programs, movie or sports. Thankfully, the choice was easy as we had only the state-run Doordarshan to watch. News on TV meant never ending scenes of ministers inaugurating various projects, attending conferences and foreign visits. Today’s children won’t touch those programs even with a very long pole. But we enjoyed every bit of it, the novelty of seeing the whole world sitting in your room was so exhilarating. One of the familiar faces on TV along with that of Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister, was that of Shri. Natwar Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs. He was very familiar to news watchers and had the glamour of resigning from the prestigious Indian Foreign Service to join politics. There is only one family that counts for anything in the Congress party then as well as now, and he was very close to it. He worked in various diplomatic missions abroad before quitting and joining the cabinet of Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. He produces nice reminiscences of events of those years in this book, which is very attractive to readers on account of its simple yet elegant diction. Readers are assured of a ringside view of what was going on inside the world’s largest democracy’s administration. His style is not humble, by any stretch of the imagination. Singh declares in the prologue that he does not believe in equality – fraternity yes, but no equality. Anyhow, he has succeeded in bringing out a thoroughly useful book for the casual reader.

The book presents a handy sketch of the person and administration of Jawaharlal Nehru. The nation’s first prime minister was also its most intellectual one so far. Having a natural turn to reading and having spent almost a decade in jail during the freedom struggle, Nehru was a very learned man and a voracious reader. But his vast knowledge imparted an air of condescension in his dealings with foreign leaders, and took the form of moralizing on the diplomatic arena. His foreign policy was a damp squib, with the Non-Aligned Group a non-starter because it was a B-team of the USSR. Nehru protested from the roof top when Britain invaded Egypt in 1956 when the Suez Canal was nationalized by them. In that same year, USSR invaded Hungary to crush the protests for democratic reforms and re-imposed the Communist Party’s dictatorship. But this time, Nehru’s tongue was tied. Natwar Singh identifies three blunders committed by Nehru which caused lasting damage to India. He carried the Kashmir issue to the UN Security Council, thereby making it an international dispute. He moved the international body under Chapter 6 of its Charter dealing with disputes, while it should have been filed under Chapter 7, concerned with aggression from a foreign country. In all these vexed issues, Nehru readily accepted the flawed advice offered by Lord Mountbatten, who had a different agenda than that of the Indian government. He was asked to continue as Governor General of free India by Nehru. What prompted him to make this strange request raises several unsavoury questions regarding Nehru’s alleged relationship with Edwina, the Governor General’s wife. Was he trying to prolong the couple’s stay in India at a great cost to national interest? Singh also mentions that what Nehru did immediately after returning from his Chinese visit in 1954 was to apprise Lady Mountbatten (of all people!) about the developments on his visit which might be construed as breach of the oath of secrecy. The miserably lost war with China personally devastated Nehru. Indian army’s humiliating defeat prompted him to accept U.S. military aid. Singh attaches two such letters written by Nehru to President Kennedy, literally begging him to provide military equipment and staff during the war with China. Diehard patriots would find it difficult to read the letters without heartburn. But the single most terrible setback for modern India was his refusal to accept a permanent seat at the UN Security Council when it was offered by the USSR on the ground that only China has the moral right to be there! All such moral postures were flown to the winds when India forcibly liberated Goa from Portuguese control. Western media flayed him for this misdemeanor from one who preaches to the world about what is morally right.

An aristocratic birth in India guarantees connections at the highest levels and and an exalted career. Belonging to a prominent family of Bharatpur, having relationship with royalty and having married the daughter of the Maharajah of Patiala, Natwar Singh was the epitome of the bureaucrat who could talk in private with the prime minister at any time – and to a person no less than Indira Gandhi! She signed as a witness to the author’s marriage and his warm relationship with her aunts ensured Indira’s constant attention on Singh. This was a tricky issue when Emergency was proclaimed in 1975. The book contains passages in which the author, who was in London at that time, speaking out against it. This is far from convincing. The ire he received from the Janata Party leaders, who trounced Congress in the very next election after lifting Emergency, stands in silent testimony to his activities, or at least its perception by opposition leaders. He was shunted to Zambia by the Janata government. Natwar Singh exhibited an attitude bordering on arrogant contempt to Prime Minister Morarji Desai. He ridicules Desai’s eating habits and takes a dig at his drinking habit, which in fact included urine! Singh even refused to introduce his pretty wife to Desai even though the prime minister actually requested it during a friendly talk. Singh’s guilt is mitigated somewhat by the fact that Desai reciprocated his feelings in equal measure. His star shone brightly when Indira returned to power. He resigned from his official post with five years to go for retirement and managed a seat from Indira to contest in the very next parliamentary election. He planned for a Rajya Sabha seat, but the power brokers of Indira got jealous of him and allotted the Bharatpur Lok Sabha seat, his own constituency. He also got decorated with Padma Bhushan when she was in power.

The author is unusually candid towards Rajiv Gandhi at whose cabinet he served as a minister of state. Every stage of Rajiv’s disastrous Sri Lanka policy is outlined in clear detail, including India’s open consultations with LTTE and its leader V. Prabhakaran. Rajiv pay rolled LTTE which finally took his life. We see Rajiv as a weak administrator after 1987 when he feigned ignorance of Operation Brasstacks which was the largest military exercise held very close to the Pak border. He even asked the author whether India would go to war with Pakistan, reflecting a clear lack of understanding of what’s going on. Singh blames the coterie that surrounded Rajiv for what took place, but falls short of directly naming them. They are described as three ignoramuses with inflated egos, one a socialist, one inept political wheeler-dealer and the third a meddling nuisance (p.275). But watchful readers need only turn to p.234-35 to get their names as M L Fotedar, Arun Singh and Arun Nehru. The author could have saved the trouble.

Natwar Singh fell from grace in 2005 while serving at the pinnacle of his career as India’s external affairs minister. His name appeared in a UN report that exposed the corrupt deals made by Saddam Hussein of Iraq as part of the Oil for Food Programme implemented by UN. Congress party asked for resignation which transformed the author to a ferocious, wounded tiger. He attacks each and every person who asked him to step down, even though they were only sacking a tainted colleague. He flays Manmohan Singh as a decent though spineless man, who never stands up for his colleagues (p.322). Natwar Singh owes his cabinet berth to Sonia Gandhi, but she suddenly becomes persona non grata as ‘exercising power without responsibility and indulging in backseat driving’. Paul Volcker, the former chairman of U.S. Federal Reserve who drafted the UN report that indicted Singh is said to be biased. Even Justice R S Pathak, who investigated the case, is not spared, as the author alleges Pathak’s father to have approached him twenty years back with a request for a job in the International Court of Justice. The allegations are directionless and much mudslinging is done by the author who is infuriated at the prospect of being called corrupt.

Having a wide experience in book reviews and an avid reader himself, Singh identifies understatement, restraint and objectivity to have a paralyzing effect on an autobiography. True to the norm, it should as subjective as it could be. Two halves are clearly discernible in the text. The half that ends with his becoming a minister is witty, having many anecdotes and down to earth observations. But the latter half is in stark contrast to this. The author seems to have lost his grip on humour the moment he took the oath of office as a minister. Here, it takes on the appearance of a diary, with dry recordings of happenings. Verbatim accounts of speeches and meetings make this half more lackluster. The book boasts a good index and a number of colour plates. A chronology of events would be a nice addition to the second edition.

The book is highly recommended.

[Abhijeet Aanand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is brutally honest and straight from the heart.
I am not really a big fan of autobiographies but somehow, decided to give it a try primarily because this one was coming from a veteran diplomat turned politician. Diplomats seem to be an altogether different breed of people to me and my fascination for knowing more about a diplomat's life was an instant turn on for trying this one out. Beginning on a slow note, things pick up pace when he joins Foreign Service and begins his career with a stint in Mao's China. The chapters dealing with various diplomatic assignments are full of anecdotes and serve as an interesting read especially the ones dealing with postings in Zambia and Pakistan under Zia-ul-Haq.
One of the things which makes this book stand out is its vivid description of various events which have carved a place for themselves in history. Having dealt with most of the popular leaders of his time, the author tries his best to do a comprehensive assessment of their personalities and their style of politics.
Being somebody who has been closely associated with Nehru-Gandhi family, K. Natwar Singh has not shied away from disclosing a lot of facts which might be deemed controversial in the long run. His experiences under J.L. Nehru and Indira Gandhi have found significant representation in this text. In spite of his attempts to conceal his dislike for Sonia Gandhi, it does find expression in later parts of the book particularly in chapters dealing with Volcker controversy and its aftermath. Being a first hand witness to power dynamics operating behind curtains, his autobiography is a treat for anybody who has a keen interest in politics and international relations.
Being somebody who is generous with ratings, I won't mind giving it a 4/5 primarily for its apparent candidness and straight-forward portrayal of life under the eyes of a veteran diplomat.

[Aashish Satyajith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up on this book. Too much politics in it to be an enjoyable read.

The first thing that immediately strikes you is the kind of network being a diplomat can get you access to. The second thing that strikes you is the kind of politics people play to stay there. Everything, even seemingly simple gestures, has a hidden meaning to it. Reading too much in between the lines till you can dig no further is a matter of survival than choice. You'd think if all these diplomats spent time working towards making India better, she would be in a much better position than she is today.

I'm reminded of someone having said something along the lines of the top bureaucrats in India being like sports cars stuck in a traffic jam; individually they're all very capable and whatnot, but put them together and they're locked in. This book makes all the case for it. That Singh has added in his personal opinions (it's his book after all) doesn't help either.

If you're interested in gossips, politics and scandals and have a taste for Indian history, then this could be a book for you. Otherwise, it might be better to spend your time on something else.

[Ritesh Randhir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemingly seemed like a perfect package of post-independent political history as well as key insights into the functioning of bureaucracy and at that External Affairs but it soon veered into the self-righteous advocacy of his political tenure. Particularly the ‘Volckar report’ episode. A hardcore Nehruvite and at that a loyal congressman to have worked with Nehru, Indira, Rajeev, Sonia and later with Manmohan Singh, Natwar Singh’s scathing attack on Congress’s foreign policy, economic crisis and his witch-hunt over the Volckar report appears like a personal one. Goes on to call Sonia several names and calls Manmohan Singh a decent man but doesn’t absolve him by instantly calling him spineless. The book seems overtly pompous and narcissistic at many junctures where he is more interested in what he had to say to giants like Putin and how it made them laugh as opposed to historical facts and their analysis and the making of policies. My general dislike for bureaucrats’ autobiographies stems from the fact they cry over things bygone even to the extent of backbiting the ones living or dead. This one’s sadly no exception.

[Aman Vyas · Rating 3 out of 5]

K. Natwar Singh's autobiography, "One Life Is Not Enough," offers a glimpse into the life of a career diplomat and politician. The book chronicles his journey from a privileged background to the halls of power. There's undeniable value in Singh's firsthand perspective on major events in Indian politics.

However, the narrative stumbles at times. The constant self-praise can grow wearisome. Singh seems reluctant to take responsibility for failures, often deflecting blame or portraying himself as a dissenting voice unheard. This is particularly evident in his contradictory views on economic reforms. He criticizes P.V. Narasimha Rao's policies, yet acknowledges India's subsequent economic emergence.

The portrayal of his relationship with Sonia Gandhi is also curious. Singh appears to position himself as a confidante, even a charmer, yet seems surprised and even resentful when she takes a more prominent role.

Overall, "One Life Is Not Enough" is an informative read for those interested in Indian politics. However, readers should be prepared for a one-sided perspective and a hefty dose of self-importance.

[Mmaitra · Rating 1 out of 5]

One line of summary is not enough to describe how below average the book is.

According to Natwarsinghji there are only two heroes on National stage of independent India at any point of time its either him or one of the member of Nehru Gandhi scion. Typical dynastic political thinking is reflecting in the book, like typical congressman he has never given a thought that why total inexperienced Sonia/Rajeev should be running the country and why P.V.Narsimharao should need pay attention Sonias opinion about changing economic policies of India. He doesnt like P.V. Narsimha Rao or being independent PM and doesn't like Dr.Singh for being Sonia's puppet seems he wanted role for himself but didnt get it so venting out frustration via book. And writing style is also below average, it seems that I am reading someones diary where random thoughts are penned with no clarity of vision.

[Shireesh Pareek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very brilliantly written record of life and times of a person from a princely state who rose to become an IFS officer and a politician upon voluntary retirement from the services.
The books deals with the life of Mr. K. Natwar Singh,his family,his parents, his time at Mayo and Schindia School,his joining the IFS and later on becoming a minister belonging to INC. His working under Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru,Smt. Indira Gandhi, Sh. Rajiv Gandhi, Sh. P.V. Narsimha Rao, Sh. Manmohan Singh and the rise of Smt. Sonia Gandhi.
The time spent by him in various countries and friends he made there,his love for books, writing book reviews in leading dailies of the time.
The book also deals with the Volcker Report, how INC disowned him, his resignation from the party and ministership.
A very inciting autobiography by a bureaucrat turned politician who never compromised his honour and dignity, a trait which is uncommon in the gallaries of power.

[Pankaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not have high expectations and was not disappointed. A career diplomat and a politician to boot, Natwar Singh is circumspect in how he narrates his life stories. I am astounded that his wife Hem does not feature in the latter part of his life, nor does his beloved son Jagat's late wife, who was found dead (/murdered? according to some select uncharitable sources) in Hyatt Regency Hotel, Delhi.

Natwar on doubt was an important member of the IFS and MEA and was closely associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family until being turfed by Sonia. However, he makes it appear as if all the Prime Ministers and other dramatis personae on the global stage relied on Mr. Natwar Singh's analyses and astute recommendations to help resolve or influence policies, strategies and world affairs. He has presented his side of the story eloquently and in a pithy tone.

He remained a strong personality until the very end. May he rest now in peace.

[Shreyas Raj · Rating 3 out of 5]

ABOUT THE PERSON: A man who should be known for his literary sense, taste in books, richness in acquaintances around the globe, his years in diplomacy(Zambia and Pakistan specially), his uprightness during Janata govt, is often projected as a Scamster in 'Oil-for-Food ' scheme. We don't exactly know how much he or the congress party have benefited from scheme but in a country so deep-filled with corruption, he should be known for more than an alleged corruption. In my opinion, Life would be easier for him if he had quit politics to chase his personal interests instead of a rebellion against PVNR.



ABOUT THE BOOK: A life worth reading, You will be suprised to see his contacts across the streams!
He should have been more critical of Indira for emergency years, more vocal about 1984 riots, written more about the dyarchy concerning Manmohan Singh.

[Janakan Manivannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very much looking forward to read this book as Mr.Natwar Singhs case is a classic example of a political rollercoaster with Machiavellian underpinnings. His proximity to Nehru family and his part in various important turns the country took with Indira and Rajiv as steerers . yet the book falls short of expectations and his revealations are not even eye catching , if notthe earth shattering it was expected to be. the best part are his years as Ifs officer and his encounters with lion of Juda, Kaunda , Zia ul haq. don't miss the Nam, Chogm parts too. His views on Sonia are abruptly prejudiced and had a misogynistic tone.The latter part of the book is filled with indignant tales , and Natwar starts griping everyone around him. A one time read for Modern India followers.

[Vijay Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very good account of a diplomat and gives a fair amount of insight on how diplomacies are dealt with. It's a very interesting read. From one perspective it gives the entire history of post independence India. Natwar ji was associated with many important events.

The most spicy chapter was on Volcker Conspiracy. He attempted to prove his innocence in that and mentioned how he was hounded and made a scapegoat. We could see his pain in the chapter.

The book which sheds light on how Sonia is the only dictator in Congress!! Not even a leaf moves without her consent in Congress ecosystem.

Overall I would recommend this book for anyone who likes autobiographies, wants to explore what happens inside in closed door meetings of diplomats and likes political gossip.

[Geetha Krishna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives a broader perspective of his diplomatic and political career. His writing style is straightforward, not too dramatic and witty. I was impressed with his work ethics and the balance he strike between steadfastness and exhibiting diplomacy, I found the first 100 pages of book bit boring, fails to capture readers interest, but it picks up the pace with his 1st assignment in china. You can understand the typical functioning of diplomat, the dilemma he undergoes and throws some light on volker crisis which allegedly tainted the image of natwar. His acrid tone on sonia gandhi, his working and personal relation with Gandhi family is worth reading.

[Omkar2510 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natwar Singh’s autobiography ‘One Life is not enough’ created a sensation on the eve of the General Elections 2014. The news of the book spread like wildfire, primarily because it exposed the chinks in the armour of Manmohan Singh’s unauthoritative regime and the influence Ms Sonia Gandhi wielded over him.
The autobiography is primarily divided into three sections: His childhood, IFS travails and Political filght.
The author has colored a vivid picture of the erstwhile princely state of bharatpur, its eccentric king and his memories in this regard. A great deal of recollections, humorous and otherwise captures the reader’s attention. First brush with authority was caused due to him hanging a poster of Mahatma in his dorm room, in turn irking the imperialistic Principal Stow, mentions Natwar Singh. Another time, he along with his friend Badan Singh planned and successfully executed an escapade from Scindia School, landed in hometown Bharatpur, only to be beaten up by his father and Maharaja and sent back. The Early year’s section ends with him graduating with flying colours from St. Stephens and his joining Corpus Christi College, Cambride.
His years and reminisces of his diplomatic experience are multifaceted and multicolored. It provides an in depth, behind closed doors, record of several crucial events in India’s independent history. His close relations with the Nehru-Gandhi family are quite evident from various instances. There are several mentions of Krishna Hutheesingh, Nehru’s sisters and his family’s proximity to her. Natwar Singh describes the events culminating into the Sino-Indian War in great detail. If the instances mentioned are taken as gospel, then it reveals a National Security breach committed by Pandit Nehru, as he had mentioned key aspects of the Sino-Indian talks to Edwina Mountbatten. Such kind of an exchange between a constitutional dignitary and a commoner is highly vile and unacceptable. Natwar Singh’s Diplomatic years also contributed to his literary development. It is during these years he came across numerous well-published authors and also authored several book. The author has described his friendship with E.M. Forester, author of the well-known literary phenomenon ‘A Passage to India.’ The parts mentioning the largely unknown side of public figures of International recognition like Mao Tse Tung, General Zia-Ul-Haq is engaging. Experiences based on his diplomatic expedition to China clear the stagnant of the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Natwar Singh describes the events culminating into the Sino-Indian War in great detail. If the instances mentioned are taken as gospel, then it reveals a serious National Security breach committed by Pandit Nehru, as he had mentioned key aspects of the Sino-Indian talks to Edwina Mountbatten. Author also sheds some light on the work done by him as a member of the United Nations’ committee on decolonization, and the politics of the UN. Recognition knocked his door when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984 for his exemplary effort in organizing the Non Aligned Moment Summit (NAM) and the Commonwealth Heads Summit(He was appointed by PM Indira Gandhi). The Diplomatic travelogues are by far the most engaging part of the autobiography.
The third and the last part of the autobiography mentions his development as a politician. Natwar Singh resigned from IFS in 1984 toward the end of the Indira years, and successfully contested form the Bharatpur Constituency after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. As a minister in the Rajiv Gandhi Government, Natwar Singh delves into various details describing his experiences in the Ministry of Steel and then Ministry of Fertilizers, which are quite average. The book quite aptly describes the flaws of the Rajiv Gandhi Government. Natwar Singh mentions that Rajiv Gandhi’s lack of experience and his think-tank’s misleading directions spelled doom and sent them packing in the very next General Election. Rajiv Gandhi’s decision to drop food supplies over Sri Lanka, howsoever compassionate it may be, the same was a serious violation of the International law and a sovereign country’s airspace. Thus it can be rightly concluded that Governments can seldom be run by charisma alone. Proactive planning and politically right decision making is of supreme importance. Much of the concluding parts are more of Memoirs than an autobiography. It’s also revealed by Natwar Singh, that he played a pivotal role in the early years of Sonia Gandhi in Indian politics, for which he was duly rewarded by being made the Minister for External Affairs in 2004. He was Man Friday for the Sonia Gandhi and her government for years. Disaster struck and things went haywire after the publication of the Volcker Report accusing him of benefiting from the Oil-For-Food Program with Iraq. Much of the later part of the book is full of clarifications, accusations and allegations. Natwar Singh describes the troubles faced by him and his family in the years following the Volcker Conspiracy.
Primary plus point of the book is its lucid language. Natwar Singh’s command over the language is flawless. However, the book is written as a collection of recollections. This has led to several repetitive instances in the later parts of the book. Had it been written in a chronological sequence, the same would have been averted.
The Shocking revelations, Election fever, coupled with the perfect timing for its launch surely takes the readers by surprise.

[m n gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an apolitical person, I reluctantly got this book on kindle unlimited. Pleasantly surprised. Very readable, some interesting details about events and persons from that era. An excellent read, one of the best autobiographies I have read. However, editing is poor, even I would have done a better job. The book borrows material from his other books/articles perhaps and the editor has been either incompetent or just lazy to take care that repetition is edited out to create a more seamless reading experience.

[Yuvaraj Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read if you are interested in the Congress party and it's inner circle dynamics. Natwar Singh is an institution of Indian Politics closely connected to the power center since Indira Gandhi days. You get to learn quite a bit of dynamics between external affairs ministry and IFS officers. You get to see Rajiv Gandhi up close, Sonia Gandhi up close. He comes across as a true patriot through the book. Memorable quotes "In the modern world, the economic policy takes precedence over foreign policy. This is a fundamental change in the way the world is moving today.”

[Arjun · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good first person insight into Indian foreign policy. The 47-91 period has been explained quiet well and the book brings about some good insights . The author also sheds some light on the inner workings of UN; this book is entertaining and partly alludes to the reasons that caused the downward trajectory of a once illustrious party. Yet, the author sometimes fawns over his wonder years which can be a put off. What is visible is also a certain sense of entitlement and disappointment while the author lashes out while narrating his fall-out with the President of the grand-old party of India.

[Naresh Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

One must not forget how powerful the pen is rather then voice, I special read this book as I am very interested about the foriegn services strategic affairs, diplomatic life e.t.c, some chapters gives you a very good inputs. However, I felt to him only Nehru is national hero of Independent india. About the volcker scam there is always of three sides for the story Defendent, opposite and the truth. I felt the title is not apt for the consent of book. He opposed P V's individual strategies on economic affairs he wishes to respect his individual strategies on Foreign affairs.