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Kamaraj: The Life and Times of K. Kamaraj
To many, Kumarasami Kamaraj’s story is the stuff of legends. His political career afforded him many roles, and he is recognized till today for his accomplishments as a freedom fighter, Congress party boss, chief minister, national leader, kingmaker and opposition leader.Of his many achievements, the ones that Kamaraj is remembered most for are bringing school education to millions of the rural poor by introducing free education and the free Midday Meal Scheme during his tenure as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, and the role he played in bringing to power as prime minister first Lal Bahadur Shastri and later Indira Gandhi.Known for his integrity and his modesty in conduct, Kamaraj exercised his political power for the benefit of the masses and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1976. Dealing with significant phases of Kamaraj’s life, Bala Jeyaraman explains his actions in a larger historical context.A concise yet comprehensive biography, this book unravels for the reader the story of this exceptional visionary and leader.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 23, 2015
K. Kamaraj (born as Kamatchi Raja 112 years before):
Before taking up this book I had only the minimal information on this great leader, only what the election campaigns touring near my area announce during regional elections - catchy phrases like 'karunai veerar kamaraj' (benevolent leader Kamaraj), 'kalvi kan thirandha kamaraj' (Kamaraj - who opened the eyes of education), 'rama rajiyam alitha kamaraj' (Kamaraj who who ruled like lord Ram) etc., which seemed too filmy to be true. However at the close of this incredible book I am fully convinced that each of those slogans to be true.
Kamaraj was (and is) perhaps the most successful, honest, capable and visionary Chief Minister (and efficient administrator) which Tamilnadu (1954-1963) has ever seen is the brilliant conclusion which this book leads to. The fact that he voluntarily resigned from his position as CM (1963 - at the height of his power) for sake of his party and stability in the centre goes to establish this unpolitical politician.
The author himself sums up aptly - The greatest legacy left by this immortal leader is neither his success as CM of TN or as the kingmaker of PMs, but rather the fact that he can be (and is) used as an example of an honest,efficient politician without any pedigree for inspiring today's generation, which has grown cynical about politics in general.
Mr. Bala can congratulate himself on a job well done for the awesome execution of this book. The writing is very sleek, smooth, short, relevant and most importantly captures background information well in the foot notes.
All the chapter are given very accurate and appropriate titles (chapters - A Game of Thrones and Outwitting the Fox were my favorites). The timeline given at the end of the book and the footnote link to the youtube film on Kamaraj (2004) were icings on this delicious cake.
Thanks to Mr. Bala for writing on this truly exceptional political legend.
November 29, 2024
4.5/5. Growing up listening this man's legendary stories from my father - his humility, simplicity, and dedication to the people.The King Maker whom appointed 2 PM's of Indian & 3 CM's of Tamil Nadu.
Despite having no formal education, he rose to become one of India's most respected leaders, known for his visionary schemes like free education and mid-day meals which millions of people benefited from it and until now Tamilnadu is one of the states with highest literacy rate because of it.
In the midst of torns, he was playing game of thrones. His leadership remembers me a goute of Itachi from Naruto,"Becoming The Hokage (leader) Doesn't Mean People Will Acknowledge You. But When The People Acknowledge You, You Can Become Hokage"
He was great administrator which all of India's main leaders was dependent on him at that time. "Agattum parthukalam" was hallmark of his administration.
Despite having no formal education, he rose to become one of India's most respected leaders, known for his visionary schemes like free education and mid-day meals which millions of people benefited from it and until now Tamilnadu is one of the states with highest literacy rate because of it.
In the midst of torns, he was playing game of thrones. His leadership remembers me a goute of Itachi from Naruto,"Becoming The Hokage (leader) Doesn't Mean People Will Acknowledge You. But When The People Acknowledge You, You Can Become Hokage"
He was great administrator which all of India's main leaders was dependent on him at that time. "Agattum parthukalam" was hallmark of his administration.
July 2, 2021
In Tamil Nadu -- Walk into any department store, grocery store, one might come across a picture of Kamarajar.
One might, wonder -- Why, people use his picture in Tamil Nadu?
Kamaraj lived a simple life, never married.
He did not have high-flung degrees, nor cared about sophisticated conversation.
Educated Class might lampoon him as uneducated, illiterate.
Unfortunately, he proved otherwise.
He could have been, the Prime Minister of India in 1964 -- he turned it down.
The Book is close to 100 page, packed concisely a high-level overview of his life.
I would recommend this to anyone, who is interested in Tamil Nadu, Political History.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
One might, wonder -- Why, people use his picture in Tamil Nadu?
Kamaraj lived a simple life, never married.
He did not have high-flung degrees, nor cared about sophisticated conversation.
Educated Class might lampoon him as uneducated, illiterate.
Unfortunately, he proved otherwise.
He could have been, the Prime Minister of India in 1964 -- he turned it down.
The Book is close to 100 page, packed concisely a high-level overview of his life.
I would recommend this to anyone, who is interested in Tamil Nadu, Political History.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
February 20, 2019
Good read.
A must read book to understand the life and times of Kamaraj in short and sweet way. Also the one can understand the early politics of the madras state and reasons for Dmk rise and congress fall in the state of Tamil nadu. The life and times of kamaraj and his rule over the state emphasize the fact that you can do good governance if the leader's heart and mind are in right space. Hope such leaders are born in greater numbers in our states and country
A must read book to understand the life and times of Kamaraj in short and sweet way. Also the one can understand the early politics of the madras state and reasons for Dmk rise and congress fall in the state of Tamil nadu. The life and times of kamaraj and his rule over the state emphasize the fact that you can do good governance if the leader's heart and mind are in right space. Hope such leaders are born in greater numbers in our states and country
March 11, 2019
Too much info on small book hence legacy is lost
The book is of more politics and groupism/faction in congress. Yes it talks about kingmaker skills but on high level. The author tried to cover lot of info in short book because of which he covered lot of info in a overview fasion. I expected lot from thid book but hugr disappointment.
The book is of more politics and groupism/faction in congress. Yes it talks about kingmaker skills but on high level. The author tried to cover lot of info in short book because of which he covered lot of info in a overview fasion. I expected lot from thid book but hugr disappointment.
August 29, 2020
It gives a very concise look into Thiru. Kamaraj's life. But it is very informative. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why Kamarajar is so adored in Tamil Nadu till now. From making education accessible to sowing the seeds for an industrialised TN, he has done a lot.
January 10, 2019
Read to start
Nice fast track read but more description regarding some events like riots, and case to case basis of industry set up was needed
Nice fast track read but more description regarding some events like riots, and case to case basis of industry set up was needed
June 17, 2020
Interesting book
December 2, 2020
A good overall review of the Congress leader that covers his success succinctly
February 22, 2022
Awesome book!
Awesome book! It did talk about the positives and negatives of the king maker. In the whole he was a great person and contributed enough for the state.
Awesome book! It did talk about the positives and negatives of the king maker. In the whole he was a great person and contributed enough for the state.
June 3, 2024
Well-written and easily digestable biography of one of India's most prominent politicians.
May 16, 2018
This Book "KAMARAJ THE AND TIMES OF K.KAMARAJ" written by BALA JEYARAMAN, is really a good book for one who wants to know the life and legacy of the King Maker from Tamil nadu. The author has done a deep study before writing this book, shows his word with the references and connectivity to the history. One can read this book, if he or she wants a unbiased unabated view of the Life of this Black Gandhi who was known for his simplicity, honesty, discipline, principle, love for his people. This politician leaves a clear stain on the shirts of the modern cynical politicians with his way of life and hunger to serve the people. This author has shown us a wide range of image of the Leader apart from the usual anecdotes about the leader and written purely based on facts.
I personally will always suggest every Indian to look for this book to know more about the unsung heroes of South being deliberately erased out of history while falsely praising only the Leaders from the north. And also will be an inspiring biography for this generation, proving them wrong having a wide belief that Politicians can only be Cynical.
I personally will always suggest every Indian to look for this book to know more about the unsung heroes of South being deliberately erased out of history while falsely praising only the Leaders from the north. And also will be an inspiring biography for this generation, proving them wrong having a wide belief that Politicians can only be Cynical.
November 28, 2019
A nice biography of a man who was not known beyond South India. The book highlights his simplicity and his organizational capabilities.
He is famous for being the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, but the fact that he was a long term Congress party member who was looked up to for solving internal strife is lost on most people. Many do not know or appreciate this facet of his.
One cannot but end up admiring this map after reading this book. It is definitely not a panegyric to the man neither an ode, but a simple description of the facts which lends a lot of credibility to the book.
Do read to get an insight into one of the better politicians in the Indian politics.
He is famous for being the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, but the fact that he was a long term Congress party member who was looked up to for solving internal strife is lost on most people. Many do not know or appreciate this facet of his.
One cannot but end up admiring this map after reading this book. It is definitely not a panegyric to the man neither an ode, but a simple description of the facts which lends a lot of credibility to the book.
Do read to get an insight into one of the better politicians in the Indian politics.
March 23, 2019
Very short biography of the famous Tamil leader. Written by a self-professed admirer this still doesn't lapse into a full-blown hagiography. Very notable for the machination of Rajaji in circumventing the results of the 1952 elections and ensuring a Congress govt in the Madra Presidency even though Congress didn't have a majority of MLAs in the state, set the ground for things to come.
August 25, 2023
Tamil Nadu is still banking on the outcomes of his pragmatic ingenuity for its development. The book highlights those aspects of 'Kamaraj Aatchi'.
In the background, the book also presents the machiavellian character in Indian politics during his time.
To the point political narration. No exaggerations. No idealization.
In the background, the book also presents the machiavellian character in Indian politics during his time.
To the point political narration. No exaggerations. No idealization.
December 18, 2015
A book of 100+ pages. Too short to qualify as a book.
Doesn't do justice to the Man
Doesn't do justice to the Man
December 13, 2018
Best book which changed my life
February 3, 2020
Excellent book !
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews