लोक माझे सांगाती

by Sharad Pawar

Lok Maze Sangatee is the official political autobiography of one of India's most experienced and influential political leaders - Shri. Sharad Pawar. The book is a rich, insightful and remarkably frank memoir and a valuable document of the country's recent political history. Sharad Pawar is one of India's key public figures. Through his five- decade-long career, during which he has never lost an election, he has served as chief minister of Maharashtra four times and as India's defence minister and minister for agriculture. On two occasions he came close to becoming the country's prime minister. He has often bucked the trend, preferring policy and pragmatism over populism, and won admiration for his administrative acumen and consensual politics. Eyewitness-at the highest levels-to India's and Maharashtra's history since the 1960s, he shares in this memoir his reflections on coalition politics, the loss of democracy in the Congress Party (with which he began his political life), the state of agriculture and industry in the country, and the absolute necessity of social harmony and a liberal, inclusive ethos for India's future. As he does this, he also gives us rare information about many crises and turning points: Emergency and its impact on national and regional politics; the fall of the Chandrashekhar government in 1991; the signing of the Punjab Accord between Rajiv Gandhi and H.S. Longowal; the Babri Masjid demolition; the Mumbai bomb blasts of 1993; the devastating earthquake in Latur; the controversy over the Enron power project; and Sonia Gandhi's dramatic decision to give up the chance to occupy the country's highest office. Throughout, the narrative also contains candid and fascinating assessments of some of the biggest names in Indian politics, among them, Indira, Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, Y.B. Chavan, Morarji Desai, Biju Patnaik, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chandrashekhar, P.V. Narasimha Rao, George Fernandes and Bal Thackeray.

Genres: Biography, Politics, Marathi, Autobiography, India

388 pages, Paperback

About the author

Sharad Govindrao Pawar (born 12 December 1940) is an Indian politician who serves as the president of the Nationalist Congress Party which he founded in 1999, after separating from the Indian National Congress. He previously served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on three separate occasions and held the posts of Minister of Defence and Minister of Agriculture in the Government of India. Pawar hails from the town of Baramati in the Pune district of Maharashtra. He is a member of the Rajya Sabha where he leads the NCP delegation. He holds a position of prominence in national politics as well as the regional politics of Maharashtra.

Reviews

[Pankaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sharad Pawar is one of the most famous Politicians in Maharashtra, for good reasons and bad ones. Good because he has done some good work in his constituency Baramati and Marathwada, and bad ones because he crops up almost in nearly all the surveys as one of the most corrupt and richest Politicians in India.
I was interested to read the book, because there are not many books written or about Politicians from my state Maharashtra. The book is nicely written and chronicles his journey. The problem is you get to know only one perspective. In my opinion, there will be so many layers to this stalwart, you just keep asking for more. For eg, he was the Union Agricultural Minister in UPA from 2004 to 2015, for 10 Years. I was interested in what work he did to improve the lives of farmers, may be some statistics or something. Not much was written on this.
The thing which i highly admire is that he stood up to the Gandhis, and had the audacity to break away with the Congress and not stood silent or boot licked like many others at that time.
I still have this notion that a lot can be written on the life and works of this Stalwart.

[Ayushdhawale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Anyone who is interested in politics about a man who came from a non political background and achieved greatest heights in Maharashtra Government as well as in the Indian Political Scene should read this book. The story is well written and kept me hooked until the end. Would recommend.

[Ajit Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

महाराष्ट्र आणि पर्यायाने भारताच्या राजकीय क्षेत्रात ज्यांनी आपल्या कर्तृत्वाच्या जोरावर अवीट अशी छाप पाडली त्या शरद पवारांची राजकीय आत्मकथा म्हणजे 'लोक माझे सांगाती'.
यशवंतराव चव्हाण यांचा राजकीय वारसा शरद पवार यांना लाभला, त्यामुळे अगदी कमी वयात राज्यव्यापी नेते बनले.
महाराष्ट्राचे आणि देशातील सर्वात तरुण मुख्यमंत्री हा लौकिक त्यांनी वयाच्या अवघ्या 38व्या वर्षी मिळवला.
आपल्या प्रभावी प्रशासकीय आणि राजकीय कौशल्याची चुणूक दाखवण्याची नामी संधी मुंबई बॉम्बस्फोट आणि किल्लारी भूकंपाच्या घटनेने दिली, ही आव्हाने शरद पवारांनी अभूतपूर्व कामगिरीने लीलया पेलली आणि महाराष्ट्रात आपल्या नेतृत्वावर शिक्का मारला.
कॉंग्रेस पक्षातील निलंबनानंतर राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाची निर्मिती, युपीए सरकारच्या 10 वर्षाच्या काळात कृषी, अन्न व नागरी पुरवठा मंत्री म्हणून ऐतिहासिक कामगिरी.
याच काळात भारताची प्रमुख अन्नधान्य खरेदीदार देश ते पुरवठादार अशी झालेली वाटचाल 'कृषीक्षेत्राची पुनपेरणी' या भागात विस्तृतपणे सांगितली आहे.
जी वादग्रस्त प्रकरणे, आरोप शरद पवारांभोवती फिरतात त्यांचही विश्लेषण या आत्मकथेच्या माध्यमातून त्यांनी केलय.
आपल्या व्यक्तिमत्त्वाच्या उभारणीत ज्या सहकार्यांचा
वाटा आहे त्यात त्यांचा 45 वर्षांपासूनचा ङ्रायव्हर गामाचा देखील एका विस्तृत लेखाने उल्लेख केला आहे.
एकंदरीत हे पुस्तक वाचल्यानंतर शरद पवार केवळ राजकारणापुरते न राहता बहुआयामी वाटतात.
You Love him or hate, he is having guts.

[Rahul Gurav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had started reading this book little hesitantly, as it is a political autobiography but once I proceed through its chapters I was overwhelmed. It's a well written books which draws accurate and subtle analysis of political history of Congress and in particular development in Maharashtra. Very informative and insightful, especially topics on Enron project, lavasa, cricket associations in Mumbai, cooperative movements in Maharashtra. Points out 'Congress System of Politics in India' , Growth of hero worshipping cults within politics after 1970, Janata dal and subsequent rise of regional parties.
Pawar as an administrator wins the heart, may be it's aftermath of Bombay bomb blast or Cricket elections.
Agriculture and baramati pattern of development is close to heart of Pawar, that too written in very simple and lucid language.
Yet, I liked last chapter which draws upon current happening in our political and social system Pawar's adherence to democracy is resonated.
Lastly, Though Pawar touches on very different topics throughout this book, it's really hard to understand Sharad Pawar like his politics.

[Sameer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing journey of this Maratha stalwart, well drafted. Although I think it was an attempt to touch the controversial part of his career majorly. The deeds glorified and the fallbacks undermined to explain "It was not me".

However it describes some events very well although would have been interesting to touch base on critical things on 3rd Alliance, formation of NCP and its National presence, Ajit Pawar and Political future and rivalry in house.

[Saurabh Patki · Rating 4 out of 5]

essential read for anyone who follows politics..appropriately paced..it gives a insight into sharad pawar's views abt India ,agriculture sector,his political journey and peers.the book shows y he is unique not only in state but politics at centre

[Mahibub Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small chapters are nice to read.

[पै.चेतन गायकवाड]

Saheb

[Conrad Barwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as bad as one would think, given the author's history. Full of the usual justifications and favourable self-editing but one has to expect that from a politician.

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power - An Insightful Autobiography

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power by Sharad Pawar is an autobiographical account that offers readers a glimpse into the political life of one of India's prominent leaders. Pawar's journey from the grassroots to the corridors of power is indeed a story worth telling, but this book, when compared to contemporary political memoirs, falls somewhat short of expectations.

Pawar's narrative takes readers through his early years and the development of his political career. The book explores his rise through the ranks, his experiences in various political roles, and the challenges he faced along the way. For readers interested in Indian politics and Sharad Pawar's life, the book provides valuable insights and behind-the-scenes stories.

One of the strengths of this autobiography is the firsthand perspective it offers on significant political events and decisions in India. Pawar's accounts of his interactions with other political leaders and his role in shaping key policies are enlightening. However, the book lacks a deeper exploration of the political and social contexts of the time, which would have added more context to his experiences.

Comparatively, when measured against contemporary political memoirs, "On My Terms" doesn't stand out as exceptionally engaging or introspective. The writing is functional but lacks the emotional depth and introspection found in some other autobiographies of political figures. It often reads as a chronological account of events rather than a reflective narrative.

Character development, which is a critical aspect of any memoir, is somewhat lacking. While Pawar does touch upon his personal journey, his motivations, and his decision-making processes, a more introspective approach would have made the narrative more relatable and compelling for readers, especially those unfamiliar with Indian politics.

Ultimately, "On My Terms" offers valuable insights into Sharad Pawar's political life and contributions. However, it falls short of being an exceptional political memoir due to its relatively straightforward and chronological style, which lacks the depth and introspection found in some of its contemporaries. Readers with a keen interest in Indian politics may find the book worth exploring, but for a broader audience, it may not have the same universal appeal as some other political autobiographies.

[Sparsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sharad Pawar - The man who rose from grassroots to the corridors of power.
I have read this book in 2020, and In 2019 we saw a major shift occurring in Maharashtra politics. It was something which has given life to diminishing power of NCP and congress. It was this reason I was interested in reading his book, not because I was inspired by him but how the mind of such a person works.
While growing up we often used to hear about Sharad Pawar being the richest politicians of world Or India or he has the highest black money which further were cleared by him. I’m glad to know he has heard of them too and issued a clarification. Also he signifies another grave allegation of supporting Dawood which he refutes and of sheltering gangster politicians. He has also commented upon his role In land mafia which also he terms as a fallacy and the Lavasa project.
Overall as a person I find him a good leader from the ground who knew peoples problem but Also a great opportunist who when given a chance could betray anyone even the very people who gave him the chance to reach at high level initially. He was a good administrator and his stand against Sonia Gandhi origins is appreciable but then again being a opportunist leader he formed a coalition with congress.
In his last pages he mentions about how he supported BJP in 2014 to form a government in state without Shiv Sena which created a rift between them. It was this rift which he capitalised in 2019 elections and formed a govt in Maharashtra.
The book could had been more better if it would had progressed year wise or phase wises. Above all I found Sharad Pawar as an opportunist who given chance would trade on for anything.

[Gaurav Lele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was only the second Autobiography I have read and I enjoyed it a lot.
Naturally no one should expect any autobiography to be frank and thorough, much more so incase of the autobiography being of an active politician.

Mr Pawar's vision for development which often doesn't get discussed gets due credit in the book. His putting his ideological commitment over electoral gains in the "Namantar" controversy, speech on Women's rights and the anger at the Dabhol-Enron project stood out of the book for me.
His lack of explanations for his miscalculations (like supporting Sonia Gandhi in 90s), corruption allegations sticks out like a sore thumb. His (now) wrong predictions post 2015 and somewhat myopic view on Hindu-Muslim problems could highlight the shortcomings of his brand of Progressivism.

To really understand an autobiography, one must always read between and beyond the lines. Mr Pawar has also been linked with outfits like like Sambhaji brigade, especially in the 21st century. But brigade and their notoriety do not find a single mention in his book. Nor does the eponymous
second Chattrapati (unless i am mistaken).

In the final passage, Mr Pawar mentions his close friendship with the radical Muslim rationalist - Hamid Dalwai. Incidentally, after the tragic and early death of Hamid Dalwai, it was Sharad Pawar who ensured Mr Dalwai's final wishes of cremation were followed, against his family/communities wishes. Given this history, its highly ironic that the NCP has among its ranks some leaders who couldnt be further from Mr Dalwai in their speech and action.

In end the reader is forced to acknowledge both the genius and underachievement of a brilliant career which wouldn't contain national premiership. (YET)

[Vijay · Rating 3 out of 5]

शरद पवारांची राजकीय आत्मकथा म्हणजे 'लोक माझे सांगाती'!! हि पवारांची आत्मकथा खूप ओघवती आणि कंटाळा न येणारी आहे.
यशवंतराव चव्हाण यांचा राजकीय वारसा शरद पवार यांना लाभला, त्यामुळे अगदी कमी वयात राज्यव्यापी नेते बनले. महाराष्ट्राचे आणि देशातील सर्वात तरुण मुख्यमंत्री हा लौकिक त्यांना वयाच्या अवघ्या ३८व्या वर्षी मिळला.

मुंबई बॉम्बस्फोट आणि किल्लारी भूकंपाच्या वेळी ते महाराष्ट्राचे मुख्यमंत्री होते, ती कठीण परिस्थिती त्यांनी चांगली हाताळली. परंतु प्रस्तुत आत्मकथेमध्ये त्याबद्दलची फार त्रोटक माहिती दिली आहे. त्या तुलनेत त्यांनी युपीए सरकारच्या 10 वर्षाच्या काळात कृषी, अन्न व नागरी पुरवठा मंत्री म्हणून जी कामगिरी केली त्याची बरीच चांगली माहिती दिली आहे.

त्यांची क्रिकेट मधील २०-२० सामने सुरु करण्याची अभिनव कल्पना मांडली आणि ती यशसवीहि केली. तसेच, कब्बडीलाहि आंतरदेशीय खेळ केला.

आत्मकथेमध्ये त्यांनी त्यांच्यावरच्या काही आरोपांचे खंडनही केले आहे उदा. जमिनी आणि ते, लवासा प्रकल्प वगैरे. तसेच त्यांनी कर्करोगाबरोबरची लढाई चांगली वर्णन केली आहे.

परन्तु, तरीही हि आत्मकथा वाचताना हि आत्मकथा हातची राखूनच लिहिल्यासारखीं वाटते. तरीही एकंदरीत पुस्तक वाचनीय आहे.

[Razeen Muhammed rafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is autobiography of Sharad Pawar one of the veteran leader of NCP party in India . As a politicians book we cannot predict whether some of the topics covered over is whitewashed.
Book starts with his family who are communist and gives relationship with his mother who is his all time mentor. How Early in his career, Pawar who was regarded as a protege of Yashwantrao Chavan, the most influential politician from Maharashtra at that time And which later lead Pawar to chair of cheifminister of Maharashtra and Union minister of India .
He Describes his relationship with Nehru family from Indira Gandhi ( indeed it was a turbulent relationship) , his friendship with Rajiv Gandhi and later his wife and son.

He also describes regarding his relationship with Morarji Desai who instructed him to follow shivambu therapy when pawar had a chest pain while travelling , how he saw JRD Tata helping his staff in serving customers when an Air India flight got delayed.

He discuss some of the controversy like HCC Lavasa project and some elegations related to him and Dawood Ibrahim (notorious Don who hails from Mumbai).
His day as chief minister and during tenure how he tackle with 1993 bomb blast and Mumbai earthquake, also discuss on issues related to Marathvada university changing name to Ambedkar university.
He also suggest that in India there should be training institute for training politicians as of Korea.

[Shrijeevan Tondale · Rating 4 out of 5]

महाराष्ट्राच्याच नव्हे तर संपुर्ण देशाच्या आणि जगाच्या राजकारणातील नॉट आऊट खेळाडू,महाराष्ट्र तसेच संपूर्ण भारताच्या राजकारणातील पितृतुल्य व्यक्तिमत्व आदरणीय माजी केंद्रीय कृषी मंत्री, मा.शरद पवार साहेब. यांचे राजकीय आत्मकथा सांगणारे पुस्तक लोक माझे सांगाती
पुस्तक परिचय माझ्या ब्लॉगवर खाली दिलेल्या link वर click. आपली प्रतिक्रया द्याला विसरू नका.

https://www.pustakexpress.com/2021/01...

[Mahesh K Adewar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's more about story telling than autobiography. It's show the same trend that political leader seldom speak in there autobiography Or try to explain there side of story.

He is the most influential politician of Maharashtra. Expected more insight in the book. But, it's like story than autobiography.

[Manish Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portal to Shard Pawar's life. He is one of the great statesman of India. People (especially subject to certain political parties) accuse him of wide spread corruption and he opens up about all such things in this book. I really loved reading this book and getting to know him.

[Pravin Raut]

actually i humbled most after reading this book. it broke my false beliefs.he took me to such world which i earlier took as granted. he nurished my viewpoint about how to see the unknown. my vision improved too.

[Rushikesh]

Good

[Raut Subhash · Rating 5 out of 5]

जाणते राजे

[Akshay Dalvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

लोकनेते साहेब

[Abhirath Patil]

It is very best book

[Deepaksavane · Rating 2 out of 5]

छान

[Aarti Jadhav-Gaikwad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was always curious about his political journey.

[Neeraj Kholiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It as a good read and explain a lot about Mh politics.

[Babu Nagargoje · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best autobiography I ever read. Very fascinating journey,good writing style. Deserves 5 star.

[Vilas Zende · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring.

[Tejas Pawar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short review on X handle!

https://x.com/tejaspa28168149/status/...

[Saju Pillai · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

[Adwait Bhonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great book. A must read for all those who are interested in Indian Politics. The author, Mr. Sharad Pawar, describes his journey right from his birth till the day the book was written. The author talks about his ups and downs in his career as a politician and a public personality. He has tried to justify his position in few of the controversies which surrounded him while he was in power. Not all justification are convincing but yes in couple of situation you can believe him.

All and all a nice book, must read and a must have as a part of your library, especially if you are interested in Indian Politics.