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Courage & Commitment: An Autobiography
Courage & Commitment—Margaret Alva’s unflinchingly honest autobiography—details her forty-year career under four Prime Ministers—Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, and her eventual transition from politician to Governor.
As the inheritor of a legacy—the Alvas have been associated with Indian Parliament for over half a century—Margaret Alva details her trials and triumphs, and confronts the controversies that have rocked her career—her 1979 expulsion from the Congress party; her spats with Sanjay Gandhi; her role in framing Rajiv Gandhi’s last campaign tour; her involvement with the Jain Hawala investigation when in charge of the CBI; her denunciation of the manipulation of seats by her own party; and the events leading to her resignation in 2008 from the post of the AICC General Secretary in charge of eight states. At the same time, she offers rare insights into the lives of national and international political luminaries.
Spanning Mangalore, Bangalore, New Delhi and the world at large; shedding light on family, friends and foes; and detailing politics and policies, manipulations and machinations—Courage & Commitment is the story of a simple life made remarkable, and is narrated with the author’s trademark candidness.
As the inheritor of a legacy—the Alvas have been associated with Indian Parliament for over half a century—Margaret Alva details her trials and triumphs, and confronts the controversies that have rocked her career—her 1979 expulsion from the Congress party; her spats with Sanjay Gandhi; her role in framing Rajiv Gandhi’s last campaign tour; her involvement with the Jain Hawala investigation when in charge of the CBI; her denunciation of the manipulation of seats by her own party; and the events leading to her resignation in 2008 from the post of the AICC General Secretary in charge of eight states. At the same time, she offers rare insights into the lives of national and international political luminaries.
Spanning Mangalore, Bangalore, New Delhi and the world at large; shedding light on family, friends and foes; and detailing politics and policies, manipulations and machinations—Courage & Commitment is the story of a simple life made remarkable, and is narrated with the author’s trademark candidness.
- GenresIndiaAutobiography
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 18, 2020
After Rasheed Kidwai's '24 Akbar Road' and Vinay Sitapati's 'Half Lion', for me this was third book in a row that delves into how India's Grand Old Party functions through layers of hierarchy and political maneuvers. Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Margaret Alva's rise to fame and rise in political stature as she manages to survive and sail through years of Indira, Rajiv and Manmohan Singh in power as prime ministers. It's a honest recollection of her journey as she criticises Rajiv Gandhi govt's move on Shah Bano case and questions Narasimha Rao's role in 1992 as the Babri Masjid was being demolished in Ayodhya. Towards the end her resignation letter echoes her defiance against Madam Sonia, coming from someone who had served for more than forty years in the party and finally succumbed to the very machinations Congress is known for when party denied ticket to her son in Karnataka.
February 27, 2019
She mentioned that, in 1971, after the win in Bangladesh war, her victory was easy. But, Bangladesh war happened after she won in the election.
She says, AP government was dismissed in 1978. In fact, the tenure of AP government was extended by an year due to internal emergency. After 1972 elections, the next elections for AP state assembly were in 1978.
She says Congress denied ticket to P. V. Narasimha rao in 1996. But, it was not correct. He was denied in 1998. It was not a typo. She wrote more than a paragraph on that.
She said she fought with BJP government during the thirteen days rule on minority rights, communal tensions, foreign policy reversals and centre-state relations. All this in 13 days???
In 2000 March, she became the chair person of Parliamentary Committee on the empowerment of women. She mentioned the problems during that time, where Najma heptulla wanted to become the Chair person. While mentioning the problems at that time, she said the chairman of the rajya sabha Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. But, he was not the chairman at that time. Krishan Kanth was the Chairman then.
She said, she was the Chair person for 5 years, and submitted the report in 2005 to Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi. She also said, "got the idea included in the Congress' manifesto". It is seriously wrong. As a member of Lok Sabha, how could she continue as Chairperson even after the elections? Also, she lost Lok Sabha election in 2004, and she did not even get nominated to Rajya Sabha. If the report is released in 2005, how could she introduce that in the 2004 elections' manifesto? Is it allowed to disclose the report before officially presenting it to the government? If the report is released before 2004 elections, how could she submit it to Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi? It should be submitted to Vajpayee and his cabinet.
After 2004 elections, she said, she made Susheel Kumar Shinde to lead marathwada region. Susheel kumar shinde became governor of AP after the elections. How could he lead the party?
In the photos, she says, "With first lady of India Janaki Venkataraman, 1986". Janaki Venkataraman was not the first Lady in 1986. She became first lady in 1987.
She says, AP government was dismissed in 1978. In fact, the tenure of AP government was extended by an year due to internal emergency. After 1972 elections, the next elections for AP state assembly were in 1978.
She says Congress denied ticket to P. V. Narasimha rao in 1996. But, it was not correct. He was denied in 1998. It was not a typo. She wrote more than a paragraph on that.
She said she fought with BJP government during the thirteen days rule on minority rights, communal tensions, foreign policy reversals and centre-state relations. All this in 13 days???
In 2000 March, she became the chair person of Parliamentary Committee on the empowerment of women. She mentioned the problems during that time, where Najma heptulla wanted to become the Chair person. While mentioning the problems at that time, she said the chairman of the rajya sabha Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. But, he was not the chairman at that time. Krishan Kanth was the Chairman then.
She said, she was the Chair person for 5 years, and submitted the report in 2005 to Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi. She also said, "got the idea included in the Congress' manifesto". It is seriously wrong. As a member of Lok Sabha, how could she continue as Chairperson even after the elections? Also, she lost Lok Sabha election in 2004, and she did not even get nominated to Rajya Sabha. If the report is released in 2005, how could she introduce that in the 2004 elections' manifesto? Is it allowed to disclose the report before officially presenting it to the government? If the report is released before 2004 elections, how could she submit it to Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi? It should be submitted to Vajpayee and his cabinet.
After 2004 elections, she said, she made Susheel Kumar Shinde to lead marathwada region. Susheel kumar shinde became governor of AP after the elections. How could he lead the party?
In the photos, she says, "With first lady of India Janaki Venkataraman, 1986". Janaki Venkataraman was not the first Lady in 1986. She became first lady in 1987.
December 17, 2016
Surprisingly well written honest auto biography. The author comes across as a no nonsense and straightforward politician who really wants to do good to people. She has come up the hard way and has the distinction of working closely with at least two Prime Ministers. The ringside view of this experience is the highlight of this book. Go for it.
October 18, 2018
Good writing
The book created a lot of expectations. It falls short. Critical events have been glossed over, even though she was in the midst of all that was happening. Sitaram Kesari ouster is rubbed off in one line.
If only the rest of the book had the same objectivity of the final letter to Sonia, the book would have been a 5 star
The book created a lot of expectations. It falls short. Critical events have been glossed over, even though she was in the midst of all that was happening. Sitaram Kesari ouster is rubbed off in one line.
If only the rest of the book had the same objectivity of the final letter to Sonia, the book would have been a 5 star
August 12, 2026
Margaret Alva's autobiography, Courage and Commitment, important points:
* Joachim Alva and Violet Alva, in-laws of Margaret Alva, were already in politics, and both were part of the Indian freedom struggle. In fact, Joachim & Violet Alva were the first couple in India's Parliament.
* Margaret Alva started her political journey in the 1970s, and in 1974 she went to the Rajya Sabha with the blessings of Indira Gandhi. From 1974 to 1998, for four consecutive terms, she was part of the Rajya Sabha.
* Whether it's the emergency of June 1975 or the role played by various Congress leaders, especially Sanjay Gandhi and his coterie, was also discussed by Mrs. Alva.
* Margaret Alva was a minister in the governments of both Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narasimha Rao.
* Mrs. Alva also shared how she lost her first Lok Sabha elections in 1998 because politicians of her own party worked against her. But, in 1999, she won the Lok Sabha elections. So, power tussles and political rivalry amongst politicians are part and parcel of politics.
* As a Catholic Christian, Margaret Alva went on to become not only a member of Parliament of both the houses but also worked as a minister with two PMs of India (Rajiv Gandhi & Narasimha Rao) plus governor of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. A feat in itself, especially in male-dominated Indian politics. It also shows the inherent strength of Indian civilization, i.e., inclusiveness and unity in diversity.
* Students of Indian politics, aspiring politicians (especially women), and journalists should consider reading this book.
* Joachim Alva and Violet Alva, in-laws of Margaret Alva, were already in politics, and both were part of the Indian freedom struggle. In fact, Joachim & Violet Alva were the first couple in India's Parliament.
* Margaret Alva started her political journey in the 1970s, and in 1974 she went to the Rajya Sabha with the blessings of Indira Gandhi. From 1974 to 1998, for four consecutive terms, she was part of the Rajya Sabha.
* Whether it's the emergency of June 1975 or the role played by various Congress leaders, especially Sanjay Gandhi and his coterie, was also discussed by Mrs. Alva.
* Margaret Alva was a minister in the governments of both Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narasimha Rao.
* Mrs. Alva also shared how she lost her first Lok Sabha elections in 1998 because politicians of her own party worked against her. But, in 1999, she won the Lok Sabha elections. So, power tussles and political rivalry amongst politicians are part and parcel of politics.
* As a Catholic Christian, Margaret Alva went on to become not only a member of Parliament of both the houses but also worked as a minister with two PMs of India (Rajiv Gandhi & Narasimha Rao) plus governor of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. A feat in itself, especially in male-dominated Indian politics. It also shows the inherent strength of Indian civilization, i.e., inclusiveness and unity in diversity.
* Students of Indian politics, aspiring politicians (especially women), and journalists should consider reading this book.
April 20, 2023
Married into a political family, father-in-law was a Member of Parliament and mother-in-law was the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Margaret Nazareth (later Alva) had not an iota of political ambition in her. But destiny proved otherwise. Later, Margaret Alva went on to become Member of Parliament, Union Minister and Governor of Two states.
Alva's autobiography contains the nitty-gritty of her personal and political life.
Alva's autobiography contains the nitty-gritty of her personal and political life.
March 4, 2026
This was a mind blowing book. I bought it right after the strongest speech (I have heard in a long time) by this amazing lady.
Though I am not much aware about the Politics, she wrote it so beautifully bringing forth her personal and professional life.
Though I am not much aware about the Politics, she wrote it so beautifully bringing forth her personal and professional life.
August 15, 2016
This is the journey of margaret alva from a simple bahu to highest echelons of indian politics , the author has been quiet honest and straightforward in her autobiography , which makes it very interesting book to read , she has the rare fortune of being close to indira , rajiv & sonia gandhi .
Her honest account of wins , losses , humiliations , being in & out of party , fall from grace gives inspiration to struggle through dark patches of life .
Though at times the part where she narrates i went there , attended that conference , visited this country starts to appear boring and drab , but overall the book is very interesting .
Her honest account of wins , losses , humiliations , being in & out of party , fall from grace gives inspiration to struggle through dark patches of life .
Though at times the part where she narrates i went there , attended that conference , visited this country starts to appear boring and drab , but overall the book is very interesting .
September 27, 2021
Good read to know how congress functions. Her rise in congress, handling controversies, disappointments, surviving in politics, importance of patience in politics.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews