Between the lines

by Kuldip Nayar

As a young law graduate in Sialkot (now in Pakistan), Kuldip Nayar witnessed at first hand the collapse of trust between Hindus and Muslims who were living together for generations, and like multitude of population he was forced to migrate to Delhi across the blood-stained plains of Punjab. From his perilous journey to a new country and to his first job as a young journalist in an Urdu daily, Nayar’s account is also the story of India. From his days as a young journalist in Anjam to heading India’s foremost news agency, UNI and from mainstream journalism to starting his now immensely popular syndicated column, ‘Between the Lines’, Nayar has always stood for the freedom of press and journalism of courage. Widely respected for his columns, his autobiography opens on the day Pakistan Resolution was passed in Lahore in 1940 and takes us on a journey through India’s story of a nation working on its foreign policy, development plans, relations with neighbouring countries, and dealing with coalition politics among others. From events of historical and political relevance like Tashkent Declaration and the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh, to interviewing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mujibur Rahman and from meeting Pakistan’s father of nuclear bomb, Dr A.Q. Khan, to his close association with Lal Bahadur Shastri and Jayaprakash Narayan, Nayar’s narrative is a detailed inside view of our nation’s past and present.

Genres: Biography, History, Autobiography, India, Nonfiction, Memoir, Politics

224 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Shadin Pranto · Rating 5 out of 5]

কত বই নিয়ে আলোচনা হয়। কিন্তু এত সুখপাঠ্য একটি আত্মকথা নিয়ে পাঠকের গরজ নেই!

পুরো উপমহাদেশের রাজনৈতিক ইতিহাসের বিভিন্ন ঘটনার প্রত্যক্ষ কিংবা অপ্রত্যক্ষ সাক্ষী প্রখ্যাত সাংবাদিক কুলদীপ নায়ার। এই ভূয়োদর্শী মানুষটির আত্মজীবনী একেবারেই আলাদা। নিজের কথা অল্পই বলেছেন। আগ্রহ ছিল ভারত, পাকিস্তান এবং বাংলাদেশে ঘটে যাওয়া ঘটনাগুলোকে যেভাবে দেখেছেন, জেনেছেন তারই বিশদ বর্ণনা দিয়েছেন।

এই বইটি কেন পড়বেন -

১. দেশভাগের পুরো ইতিহাস আরো একটা খুঁটিনাটিসহ বিস্তারিত পড়ার সুযোগ পাবেন। ম্যাউন্টব্যাটেন, র‍্যাডক্লিফ এবং জিন্নার ব্যক্তিগত সহকারীর সাক্ষাৎকার নিয়েছেন কুলদীপ নায়ার। বুঝতেই পারছেন গুরুত্ব।

২. জওহরলাল নেহেরু এবং লেডি এডউইনা বিষয়ক নতুন কিছু তথ্য পাবেন।

৩. দেশভাগ পরবর্তী ভারতের অবস্থা । কাশ্মীর, হায়দারাবাদ এবং জুনাগড় ইস্যু জানতে পারবেন।

৪. ১৯৬২'র চীন-ভারত যুদ্ধ এবং ১৯৬৫ সালের পাক-ভারত যুদ্ধের বিবরণ পাবেন।

৫. ইন্দিরা গান্ধীর ক্ষমতারোহণ। মুক্তিযুদ্ধে ভারতের অবস্থান নিয়ে এক্সক্লুসিভ কিছু তথ্য আছে।

৬. ইন্দিরা গান্ধীর জরুরি অবস্থা জারি এবং এর প্রেক্ষাপট নিয়ে এত ভালো লেখা পাওয়া মুশকিল।

৭. স্বর্ণ মন্দির আক্রমণ, ইন্দিরা গান্ধী হত্যা এবং রাজীব গান্ধীর উত্থানের বিবরণ, বিশ্লেষণ।

৮. কোয়ালিশন সরকার গঠন।রাষ্ট্রীয় পৃষ্ঠপোষক তায় বাবরি মসজিদ হামলা, দাঙ্গা সম্পর্কে জানতে পারবেন।

৯.বুঝতে পারবেন ভারতে সাম্প্রতিককালে ধর্মীয় উগ্রবাদীতার মূল কোথায় লুকায়িত।

কুলদীপ নায়ার অত্যন্ত সহজবোধ্য ভাষায় লিখেছেন। ৪৫০+ পাতার বই। অথচ কখন শেষ হয়ে গিয়েছে বুঝতেই পারিনি। নিরপেক্ষতার প্রশ্নটি আপেক্ষিক। ইন্দিরা গান্ধীর প্রতি যতটা খড়গহস্ত ছিলেন, ততটা আক্রমণাত্মক ভঙি দেখান নি কোয়ালিশন সরকারগুলোর প্রতি। ইন্দিরা গান্ধী হত্যার পর পুরো ভারত জুড়ে শিখ নিধনের অধ্যায়টি সম্পর্কে বেশি কিছু বলতে চান নি।

প্রচলিত অর্থে আত্মজীবনী হিসেবে এই বই ব্যর্থ। রাজনৈতিক জীবনীর ছোঁয়া আছে। আত্মকথার আড়ম্বর নেই। যতটুকু দরকার ছিল, তাও নেই।

কুলদীপ নায়ার সাংবাদিক হিসেবে মালিকপক্ষের চাপের কাছে, প্রলোভনের কাছে মাথা নত করেন নি। চাকরি ছেড়েছেন। পদ চলে গিয়েছে। রাষ্ট্রীয় হুমকির শিকার হয়েছেন। তবুও অবিচল আস্থা ছিল সত্যের প্রতি। দায়বদ্ধতা অনুভব করেছেন নিজের বিবেকের প্রতি। বইটি পড়ুন। ঋদ্ধ হন।

[Indian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of modern India (1930-2011) as witnessed by a Punjabi Hindu refuge from Sialkot(Pakistan) now based out of Delhi.

Mr Kuldeep Nayar's epic book is immensely readable due to the multitudes of anecdotes he shares of famous people (Nehru, Shastri, Indira, Vajpayee, Gujral, Ayub Khan, Bhutto, Muzib) all in first hand accounts.

The writer terms himself a left-of-center ideologist & a staunch secular, though after reading almost 500 pages of this book, he comes across as a true Punjabi-Puttar, a sucker for unified Punjab. But that's very normal as numerous Tamils who seek a Tamil state encompassing Tamilnadu, SriLanka & Singapore. As does greater Bengal by many Bengali's both sides of the border.

As a nation-state India has been very young, so such thoughts of cultural yearnings are but natural.

His anti-Congress & anti-BJP rattle (as claimed in this book) did wean him of many privileges. But being close to both Shastri & Vajpayee he did manage to be in the limelight (He was part of the govt troop at Tashkant & the bus ride to Lahore in 1997)

His closeness to the Janta Dal earned him UK-ambassadorship & Rajya Sabha seat.

One thing I noticed of this book was it's Delhi centric coverage. South of India, East of India & West of India is just mentioned in pauses. The entire History of India as happened in & around Delhi takes the entire narrative!

Wish the author had written more about the other parts of India too!

[Anil Swarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucid,frank and straight from the heart. Kuldip Nayar had never spared anyone in the past.Lives upto this reputation in this offering as well.

[Neelesh Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

एक जिन्दगी काफी नहीं ,कुलदीप नैयर साहब की एक तरह से एक मझे हुऐ पत्रकार की आत्मकथा है,मैने नायर साहब के लेख समाचार पत्रों में पढे थे तभी से उनसे प्रभावित था,हालांकि अब कम लिखते हैं लेखनी उनकी इतनी सधी हुई है कि कम और सरल शब्दों में वो अपनी बात पूरी कर देते हैं,और फिर इनके पास आजादी के पहले से ही इस क्षेत्र में जुडे होने का अनुभव भी है,इस किताब में कहानी बंटवारे से शुरू होती है और 2012 की मनमोहन सरकार में समाप्त होती है क्योंकि यह एक पत्रकार द्वारा लिखी गई किताब है तो सरकारों के बनने बिगड़ने के राजनीतिक और ब्यूरोक्रेसी से जुडे कुछ किस्से बाहर आना स्वाभाविक है,लेकिन नैयर साहब ने लिखते वक्त दोनो पक्षों को रखने की पूरी कोशिश की है पूरी किताब में इन्होंने सभी सरकारों के साथ अपने अनुभवों को साझा किया है,पढ़ते वक्त कई बार ऐसा लगता है कि पाकिस्तान,नक्सलियों, अलगाववादीयों में आप ज्यादा उदारता बरतने की कोशिश करते हैं फिर मुझे एहसास हुआ कि एक पत्रकार और राजनीतिक शासक में शायद यही एक बहुत बडा़ अंतर होता है और वह होना भी चाहिये,क्योंकि शासक को कलम और तलवार दोनो चलानी आनी चाहिए और पत्रकार की तो कलम ही तलवार है,

[Khan Abu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best autobiography I have ever read. Added with the personal integrity I know of the author over the years, this book provides a vivid picture of the horrors on the partition in 1947, life of a refugee, and the lives and neighborhood that cab never be forgotten.

[Siddhartha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who is curious about the factors that shaped India's political scenario from the time of independence to the present day. An exciting and informative book!

[Appu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kuldip Nayar's autobiography could be mistaken for one of his newspaper columns. In its tone, the book is moralistic and avuncular. Nayar was born in Sialkot, in what is now Pakistan Punjab, in 1923 and he lived through most of the 20th century. (He died in 2018 and this book was written in 2012). So his autobiography reads like the history of post-independence India. The problem with the book is that the autobiographical element is sadly missing. It is about Nehru and Shastri and Indira and Manmohan and less about Kuldip Nayar the man, who experienced at first hand the great events of India's journey as a free nation. Much of the book is a narration of the events of recent history which are all too familiar.
Nayar is a Nehruvian. He stood for pluralism in society, decency and integrity in personal life, morality in politics, liberal nationalism and left of centre politics. The book records, India's steady fall from the idealism of the immediate post-independence era to the corruption, communalism and institutional decay of our own times.
Although it is not a very elegant book, it is a book worth reading, if only to realise what we could have been as a nation had we not strayed.

[Sharang Limaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why the publishers have called this an autobiography - memoir would have been a better description. The parts relating to the Partition and the Nehru-Shastri-Indira era are interesting. The post-Indira part suffers from a lack of detail, perhaps indicating that the author may no more have been close to the center of power in New Delhi. The book is let down by too serious a tone. Nayar's writing is pedestrian. At times, one feels one's going through someone's personal diary. Still, with all its faults, BTL serves the purpose of offering an inside perspective on some of the most tumultous years in Indian history.. that is, if the reader could look beyond the schoolboyish writing.

[Stalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a journalist nayar sahib has taken up political dimensions of his past which shaped the present institutions of the country , as a matter of fact that shaped lives of millions of people

[Babugouda Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s more of a biography of independent India rather autobiography of the author. He lived long, at right place and at right time to witness most of the historic moments of independent India.

He gives crisp narration from partition to Gujarat riots in 2002. He flies through important events like, deaths of leaders, Gandhi, Nehru, Shastri, assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, wars against Pakistan, China, internal disturbances like, Khalistan movement, Kashmir Azadi movement etc.

This book gives a rare look into ignored historical events like, State reorganisation that makes Govind Vallabh Pant a hero. Emergency where Justice H R Khanna and Nani Palkhivala turns out to be a heros.
The Author had eventful life. he migrated from Sialkot and established himself a force to reckon with. His ability and willingness to be part of every activity of independent India is very heartening. He was a Pakistani for Pakistan, he was Kashmiri for Militants, He was Punjabi for Khalistani militants, he was Hindu for India. he adorned all roles with ease. The best part of all these roles was, he was true to himself, that made him acceptable. He need not try hard for acceptance.

His forte is impartial narration. He allows reader to frame his opinion as to nature of the character. He keeps narrating good and bad about the character, at the end you may frame your own opinion.
Shastri is a surpirise package as he was honest to the core. The honesty was to the extent that, author arranged some publications for Shastri so that, he could meet his expenses. When he was sent to Kashmir to deal with theft of relics of Prophet Mohammad, he borrowed warm clothes from Nehru (obviously they were long for him. he managed with oversized coats).

Another forgotten gentleman is Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad, one of the tallest leader before independence went out of circulation after independence. Like Gandhi, Nehru and Patel refused to hear his advice. When he died, he had zero bank balance. He was the man who refused Bharat Ratna (his grievance was one congress man giving award to another congressman) later he was awarded posthumously. On the otherhand, Jawahar Lal Nehru didn’t mind receiving it. Pant went to the extent of changing the citation several times as his ministry ws responsible for selection of awardee, he not only selected himself, he was unhappy with citation. That time it was decided to give bharat ratna without any inscriptions on it.

Author was secular to the core. Human rights was essential part of his life. he worked hard to bridge gap between Hindu and Muslim. His analysis of communal riots are sharp and doesn’t mince any words.
Author is a journalist. His quest for truth is never ending. throughout the book he exhibits his quest. The relation between Nehru and Lady Mountbatten was thoroughly researched. There were ample rumours and gossips, letters were exchanged regularly. Every attempt trace the letters was met with dead end. Lady Mountbatten’s grandson refused to reveal them and Sonia Gandhi refused without ascribing any reasons.
He highlights drawbacks of democracy, which are scary. Many of the decisions are taken keeping elections in mind, Nehru was no exception, even war against China was politically motivated decision..
It’s a fast read. Anyone interested in history must read. This book enlists all events, later other books may be chosen for further reading.

[Navdeep Pundhir · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely biased, misrepresented facts presented as history! People like him who have basically enjoyed the fruits of elitist access to power corridors all their lives have a genuine contempt for alternate views. Hence, they present history as not what it was, but what they think it should have been. They developed this whole halo about the idea of India, which has no real meaning except to keep them in power and ensure that the real fruits of freedom never percolated down to the last mile. I really like the word used for him, a social climber.

[Kamil Hayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relevant book not only for people living in India, but on other side of divide too.

[Utkarsh Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

[Vivek · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a history of India post independence than autobiography. Some observations on contemporary events are unique and eye opening. Overall a good read.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Lines: An Autobiography: (Hardcover) by Kuldeep Naiyar : Hindi Translation- The Book is description of life of a common Indian who suffered the trauma of partition and reached India's border with so many ifs and buts:- 1- Jinnah viewed the transfer of inhabitants from India to Pakistan and from Pakistan to India- he was highly perturbed that he could have reversed the decision of partition of India and Pakistan had he pursued the idea seriously later. 2- Kashmir has an Hindu king and a Muslim population, Had Pakistan not sent its forces to occupy Kashmir, it could have gone to Pakistan, 3- Nehru could have waited to go United Nations about Kashmir, the matter could not have taken international recognition, 4- new India should be based on religious tolerance and humanity, 5- human rights should be respected, 6- Press should base their writing on principles and not on the feeling of their owners, 7- red tape should reduce, 8- all decisions should be taken within four corners of the Constitution of India, 9- Indian National Congress Muslim leaders- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, others died penniless, these facts should be brought before the nation, 10- demand of separate state based on class and creed is not proper, 11- In Assam, Assamese are 40% and rest 60% are Muslims from Bangladesh who have learnt to speak Assamese language, 12- he could have been sent as Ambassador to Pakistan in place of England, he could work for peace process between nations, 13- all should unite to fight for human rights. 14- V K Krishna Menon gets credit for taking of Goa, 15- Pakistan was interested in taking Hyderabad because of distance from Pakistan border, India merged Hyderabad within 5 days, 16- As High Commissioner to Britain he met authors Nirad C Choudhary, Salman Rushdie, 17 Jinnah, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Chandrashekhar, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rajeev Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Atal Behari Vaypayee, Lal Krishna Advani, his column "Between the lines", Pranav Mukherjee, Jagjivan Ram, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Tohra, Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, Pakistan press and human right workers find place in his story at various chapters. People on both sides of the India and Pak border and simple and share a common culture and bondage for love by language and customs. Overall, a very interesting & concise book on events shaping up India after partition, by a great Journalist who is not only bold & fearless but also logical & objective. Name of the author appears on the Aluminai list of Foreman Christian College, Lahore. It is history of India seen from the eyes of an Indian citizen. It is an eye opener for the young generation. India and Pakistan can unite. This has been brought forward by a book "Once there was a country called Pakistan by Wg Cdr S K Sharma. " I recommend the book to all to read and think.

[Rohit Harip · Rating 3 out of 5]

kukdip Nayar ,veteran journalist From India, who have witnessed the every subtle event since independance.
'Between the Lines' , name itself suggests the incidents, anecdots which were coverted in the folds of time are revealed by the author.

There are specially two chapters from the book which are congizable in my opinion.
First is about the Bilingualism (a famous debate about the Hindi whether it should be a 'National'? Language or Not). In this chapter ,author specially reports about the happenings took place in the meetings of parliamentary committee, their conclusions ,Language Bill, pressure from north indians for imposer of Hindi as principal language all over the Nation.
If we are able to relate this events with current situation we will understand that the Hindi Was never our National language.

Second chapter is about the Notorious and humiliating defeat of our nation in Indo- Sino war of 1962. In this Chapter author has used his personal Diary's notes as a references to narrate the incidents from 7 September 1962 ( when china first time crossed the MacMohan Line) to 4 May 1963.
information mentioned through notes is first hand information and personal prejuidices are strictly avoided by author.
how Pandit Nehru was totally failed to understand the china's strategy, How our Intelligence failed to collect the data about the mustering of chinese army near border.( though CIA had informed new delhi about the approximate number of troops deployed by Chinese On Indian Border)
Other noteworthy facet of this chapter is author has mentioned the role of NAM , USA ,Uk, USSR, UAR, Pakistan, Cyleone,Burma, Nepal in post war diplomacy.
Nehru wrote to everyone personally asking for the help against china's intrusion in indian territory but literally no one was stand ( Except president of Egypt) with us agianst China.
Three point proposal by Cho en lai , Colombo conference by NAM countries to resolve this issue

Last part of this book contains the Copy of famous letter written by Mr. Vallabh bhai Patel to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950, after the china's encroachment over Tibet.
In this letter patel had clearly exhibited his worries about the Incurion of China , Importance of Tibet as Buffer State and future threats from china.

[Srinidhi Ng · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a a no nonsense account of events in Mr. Kuldip Nayar's life. The book seems more like a newspaper report (the author is a newsman after all). Few details relating to the Operation Blue Star were missing in the edition I read (Mr. Nayar retracted that part after the controversy erupted). He is a self-proclaimed pro-Kashmiri, pro-Muslim writer. He presents, Yasin Malik, the hard-line Hurriyat separatist who is responsible for the death of hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits, as a mild mannered, Gandhian who believes in democratic and peaceful protests. Given Mr. Nayar's affiliations, you will not find anything on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. Since he was close to the establishment during the 90s you would expect him to write something about that too, nada, you will find a mention of the Kashmir Pandits somewhere at the end of the book.
Regardless of his biases, the book is an eye-opener of sorts if you intend to know the inner workings of our government. It is totally worth reading the book, but with a pinch of salt.

[Mansoor Azam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Amit Tyagi · Rating 3 out of 5]

less of an autobiography and more of a story of the author's times, but i guess that should be expected to some extent, when someone has seen history getting made at such close-quarters and has hobnobbed with the who's who of politics, and all organs of the government...I was keen to pick up the book after having earlier read scoop by the same author

[Radhika Venugopalan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative but a very prosaic style of writing, just the flavor of a reporter/journalist.

[Pratik Vekariya]

Ok

[Dhanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a perspective on the events I've read in History.

[Navdeep Pundhir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part interesting, part informative and part boring!

[Sada Hussain Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come across many books in my life. This is one of a few I admire. Though it is just an autobiography, yet it holds a neutral opinion on Indian History starting from Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru to Mr. Manmoohan Singh. On the contrary, I have a bit different point of view when remarking this book. The way it is described tells so much about Indian Secularism and Pakistani Fundamentalism. The events that took place in India don’t reflect, even in 1947, that it is going to be a nation with secular values. Similarly, they also suggest that Pakistan won’t be entirely a religious country. For example, Mr. Nehru knew that a few Idols have suddenly appeared in a mosque overnight, yet he didn’t do anything. Even when Mr. Kuldip Nayar informed Mr. Govindh Balbh Pant, the then Minister of Home Affairs, about the events in Ayodha, the Minister listened to him, never reacted. That is called Declaratory Diplomacy, easy to agree than implement. In a true sense, this isn’t even Declaratory Diplomacy, they never declared it too. Mr. Nayar Sahab would’ve written an article on it, sent to the Times, Statesman, Dawn or any other foreign news agency about his understanding of the situation. Hurrah! He never did that too. So Sir if you are going to present a neutral point of view when alienating neither sides, there is not a minimal question of any security threat. You can stand up against Indira Gandhi for imposing emergency but not against Nehru or Pant when ignoring the issue. Let’s leave it for a while.
The sharpest mind in the aftermath of partition wasn’t Gandhi rather Nehru. His political moves were beyond thinking of an ordinary man. Patel was second to him. When Gandhi was murdered, Patel resigned and was soon brought back by Nehru. Was this incident Nehru’s doing too? I can’t say without rational evidence, just an assumption. At one spot, two leaders are entitled having created two nations out of imperial forces. On the other hand, both murdered within a year of the creation. There are no coincidences in politics. International Establishment might have played well. Their vision was altered and given a new shape, both in India and Pakistan. Even today, when speaking of Gandhi or Jinnah, people on both sides comment that both were secular, who in reality was Secular? Or what do you think Secularism is?
The war broke out between Pakistan and India in 1965. One was morally ready to fight, other financially and a key player of International Establishment. Either nation is so beyond the way Western or even Chinese Nations think and strategize. India failed to retaliate on Kashmir Front, Pakistan on Sialkot Front. They both ignored each other’s war capacity at all the wars.
India was blessed with man like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Rajiv Gandhi. Former was emotionally sensitive that in pressure like situation his heart collapsed whereas the latter was so humanistic that he opted to sit in opposition than forming the government with fewer votes. These men think to compromise their self interest for the betterment of the nation. Congress could have cashed it, yet due to family politics, it too failed. But Pakistan never had anyone like that. For example, Ayub Khan wasn’t elected, Bhutto too was power greedy, no doubt his mobilizing skills are worth mentioning, but the way he dealt Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman, he was certain to face the same in the future. Benazir and Nawaz Sharif never kept balance in civil and military relations. It’s a fact that politics keeps changing but manifestos are constant. India often claims that it’s a democracy and Pakistan is ruled by military men. As of the true events, Sanjay Gandhi was even more brutal than General Zia ul Haq. Jayaparkash Narayan, a so called replica of Gandhi had an influence in the politics with its Janta Party. He too was sidelined by selfish interests of Morarji Desai and Charan Singh.
Both India and Pakistan have witnessed similar events in the aftermath of the partition i.e. both managed to have nuclear - are emotional - one has strong military other has civilian - are allies of USA - are still influenced by UK - are still fighting inside and outside - wish to be on the other side with regard to economy and military - have brain drain mostly at the hands of USA, UK and Europe – blame each other for misadventures in their countries and more than that. The question is why they are still fighting? Are they still influenced by some foreign powers? What about sovereignty? Why Atal Bihari Vijpai and Nawaz failed to implement Kashmir Peace Plan when they both had discussed it through their trustworthy people? Running Parallel to each other at every event with just a difference of the time suggests that there are still thousands of questions unanswered.

[The_book_tales01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the lines is a saga that captures the historic events of our country in its vast canvas. This is the story of India through the eyes of Kuldip Nayar.

From his beginnings in Sialkot(now in Pakistan), the book traverses the changing landscapes and takes us through the horrors of partition in 1947. Post 1947 , we see Kuldip getting actively involved with the leaders of that era.

With every passage , he puts together a vivid account of Nehruvian politics, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai to Manmohan Singh. Notable events in this journey like 'Emergency' , 'Operation Blue star' , 'Babri Masjid' or the wars like 1962 china war, 1971 war are also captured in this saga.

Kuldip had never spared anyone in the past, and here also, he lives up to his reputation. As we quote from his account about the last UPA government under Dr Manmohan Singh, "he hopes for an avatar."

All in all, this book is a curated narrative of our nation's past and present. So, we recommend you to read this, and if you get time, do read the veteran journalist's column 'Between the Lines'

[Alok Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book although very interesting and encompassing almost 7 decades of Indian polity, has leanings towards the left and is Delhi centric. The earlier years of Mr. Nayar are more in details and gives a better inside view as he was the press secretary of Lal Bahadur Shastri and was the editor of Statesman and Indian express in their hey days.

His political leanings toward large 80s and early 90s are evident towards the later part of the book. More than passing the judgement, it is the individual incidents which happened with Kuldip Nayar in his interaction with the politicians which is particularly interesting.

I have found books written by journalists not so interesting as this one but may be my sample of books might have influence my decision to arrive at this remark.

A very good book with lots of information about Indian politics especially in the 50s and 60s.

[Romzanul Islam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kuldip Nayar’s autographical book Beyond the Lines is an outstanding account of the birth of three nations in the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. In it, he minutely expounds how the British Raj encountered resistance prompted by freedom-loving Indians and eventually had to end its colonialism by partitioning the Indian-subcontinent along the religious lines, in 1947.

Kuldip Nayar, a journalist, former information of the Indian government, former Indian ambassador to the UK and a member of Rajya Sabha personally witnessed many pre and post-partition events; and, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, took part in the freedom struggle of India and worked or came in close proximity with the great leaders of the three countries.

If you want to read more: https://www.inquiryall.com/kuldip-nay...

[Aarish Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an autobiography of a veteran Indian journalist who was born in Sialkot (a town in the north-eastern part of the Punjab province of Pakistan), migrated to India in the wake of the partition, and died in 2018. Like most books written by journalists, it's highly readable and provides a great commentary on the internal politics of India through the eyes of a journalist who witnessed it first-hand and personally interacted with many of the political actors on the Indian scene who shaped the country's destiny. Although in a couple of places it's factually incorrect on subjects related to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two subjects were not the author's forte. It is a highly recommended book as a starter for anyone wanting to understand the history and the dynamics of the internal politics of India.

[Ravinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly comprehensive coverage of Indian politics across 5 decades...

Kuldip Nayar is a veteran journalist, and an accomplished columnist without doubt. Many of the insights he shares with the reader are unique and a testament to his relationships with politicians of all hues. He also conveys the power of his influence on various decisions made, but at the same time attempts to take a humble stance that he wasn't an influencer.

The more I read this biography the more I was convinced about the unwarranted power of the Lutyens journalists. Many, including Kuldip have developed a privileged background that they find difficult to let go of.

To me, the best part was the Annexures.

[Rahul Mittal · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of memoirs than an autobiography.
But then that's ok as Nayar makes it amply clear that it is the history of Modern India that he is going to share from his perspective - his perspective from being right in the center of power circles!
It might come across as a bit boring to we-need-sensationalism-or-atleast-judgements generation, but for anyone wanting to see political history of Modern India as a simple collection of memories and then let his own judgement run, this is going to be a very satisfying read.