I have spent almost sixty years of my life in the service of the nation. In the course of my political activities, I had the opportunities of working with and observing at close quarters a number of contemporary eminent public figures. Some well-meaning friends have been suggesting to me to write my memoirs. I always pointed out that who would read the memoirs of an obscure person like me. However, I cannot refrain from temptation of writing some interesting episodes and my impressions of personalities and panoramas in the era from Gandhi to Rajiv.
Having been in the thick of Indian struggle for freedom, I have my own assessment about different personalities and various events. I have read a number of autobiographies of contemporary politicians and bureaucrats and I find that they left many gaps.
As I have said, I have seen some of the architects of modern India from close quarters, and I have my own assessment of them. It is true that while describing contemporary historical events, it is very difficult to be objective, but I have tried to demolish many myths which are associated with some of our top leaders.
Having been born in a Muslim home, by accident of birth I have been especially touched by the events that led to the partition of Indian sub-continent and carving of two sovereign neighbouring States of India and Pakistan. I have tried with documentary evidences to expose those who blessed and later accepted the partition of India, and pointed out its consequences.
I have been a freedom fighter and I have spent the best period of my youth languishing in British jails. But I refuse to claim that the freedom of India could come only through our efforts. It were the extraordinary domestic and international compulsions of the British government that transference of power to India, came.
I have witnessed the rise and fall of India's major political party the Congress Party. I have witnessed the double talks and hypocrisy of many who occupied hiah pedestal in our imagination.
I have been a member of Lok Sabha and have seen three Prime Ministers, Nehru, Lal Bahadur and Indira Gandhi, in action. I have my own assessment about their contribution to parliamentary democracy.
My impression about many of the India's leaders may shock their devotees and admirers, but I have based them on my personal assessment, though they may appear to many as subjective. However, as a citizen of free India, I have every right to have my views provided they are based on hard facts.
Now, I have become old; I still like good faces. I am still thrilled by achievement of my fellow country-men. I feel distressed and disappointed when I find that the suffering of many of my countrymen has gone in vain.
The collapse of what was known as Congress culture hurts me, and I am depressed when I find the young Indians are more interested in career and money than intrinsic values of life. I have tried my best that my views are supported by facts. It is inevitable then in a work like this one cannot be completely objective, for I myself have played a role, however, minor it might have been in the drama of India's liberation and its partition.
I offer no apology, but I expect the readers to treat my narrative on its own merit.
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