Days with Lal Bahadur Shastri (Glimpses from the Last Seven Years by Rajeshwar Prasad)

This book gives intimate and revealing glimpses of the second Prime Minister of India in the momentous last seven years of his life when he rose higher and higher to the very pinnacle of fame and glory, and was then abruptly and dramatically snatched away from the midst of his grieving countrymen by the cruel hand of death. The author, who as his Special Assistant and later as Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister, was closely associated with Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri from January 1959 to January 1966, was in a unique and unrivalled position to observe from the very field of action, the unfolding facets of Shastriji’s personality and character during this period of steady and upward rise, as well as his handling of the various important events of this period, culminating in his ascendancy to the Prime Ministership, in the war with Pakistan in 1965, and the Tashkent Declaration that followed it.

The book gives revealing glimpses of some of these important events which have become part of the nation’s history, and throws fresh light on certain aspects that have not been known until now. But essentially it focuses on various facets of Shastriji’s modest and endearing personality. Many of these incidents and episodes are being disclosed for the first time, and are so inspiring and heart-warming that one and all will feel deeply touched. There are also innumerable instances of Shastriji’s quiet and effective humour, as well as a narration of humorous occurrences that are most amusing and entertaining. In a very vivid and lucid style, the author has written very feelingly about the shining qualities of the great man with whom he was privileged to work, at the same time not ignoring natural human frailties.

This book cannot but inspire a sense of pride and thankfulness that this country had the good fortune to produce a man of such shining character and integrity to grace its highest offices. It will also help to blossom in the minds of its readers a feeling of richness and fullness at these glimpses from the life of Lal Bahadur Shastri.