Despite his grand 'secular' statements in Parliament that bordered on the Nehruvian, Atal Bihari Vajpayee has often taken brief excursions into the hardline camp. In 1983, he made an incendiary speech during the Assam elections in which the presence of 'Bangladeshi foreigners' in the state was a big issue. Even the BJP had disowned Vajpayee's speech, which possibly inspired the massacre of over 2000 people, mostly Muslims, in Nellie in Assam. Vajpayee, one of the shrewdest politicians of India, is known for negotiating multiple contradictions: from militant nationalism to his secret family life; his stint as a communist; his indulgence in food; influence of Gandhi and Nehru; Narendra Modi and Gujarat issues; foreign policies; and his attempt to project himself as a moderate face, if not liberal, among others. Exploring crucial milestones of Vajpayee's career and his traits as a seasoned politician, the book looks at his relationship with leaders of his party and the love-hate association with RSS and its feeder organizations. Thoroughly researched, supported by hard facts and accompanied by inside stories and anecdotes, insightful interviews and archival photographs, The Untold Vajpayee would open a window to the life and times of a poet politician.
Former Prime Minister of India and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an understated politician of the kind not often seen in contemporary times. His patriotism was uncompromising, forged out of the paradoxes in his life: a sensitive poet who summoned nerves of steel to conduct the Pokhran-II nuclear tests; a man of humble beginnings who envisioned a project as titanic as the Golden Quadrilateral highways. Devoid of any natural political pedigree or patronage network, he harnessed his political acumen to transform India's relations with the United States which had long been mired in misunderstandings rooted in the Cold War. His prudent decisions led to key strategic and economic policy contributions. There is a need to understand Vajpayee as a decision-maker, with specific references to key initiatives in the strategic and economic fields that have had a significant effect on the India that we see today. Vajpayee fleshes out not only Vajyapee's political philosophy but also provides an insider's account and an intimate memoir of the person.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajapyee has been a patriotic social activist since early childhood, when the country was still under British colonial rule. He started writing poetry during school days. He has always been a poet at heart keeping social sensitivity. He develops intimate relationship with fellow human beings and the nation with intense feelings which find expression in his poetry. He is a critically acclaimed poet. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been an influence on the Indian society. He, as an illustrious parliamentarian and an intellectual with deep understanding on national and international affairs has been an active participant in shaping India’s post-Independence–domestic and foreign policies. He commands respect for his liberal worldview and commitment to democratic ideals. He was Prime Minister of India through three democratic mandates. Arvind Shah is a poet, translator and a children’s writer. His publications include children’s books, poems and translations. His translations represent the sentiments of the poet. Selected Poems by Atal Bihari Vajpayee: "Selected Poems: Captivating Verses by Atal Bihari Vajpayee" is a collection of poetry by the renowned statesman and poet Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This book showcases a selection of his most captivating and profound poems, encompassing a range of themes such as love, patriotism, nature, and introspection. Through his lyrical and expressive verses, Vajpayee takes readers on a poetic journey that evokes deep emotions and offers insightful reflections on life and the human experience. Key Aspects of the Book "Selected Poems: Captivating Verses by Atal Bihari Vajpayee": Poetic Mastery: "Selected Poems" showcases the poetic mastery of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a prominent political figure and revered poet. His poems exhibit a rich blend of imagery, symbolism, and profound insights, demonstrating his command over language and his ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers. Varied Themes and Emotions: The book encompasses a variety of themes and emotions, ranging from love and longing to social issues, patriotism, and spiritual introspection. Each poem carries its unique essence, allowing readers to connect with different facets of the human experience and engage with Vajpayee's thoughts and sentiments. Reflections on Life: Vajpayee's poems offer insightful reflections on life, society, and the world around us. They encourage contemplation, introspection, and a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, providing a source of inspiration, solace, and intellectual stimulation. "Selected Poems: Captivating Verses by Atal Bihari Vajpayee" features the remarkable poetic talent of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a distinguished statesman and poet. With his eloquence and sensitivity, Vajpayee weaves a tapestry of emotions and thoughts through his verses. His book serves as a testament to his literary prowess and his ability to convey complex ideas in a captivating and accessible manner. "Selected Poems" invites readers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Vajpayee's poetry, allowing his words to resonate and leave a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.
This selection of 21 poems by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee highlights the concerns and the convictions, the sensitivity and the determination of the leader of a nation of over a billion people. In addition to clear and forceful verses on the evils of violence, the perils of self-serving attitudes and the supreme importance of love for the nation and our fellow human beings, the collection also contains moving and very personal poems written at moments of crisis.
From being one of the earliest members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Vajpayee blossomed into a leading opposition MP by the late 1960s, went on to become external affairs minister in the short-lived Janata government and, finally in 1999, to head the first non-congress government to complete a full Term in Office. That it was a coalition government made the feat all the more remarkable and testifies to the fact that though wedded to a right-wing political ideology, Vajpayee did not believe in the politics of exclusion. A protege of Jana Sangh stalwarts like Syama Prasad Mukherjee and deep Dayal Upadhyaya, Vajpayee won the admiration of Jawaharlal Nehru, was consulted by his daughter Indira Gandhi - whom he never lacked the courage to criticize-and befriended by fiery trade unionists George Fernandes even before they became political allies. He thus displayed an unusual ability to carry along all shades of political opinion - An ability that came to the fore when he headed the National democratic alliance government between 1999 and 2004. And behind this public persona was an unusual personal life, conducted with such dignity as to remain free of innuendo. In this book, journalist Kingshuk Nag traces the political journey of this tall parliamentarian of over four decades, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna in December 2014. Atal Bihari Vajpayee: a man for all seasons is a definitive account of the life and times of one of India's most illustrious non-congress leaders.
Narendra Modi has been a hundred years in the making. Vinay Sitapati's Jugalbandi provides this backstory to his current dominance in Indian politics. It begins with the creation of Hindu nationalism as a response to British-induced elections in the 1920s, moves on to the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, and ends with its first national government, from 1998 to 2004. And it follows this journey through the entangled lives of its founding jugalbandi: Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. Over their six-decade-long relationship, Vajpayee and Advani worked as a team despite differences in personality and beliefs. What kept them together was fraternal love and professional synergy, of course, but also, above all, an ideology that stressed on unity. Their partnership explains what the BJP before Modi was, and why it won. In supporting roles are a cast of characters-from the warden's wife who made room for Vajpayee in her family to the billionaire grandson of Pakistan's founder who happened to be a major early funder of the BJP. Based on private papers, party documents, newspapers and over two hundred interviews, this is a must-read for those interested in the ideology that now rules India.
