Vidyanagar College ~ The initiation & culmination of ex-Prez Pranab Mukherjee’s career
Vidyanagar College (Mahavidyalaya) is notable as the place where Pranab Mukherjee, the only Bengali President of India, began and ended his teaching career.
The author’s inclusion of her father’s own assess- ments, notably his observation that Sonia Gandhi was “only trying to protect her own and her family’s interests,” adds a layer of candid introspection to the narrative.
In the intricate tapestry of Indian politics, Pranab Mukherjee’s journey stands as a riveting narrative, especially during his formative years under Indira Gandhi’s tutelage. Sharmistha Mukherjee’s recent book, “Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers,” intricately unravels the political odyssey of this states- man, shedding light on the nuances of his association with the Gandhis and the ensuing trust deficit that be- came a defining thread in his political legacy. The book artfully navigates through Pranab Mukherjee’s early years, swiftly ascending to become one of Indira Gand- hi’s most trusted lieutenants. The corridors of power in the 1970s resonate with tales of a young man’s mete- oric rise, his political acumen earning him a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation. The daughter- turned-author’s narrative skilfully captures this phase, offering readers a glimpse into the dynamics of power during the Indira era and her father’s role in those transformative years. However, as the pages turn, the narrative takes a poignant turn, revealing the fractures that emerged in the relationship between Mukherjee and the Gandhis post-Indira. The trust deficit, delicate- ly chronicled in the book, becomes a focal point, ex- posing the complexities that underlie political allia- nces. The author’s inclusion of her father’s own assess- ments, notably his observation that Sonia Gandhi was “only trying to protect her own and her family’s interests,” adds a layer of candid introspection to the narrative.
The book weaves together threads of the former President’s internal turmoils, struggles to keep his tem- per, and his propensity to use the phrase “firmly and frankly” in political interventions. It becomes a portra- it not just of a seasoned politician but of a man grap- pling with the intricacies of power, loyalty, and the in- evitable tensions that arise in the political arena. Ami- dst these political intricacies, the author integrates personal anecdotes, offering a rare glimpse into Pranab Mukherjee’s role as a loving but no-nonsense father. From witty rejoinders to his daughter’s queries to the proud recording of her achievements, the book humanises a political figure often perceived as stoic and reserved. As we delve into Mukherjee’s political le- gacy, the book does not shy away from controversies, notably his observations about Rahul Gandhi. The author’s spirited defence against the backdrop of free- dom of speech adds a contemporary layer, prompting readers to reflect on the delicate balance between fa- milial loyalty and the unfiltered portrayal of political fi- gures. In essence, “Pranab, My Father” emerges as more than a mere memoir. It is a political chronicle that traverses the highs and lows of a distinguished career. It invites readers to ponder the complexities that define the relationships between political stalwa- rts, the interplay of power dynamics, and the enduring impact of those relationships on the course of a nation. Through Sharmistha Mukherjee’s lens, her father’s political life, particularly under Indira Gandhi and the subsequent trust deficit, becomes a compelling narra- tive that resonates far beyond the pages of history
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