India’s Freedom: Saga of Revolts and Reforms

by Deba Prasad Ray

₹449.00In stock

In a quest to find answer to three questions that kept on haunting me ever since I embraced a political life, I have ventured to author this book despite the fact that I am not a historian the way one is usually perceived. The legacy of anti imperialist struggle is what inspired me to become a worshiper of Gandhi, an admirer of Nehru, a disciple of Indira Gandhi and an ardent follower of Rajiv Gandhi. The questions I am referring to, are basically designed to negate this legacy. To uphold the spirit and sanctity of the legacy I have been wedded to, I have prowled over the history of India's Freedom Movement right from 1757 to the dawn of freedom to touch upon all the contours of this epic-like struggle to take the readers to the conclusion that these questions are not only contestable, but also are untenable. No, India's freedom was certainly not gifted, it came as a result of century-long struggle that cost millions of lives. It is true that India Independence Act was passed in British Parliament. It was the culmination of various reforms that were introduced from time to time, but each of them was preceded by a revolt or a movement. Gandhi who was virtually deified by the country men, was not an agent of but an anathema to the Britishers as they always saw in him an uncompromising crusader and the genesis of the partition was accommodated in the body politic of India much before Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Azad became the navigators of India's freedom struggle. Hope the readers of this book will agree.

Deba Prasad Ray

About the Author

Deba Prasad Ray

Deba Prasad Ray was a member of Rajya Sabha during the period 1984-90 and did prove his dexterity. He was elected to WB Assembly from Jalpaiguri constituency in 2006 and again from Alipurduar constituency in 2011 with a massive mandate. He served his constituency with all sincerity and selfless devotion. During his tenure he performed a mammoth task for the people. Being in public life for last 57 years, he has visited 12 countries in 3 continents, all the Indian provinces and 167 districts encompassing all the four corners of this subcontinent.

He is a chromatic character in politics. He is more a social activist than a politician. Born in a tiny village in North Bengal, his ascension is colossal. A devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi he joined politics at the age of sixteen, as a member of a student organization with nationalist orientation. After his graduation with honours in Political Science from the local college, he enrolled for post graduate studies in North Bengal University but had to give up, as long absence from classes, due to his preoccupation with election work in 1969, severed his link with the university. He therefore opted for the job of an assistant teacher in a school that also ended abruptly due to escalation of extremism in around the area thar school was located at. Since then his journey as a whole time political activist began.

In seventies, he was state youth Congress General Secretary and after the split in 1978, he was brought to Delhi to assume the office of General Secretary, I.Y.C. Being in-charge of the training programme for nearly a decade his academic aptitude got sharpened that resulted in penning down two books other than umpteen number of articles and essays that mostly found place in the form of post editorial in one of the popular dailies in Bengal called 'Uttar Banga Sangbad'.

He is a prolific writer. Two of his books are very much popular in the literary field. People highly appreciate his brilliant articles that are published in some newspapers from time to time. These literary contributions are the examples of his profound knowledge and excellent writing skill.

People respect him for his strong principle, his commitment to the society, his idea of social reformation, his love and sympathy for the weaker section. As an orator he is a legendary figure. He is a man with rare humanity. He is goodness incarnate.