Book Review - One Life is Not Enough by K Natwar Singh

 

Verdict: 4 / 5

One Life Is Not Enough should not be read for the controversy regarding power centers in the UPA II. It should not be read to peek into misdoings of Manmohan Singh. It should not be read for seeking answer to why Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi sought audience with the author. The book is much more than that and much less about the above popularity gaining gimmicks.

Kunwar Natwar Singh is a career diplomat and Congressman of many decades. Someone who was born with a silver spoon, studied at best places in the country and abroad, got posted to coveted locations, who has been in the thick of political and bureaucratic activities in India and abroad, will always have something interesting to share. And share he does.

In the early life the way schooling was conducted, in the college years the effect of national movement, the qualifying for foreign service are interesting parts of the initial segment. The following description of the author about his stint as IFS in China is in detail. It gives a perspective of Chinese sensibilities and foreign policy. The other sector which has been detailed is Natwar Singh’s posting in the UN. In those chapters one can have an insight into how diplomats function, what challenges they face and how they react to them.

Kunwar Natwar Singh also held the tricky post of Ambassador to Pakistan. Therein his interaction with General Zia is nothing less than interesting. He has in his book not forgotten to mention the many cultural stalwarts be it Forster, R K Narayan, Ahmad Ali, Santha Rama Rao or a young MF Hussain (a lanky tall person of whom a photo is provided too), he has close association with. His scholarly work can be dated back to days when he used to review books or bring out compiled works.

Amidst all these one can sense his close association with the Nehru-Gandhi family, which was initially brought about by Mrs Hutheesing (Nehru’s sister) whom he addressed as ‘maasi’ (aunt). A mix of personal contacts coupled with astute professional skills saw the rise of Natwar Singh. His wondering about how he got into the powerful ‘Secretariat of Indira Gandhi is his trying to be modest. But all said, here is a man who was privy to top decisions of the government of the day and had access directly to the PM.

The book lacks more information about his personal life. His wedding to Hem, daughter of the King of Patiala, has only been given attention. But relationships amidst such demanding careers, untimely demise of his daughter come about, his son’s political career and other aspects have not been covered in this autobiography. If he is a good father, a good husband are questions that have no answers in this book.

Coming to the parts that stirred political wind, his shift in description of Sonia Gandhi is worth noting. Having called her an epitome of ‘debonair civility’ Mr Singh describes how she has metamorphosed into a harder skinned politician. And this shift in loyalty has been owing to his name being dragged in the Volcker committee report (food-for-oil scheme). He has not been charitable to Manmohan Singh and makes scathing remark on Indo-US nuclear deal. He even suggests that it has been an American lobby to keep him away. Towards the end the book turns vitriolic with references like ‘kettle calling the pot black’, leaving the reader wondering the backroom politics or the lack of it.

The book will interest those interested in the political stories of the past, it will interest those who have a liking for international affairs. The book is also a testimony to impermanence in politics. A man who rose to great heights, knowing giants of world politics, feasting with them, gaining unfettered access to Prime Ministers of India, relegated partly into political abyss owing to indictment in a scam, has interesting tales listed in his autobiography. It is a pleasurable read, the writing holds attention, the sequence of events placed correctly and results in considerable examination of Kunwar Natwar Singh’s life. After all the book began with Plato’s quote – “an unexamined life is not worth living”.

Assortment of the best - 99

 

Many a times in order to taste the cuisine of a place people order a thaali. A thaali has a variety of components and give an overall picture about a type of cuisine. 99 is an extremely tasty thaali which gives the reader a taste of a literary genius of contemporary time, Khushwant Singh.

Though I was introduced to Khushwant Singh’s writing with 'A mark of Vishnu' when I was in class X, I read a little of the famous 'Train to Pakistan' later. 99, published on his birth anniversary, is Alephs tribute to Mr Singh and has 99 pieces of his writing selected from different genres. The 15 sections that the book is divided into, like Family matters, The Sikhs, How to Live, How to Die, Sex on my mind, A passion for poetry among others, is a testament of how prolific he was.

The mastery of the writer is reflected in each genre. How he describes early life in Hadali, how he despite not being a historian gives a fresh and detailed look into Sikhism, his political and social views, his defense or the lack of it for being termed a womanizer, his controversial support of Emergency, his famous or infamous views on famous people, and many such masterpieces.

It is indeed interesting that one who was born to one of Delhi’s foremost builders, did not choose to use the luxury to a point where his aversion for litigations prevented him for inheriting great wealth. An agnostic who produced probably the most seminal work on Sikhism is remarkable. A voice which as editor of Weekly was heard in corridors of power and equally in hush-hush circles for the in-their-face remarks.

Each piece puts the reader at ease with the writer. The narration, simple prose most of the times, is always gripping, the sense of humor unparalleled and the insights the writer gives into his own life makes 99 an unputdownable one. It is as if he talks to you, tells you a story, and explains as a teacher through his works.

For one who has only heard of dirty jokes of Khushwant Singh (which he claims he knows all that exists in the world!) or have over the years formed an opinion of him should read 99 just to taste the excellent variety that exists in the cuisine of one of India's finest writers and public intellectuals, Khushwant Singh.

The Teacher who Inspired me

 

‘The Teacher who Inspired me...’

With the ‘Midsummer Nights Dream’ in his hand he walked into the class. His composed demeanour settling, his prim attire apt, his conduct worthy of emulation and when words emanated, his thoughts expressed, the lucidity of subject conveyed, for someone in the throes of teenage, in high school, there could not have been a better role model than Father Joseph Amudan.

In explaining to us Shakespeare Fr Joseph exhibited his erudition.

Knowledge, that he did not thrust upon us, like any ‘guide book’ would do, but rather told us various interpretations of a single phrase, typical of a Shakespearean literature. He ensured it was not a one-way communication; he entertained interjections, accepted alternate theories and in cases of disagreements or doubts, did not deliver his verdict but sought time to further investigate. He would induce enough curiosity in any topic meanwhile ensuring there is room for us to go back and look up more readings. And that single factor inculcated in me a habit of reading diverse subjects.

In listening to everyone Fr Joseph exhibited equality and in cracking the whip, fairness.

In times and settings where the voice that would be entertained in a class would usually be of the top rung, Fr Joseph would give everyone an opportunity. He would listen to everyone’s interpretation, would nudge the ones not willing to respond and in well-crafted assignments see to everyone’s participation. He was also a stickler. Preventing the whole class to write a unit nest for showing unruliness during an exam was enough to teach us lessons of abiding by rules. In me thus arose a belief in equal opportunity and a penchant for observance of rules.

In being a friend, philosopher and guide Fr Joseph exhibited mentorship.

Perhaps acknowledging that a teenager has a mind of his own is not easy as it sounds. Whenever studying English would bring about issues of religion, even contentious issues like forced conversions, sexuality, governments, Fr Joseph would neither shy away nor impose his belief. He would provide a ground for the most interesting and enlightening of debates. He would show great camaraderie during school picnics and functions, get his hands dirty with us, be just as one of us. And that broke many an icebergs.

In acknowledging non-academic debates in which I had a forte, in identifying my strength in and giving organizational and oratorical responsibilities which imbued confidence in me, in simply listening and accepting alternate theories which brought about liberal thoughts, in creating conditions resulting in rapacious reading and widespread writing, and also importantly in quietly nudging to study harder which culminated in good grades, all of which are responsible partly for who I am today, my English teacher, the erstwhile Principal of my school, Father Joseph Amudan, made an indelible mark, left an imprint and inspired me to great ends.

(This essay was submitted to Manipal Centre for Professional and Personal Development as part of a competition for Teachers Day, 2014 and was selected among the top 5 outstanding essays)