Aruna Asaf Ali

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This biography of Aruna Asaf Ali by Mr G.N.S. Raghavan is not only a fair and objective assessment of an exceptional personality but also a true and faithful account of the most important facts in her eventful life. It is based on both letters written and received by Arunaji from such personalities as Gandhiji, Pandit Nehru and her husband Asaf Ali as well as the talks and discussions the author had with her over a period of almost ten years before she passed away in 1995. One may or may not agree with every detail of the author's analyses, but one cannot help appreciating his general approach to a very delicate, determined - sometimes difficult and sensitive personality.

I had occasion to see her first when I was a student of Allahabad University in the early 30's and then at Washing ton D.C. when she was there for a brief period as our first Ambassador's wife. On both these occasions I found her a charming but very serious person, with a sparkle in her eyes. Clad in a spotless white khadi sari and blouse her hair carelessly groomed, she seemed more interested in the socio-political and human problems of independent India than being a gracious and charming hostess to the first Indian ambassador to USA. She did not stay long at Washington D.C. but took an active part in the UNESCO Confer ence at Mexico where she made a deep impression on all the delegates, as Dr Radhakrishnan, the Leader of the Indian delegation wrote to Prime Minister Nehru.

**Contents and Sample Pages**