Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of C. Rajagopalachari

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This volume makes a comprehensive study of the political ideas of Chakravarty Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji. Providing rich insights into his multifaceted personality and achievements, it discusses at length his political ideology and perception, his views on freedom and democracy, and his efforts for social justice. It also extends discussion on his transition from nationalism to internationalism and his contribution to Indian culture.

Dr. (Miss) Ashu Pasricha is a faculty in Gandhian Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has many books to her credit including Gandhian Approach to Integrated Rural Development; Public Administration: Discipline and Dimensions; Peace Studies: Discipline and Dimensions; WTO, Self-reliance and Globalisation; and Gandhi's Concept of State and Power. Also, she has published a number of research papers in various Indian and foreign journals of repute.

Rajaji-as he was popularly known-was the last of the crusaders, who were at the vanguard of the freedom movement. In his crowded life, he had distinguished himself in many fields and climbed the dizzy heights of 95 years on the ladder of age with an amazingly agile body and alert mind.

A multi-faceted genius of sparkling intellect, deep erudition, transparent honesty, bubbling humour, intense humanism, bold convictions and an unceasing zest for living a full life, Rajaji lent added charm to his colourful personality through his simple ways and austere habits. He had a rare combination of age and ardour, catholicity and conservatism, volubility and taciturnity, serenity and pugnacity; it was indeed a rare opportunity to watch him-his detachment in the midst of power, his religiosity mingled with a latitudinarian outlook-sometimes soft as a flower and sometimes hard as granite all these often showed him up as an enigmatic personality even to his old acquaintances.

Towards the end of his life, he became a great world figure. He attained this greatness as a result of a great powers of intellect, of devotion to great causes and the sacrifices he made in the interest of those causes. He was the first and the only Indian Governor- General of pre-Independence India and filled other high places in the official hierarchy with success and dignity. This was remarkable exterior greatness. Equally remarkable was the inner greatness of the spirit, the beauty of the personality that developed through the years. Selfless, noble, gracious and vibrant, this personality was more beautiful than ever before in the closing years.

**Contents and Sample Pages**