Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Lala Lajpat Rai

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This book presents a critical analysis of the political thought of Lala Lajpat Rai. Offering rich insights into his life and times, it explains in detail his concept of nationalism, economic principles, social objectives, and his views on democracy.

The various facets of Lala Lajpat Rai-an orator, a social reformer, a writer, a nationalist, an educationist and a statesman-have been highlighted as well.

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.

Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the architects of modern India. He was born in 1865 and passed away in 1928 at the age of sixty-three. He devoted almost whole of his active life, since his college days up to the end-about forty-five years-in the service of the motherland. He staked his all-career, family, wealth, health and even life for the cause of his country. He was a rare phenomenon, and Gandhiji rightly said about him: "Men like Lalaji cannot die so long as the sun shines in the Indian sky."

Lajpat Rai was a man of many facets an orator, a social reformer, a writer, a nationalist, a parliamentarian, an educationist, and above all a statesman who was sure to emerge as a leader of men in any age and in any country. He was a synthesis of action and contemplation. He was a realist and a visionary capable of responding to the contemporary challenges and also keeping with the unfolding drama of the distant future with a keen objectivity and a clear understanding of the emerging national and international scenarios.

He observed at an early stage of his public career that not much reform of the type he wanted was possible until the country was freed from foreign domination. It appeared to him as a poison corrupting every department of life. It is impossible to think of a single public movement in which Lalaji was not to be found. His love of service was insatiable. He founded educational institutions. He befriended the suppressed classes. Poverty, always claimed his attention. He was surrounded by youngmen with extraordinary affection.

**Contents and Sample Pages**