धरतीपुत्र चौधरी चरण सिंह

Published in 1984, Aniruddha Pandey's biography of Chaudhary Charan Singh delves into his personality, economic and social thoughts, family and historical background, early education at Agra College, marriage to Gayatri Devi, and his journey from the independence movement to becoming the Prime Minister of India. It covers his public and political life, highlighting his work for public welfare in various positions.

The biography includes many unheard and unwritten aspects, providing extensive and authenticated information. It discusses the reasons behind and the injustices during the national emergency ('Bhado's Amavasya') imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977. It also sheds light on Charan Singh's significant role in forming the Janata Party as an alternative to Congress in 1976, establishing the Janata government in 1977, and the factors leading to the split of the Janata Party and the fall of the Janata government.

A special section of the book shares Charan Singh's deep thoughts on various important issues, including national character, political corruption, immorality, reasons for leaving the Congress Party, his vision for India, centre-state relations, the problems in Punjab and Assam, questions on socialism, and India's role in the international arena. Pandey has also included Charan Singh's correspondence with Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, a detailed interview with Charan Singh as the Home Minister in 1977, and Charan Singh's significant presidential speech at the National Council of the Lok Dal.

About the Author

Aniruddha Pandey was selected for the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Service in the 1950s and, through promotion, reached the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) before retiring in the 1970s. During his tenure in the provincial service, he came into contact with Chaudhary Charan Singh and was influenced by his character and ideas. After retirement, Pandey met with Chaudhary Charan Singh multiple times between 1981 and 1983, documenting his life, especially childhood memories. During this period, he also met with Charan Singh's wife, Gayatri Devi, to gather important information for writing this biography.