Freedom or doom ???

Freedom at midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry collins

When I was suggested this book, I thought it would be another history epic, boasting the leaders who presented India her independence. Part of my presumption is true, but what enthralled me is the shocking revelation of the events happened behind the closed doors of power at the time of Indian's partition and the period followed it.

“Freedom at midnight” unfolds the real significance of the day which we proudly celebrate as" Independence Day" of India. The price paid for this celebration is the knife of partition engraved in the heart of India. Indeed it is a day to be mourned than celebrated. The book begins with unwilling Lord Mountbatten being appointed as Viceroy of India to undertake the transition of India from British dependency to sovereign state. What followed that was interesting disclosure of facts which I had failed to know earlier.

The book gives the complete and precise details of last year of British in India, India's response to Independence, Princely states reaction to Independence, most critical role played by Mountbatten, Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Jinnah (whose decisions later played on the fates of millions of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs), Partition of India and Pakistan (which is easily decided than done), Communal frenzy that followed the partition and engulfed millions of lives, the beginning of endless concern –The Kashmir. Above all the book reaching its pinnacle while describing the terrific role played by Gandhi at the time of India's adversity and the reward that Great Man yielded for his nonviolence – Gandhi's Assassination by Godse & his co. The book explores the roots of the many social issues which still shakes India since her Independence.

Hitherto, I was bound to make my own theories on India’s independence movement based on the very limited knowledge, I gained from my school text books & from hearsay (most of which are incorrect). This book astounded me of how ignorant and misunderstood, I am of my own country.