Chapter 1: Early Years
In the first chapter, Natwar Singh details his childhood in Rajasthan, India. He was born into an aristocratic family and had the privilege of a comfortable life, receiving education from prestigious institutions like Mayo College and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. This chapter sets the stage for understanding the early influences that shaped his worldview, especially his exposure to the Indian freedom movement and his admiration for Jawaharlal Nehru.
Chapter 2: Diplomatic Beginnings
Singh’s decision to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1953 opened new doors for him. In the second chapter, he recounts his training days and his initial postings abroad, including his experience in China during the early days of the People’s Republic. He met global leaders and witnessed firsthand the Cold War tensions. His time in Beijing also allowed him to experience Chinese culture and politics, which would later shape his diplomatic outlook.
Chapter 3: At the United Nations
He was posted to the United Nations (UN) in New York, where he worked closely on international issues, representing India on the world stage. He interacted with diplomats from other countries, building a strong reputation. His narrative highlights India’s foreign policy during the Nehru era, marked by non-alignment and efforts to establish a global presence despite limited economic and military resources.
Chapter 4: Encounters with Nehru and Indira Gandhi
In this chapter is rich in personal anecdotes, revealing Singh’s encounters with Indian Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter, Indira Gandhi. He admired Nehru’s leadership and was influenced by his vision for India. Singh also developed a professional and personal rapport with Indira Gandhi, who would later become one of the most significant political figures in his life. He recounts the Emergency era under Indira Gandhi and offers an insider’s view of her political calculations and leadership style.
Chapter 5: A Close Bond with the Gandhis
Natwar Singh’s closeness to the Gandhi family deepens as he serves Indira Gandhi and later, her son Rajiv Gandhi. This chapter explores the complexities of these relationships. Singh provides insights into Rajiv Gandhi’s unexpected rise to power after his mother’s assassination and his transformation from a reluctant politician to a national leader. He discusses Rajiv’s policies, his modernization agenda, and the challenges he faced, particularly in dealing with the Bofors scandal, which rocked his administration.
Chapter 6: Return to India – A Political Career Begins
He eventually returned to India, shifting from diplomacy to politics. Indira Gandhi invited him to join the Indian National Congress, and he became an active participant in Indian politics. This chapter covers his initial forays into electoral politics, his experience as a Member of Parliament, and his responsibilities in key ministries, such as External Affairs. He shares his thoughts on the internal workings of the Congress party and how political power is managed.
Chapter 7: The Fall of Rajiv Gandhi
This chapter captures the dramatic events surrounding Rajiv Gandhi’s political downfall. Singh discusses the corruption allegations that marred Rajiv’s image, the role of opposition parties, and the eventual electoral defeat of the Congress party. Rajiv’s assassination in 1991 left Singh devastated. His account is poignant, revealing the personal loss he felt and the political vacuum created by Rajiv’s death.
Chapter 8: Serving in International Forums
Singh’s diplomatic career did not end when he entered politics. He continued to represent India at various international forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Commonwealth. In this chapter, he discusses his role in shaping India’s foreign policy during critical moments, including the Indo-Pakistani conflicts and India’s stance on global nuclear disarmament.
Chapter 9: The Sonia Gandhi Era
After Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, his widow, Sonia Gandhi, took charge of the Congress party. Natwar Singh played a key role in persuading her to enter politics, and this chapter examines his complex relationship with Sonia. While Singh admired her leadership abilities and political acumen, their relationship would later deteriorate, particularly during the controversy surrounding the Volcker Report (2005), which implicated Singh in the oil-for-food scandal. This chapter provides a detailed account of the fallout between Singh and the Gandhis, ultimately leading to his resignation from the Congress party.
Chapter 10: Controversies and Challenges
Natwar Singh’s political career was not without controversy. This chapter focuses on the Volcker Report scandal, which accused him of benefiting from the Iraqi oil-for-food program. Singh vehemently denied the allegations, and this chapter details his defense. He offers his perspective on the scandal, criticizes the media’s role, and discusses how it impacted his political career and personal reputation. This chapter serves as a turning point in Singh’s narrative, marking the beginning of his estrangement from the Gandhis and his eventual exit from active politics.
Chapter 11: Reflections on Indian Politics
In this chapter, He reflects on the evolution of Indian politics since independence. He contrasts the era of Nehru and Indira Gandhi with the more fragmented and coalition-based politics of the 1990s and 2000s. He also shares his thoughts on India’s democratic institutions, the rise of regional parties, and the decline of the Congress party’s dominance. Singh’s insights are drawn from his personal experience and provide a nuanced understanding of the shifts in Indian politics over the decades.
Chapter 12: Life Beyond Politics
The final chapters focus on Singh’s life after politics. He discusses his decision to retire from active political life and the transition to a quieter existence. He continued to write, travel, and engage in intellectual pursuits, reflecting on his long and eventful career. Singh shares his thoughts on diplomacy, literature, and his personal philosophy on life. Despite the controversies, Singh maintains that he lived a fulfilling life and remains proud of his contributions to Indian diplomacy and politics.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of *One Life is Not Enough*, Natwar Singh reflects on his journey, from a young diplomat navigating the intricacies of international relations to a senior politician embroiled in some of India’s most significant political events. His life spanned a transformative period in India’s history, from the post-colonial era to the rise of modern Indian politics.
Singh’s autobiography is not just a recount of events but an introspective look at the people, decisions, and moments that shaped both his personal and professional life. His relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family is a central theme, marked by admiration, loyalty, and eventual disillusionment. Singh does not shy away from discussing his political fallouts, particularly the controversial Volcker Report, which tainted his legacy.
Ultimately, Singh’s life was a complex blend of triumph and tribulation, with personal relationships deeply influencing his career trajectory. The book offers a candid and insightful perspective on Indian politics, foreign policy and the workings of power within the Congress party. It is a valuable narrative for anyone interested in understanding the inner workings of Indian governance and diplomacy, as seen through the eyes of one of its key players.