We are passing through a very special period. We are witnessing people of different generations – those who participated in freedom struggle, those born after independence, those born after the silver, golden and platinum jubilee years of attaining freedom – mingle with one another and lead a very peaceful and contented life. One hundred and fiftieth birth anniversary of father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi and of his wife Kasturba passed by. Fifty-seven years have elapsed after the death of the builder of modern India, Jawarharlal Nehru. We re entering the seventy fifth year of attaining independence. We are now enjoying the freedom in this democratic country because of the legendary fight against the British by our forefathers/ancestors. But sadly, we are slowly forgetting those who got us this freedom. Of late, we are witnessing wilful efforts to malign the leaders and the martyrs of the freedom struggle. These activities are not only an insult to the history of our country but also an Preface Our Chachaji 7injustice to the future generations.

The life of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhiji is an awe-inspiring one. Let us have a glance at that extraordinary life. He can be described as the maker of modern India.
It was under his golden leadership that India walked into modernity, through computerization and the development of the digital realm, thus reshaping the face of the nation forever. His rise as the undisputed leader of a populace of seven hundred million was indeed commendable. !ough he came from a family which served the Nation both pre and post-independence for four generations, he was least interested in indulging in active politics. But, once he was pressured to involve, we gained a proactive politician, and an able Prime Minister.

The Constitution is a collection of ideas and rules that enables Indians to live and work as one. It is the Supreme Law of India. There is no authority higher than the Constitution. But the Constitution is not simply a rulebook.

Dedicated to the 1,21,08,54,977 Indians from 35 states and union territories, living in 5,97,608 villages and 7,933 towns, practicing over 90 religions, speaking 270 mother-tongues* working to build an India that is united, free and strong.

We are passing through a very special period. We are witnessing people of different generations – those who participated in freedom struggle, those born after independence, those born after the silver, golden and platinum jubilee years of attaining freedom – mingle with one another and lead a very peaceful and contented life. One hundred and fiftieth birth anniversary of father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi and of his wife Kasturba passed by. Fifty-seven years have elapsed after the death of the builder of modern India, Jawarharlal Nehru. We are entering the seventy fifth year of attaining independence. We are now enjoying the freedom in this democratic country because of the legendary fight against the British by our forefathers/ancestors. But sadly, we are slowly forgetting those who got us this freedom. Of late, we arewitnessing wilful efforts to malign the leaders and the martyrs of the freedom struggle. These activities are not only an insult to the history of our country but also an injustice to the future generations.

Sardar Patel lived an extra-ordinary life in extra-ordinary times. For his iron will and nerves of steel, he earned the title Iron Man of India. For his astute leadership and compassion, his people lovingly called him Sardar. The geographic entity we know as India, bears the imprint of the genius and statesmanship of this one man. It is the most lasting legacy Patel left for the future. ‘History’, said Nehru speaking about Sardar Patel, would ‘call him the builder and consolidator of the new India.’