Furrows In The Field: The highs and lows of a farmer’s life

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Bengaluru: Veteran journalist Sugata Srinivasaraju released his new book - Furrows in a Field - a biography on former Prime Minister of India, H.D. Deve Gowda at an event in the city on Monday.

The book chronicles the highs and lows of Gowda’s journey in national and regional politics. It also examines his federal commitment and his vast knowledge about irrigation agriculture and law.

As the event began at Taj West End, the former prime minister entered the hall with his hand on one of the venue staff’s shoulder, who assisted him towards his chair. Gowda’s wife Chennamma Deve Gowda, who had been his constant support since 1954, also accompanied him.

A short clip was played on screen recalling Gowda’s political journey from a 20-year-old to his stint as prime minister.

Coming from a middle class agrarian background and exposed to hardships of a farmer’s life, Gowda vowed to take up the cause of poor farmers, the underprivileged and oppressed sections of society.

In his virtual address, former chief justice of India M.N. Venkatachaliah lauded Sugata for his book. Quoting former MP Saifuddin soz, he said Gowda as the Prime Minister was the hope for Kashmir. He was the only PM who went to Kashmir and interacted freely with the people.

The book was launched by Chiranjeev Singh, S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram and senior Congress leader B.L. Shankar along with the author of the book, Sugata Srinivasaraju.

Meenakshi Sundaram, who served as principal secretary to Deve Gowda, said, “It is not easy to record a man’s 60-70 years of life... Earlier, the only book I found faithful was biography of Nijalingappa. Other than this, I appreciate Sugata’s book to project the life of Deve Gowda as it is.”

He also recalled Gowda once telling him, “Devaru nammannu dodda jaagadalli ittidaane, naavu sannatana torisa baaradu. (God has given us great position, we should not be so cheap for the people.) That was his mindset,” he said.

Chiranjeev Singh, who had been finance secretary as well as chief secretary to two chief ministers (Devraj Urs and SM Krishna), sad that what comes out in the book is not a politician. It is a common humble man with emotions and his determination. “Sugata has done ample justice to the subject and has set a standard for political biographies to come through in future,” Singh added. Sugata said, “I have been fair to his political life and his personal life throughout the book without flattering anyone. Gowda never interfered with the book and fully supported me while I chronicled his seven decades journey.”

On being asked why he chose to write about Deve Gowda’s life, he answered, “Gowda became prime minister without anybody propelling him. He did not need that… I think we have not paid him the credit he deserves,” Sugata said.

Senior Congress leader Shankar said, “The status of Prime Minister or Chief Minister or a common man didn’t change Gowda’s behaviour. He is still ‘the son of soil.”

Sugata said Gowda was the kind of politician who would invite reporters, and opposition members to his house. “They debated with him, abused him and walked out. And this man says it’s a part of democracy. I wonder where he got these qualities from,” he added.

Sugata signed off by saying “I presume Deve Gowda is just like us News Editors, who always carry their resignation letter in their pockets.”

He had interviewed 80 people for his book.