Gopalkrishna Gandhi Reflects on Nehru’s Legacy and India’s Democratic Journey at Bengaluru Literature Festival

On December 7, 2025, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the author of The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India and former governor of West Bengal, spoke at the 14th Bengaluru Literature Festival at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. ALLEN EGENUSE J. provided the photo via The Hindu

Writer and former diplomat Gopalkrishna Gandhi said he had Jawaharlal Nehru in mind when he began writing The Undying Light, explaining that Nehru’s words — “The light has gone out of our lives… yet the light will never go out” — form the emotional core of the book. Speaking at the Bengaluru Literature Festival, he said that while the work includes well-known figures like Gandhiji, Nehru and Rajaji, it also honours the many unsung contributors who shaped India’s democratic and social foundations.

Mr. Gandhi noted that Rajagopalachari had foreseen the growing influence of money in elections, warning early on that democratic processes could be overtaken by corruption — a concern he said has now proved true. He also revisited the courage of Jayaprakash Narayan, describing him as a leader who followed Mahatma Gandhi with devotion but maintained complete independence of thought.

Reflecting on the presidency, he spoke about Rajendra Prasad and K.R. Narayanan, quoting Narayanan’s belief that the President holds “no authority, only influence,” and that this influence must align with the people when they are right.

Mr. Gandhi also explained the enduring admiration for A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, noting his gentle contradictions — a man named Kalam who played the veena and practiced vegetarianism.

He revealed why he never entered electoral politics, saying he declined AAP’s 2014 request to contest against Narendra Modi because the party had become “a painful disappointment.”

As the session ended, he said, “India needs a government open to criticism — and critics who are open to self-criticism.”