Political Ideas of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (Hardcover-2024)

About the Book: Political Ideas of Ram Manohar Lohia examines the visionary ideologies of one of India’s greatest political thinkers. The book delves into Lohia’s thoughts on fundamental concepts such as freedom, equality, governance and societal transformation. It offers an unparalleled study of Lohia’s stance on individual freedom in comparison to the individualism of Adam Smith, Ricardo, Bentham and J.S. Mill. The author skillfully examines the core values that form the foundation of Lohia’s ideology, uncovering the intricate relationship between individuals and the broader societal context.

Furthermore, the book introduces Lohia’s visionary governance model, which emphasises decentralisation, grassroots participation and accountable institutions. With its seven insightful chapters, this comprehensive work thoroughly analyses Lohia’s vision for a progressive society, encompassing cultural, economic and social aspects. Understanding Lohia’s enduring legacy is crucial in assessing the impact of his ideas on India’s political landscape and their continued relevance in the twenty-first century. The book is suitable for students of political science and history, as well as general readers interested in India’s political thought and its quest for a more egalitarian society.

About the Author: Dr. Chandradeo Prasad is a distinguished scholar and expert in the field of Political Thought and Theory. A Gold Medallist in M.A. (Political Science) and M.A. (History), he was awarded a Ph.D. from Magadh University. In his teaching experience of more than three decades, he has acted as Head of Department (HoD) and taught in several colleges, including Ranchi College, Kisan College (Sohsarai), H.D. Jain College (Ara) and Gaya College at the postgraduate level in the Department of Political Science. In addition, he was the Dean of Social Sciences at Magadh University. Under his guidance as Director and HoD, more than fifty-one Ph.D.s and two D.Litt. degrees were awarded to successful students and researchers.

Dr. Prasad has written over thirty books aligned with the UGC syllabi and published several research papers in national and international journals. His highly acclaimed works, characterised by objectivity and factuality, include Lohia: A Political Biography (2021) and A Short Biography of R.M. Lohia (2007). In addition, his book Unani Rajnitik Vicharak (1971), written in Hindi, is a rich contribution to the political philosophy of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.