New Delhi: The launch of Congress politician Murlidhar C Bandhare’s memoir The Arc of Memory was an unusual one. There were no big speeches or discussions. Instead, the spring evening at the India International Center’s fountain lawn started with a flute and tabla performance. Guests reminisced about Bhandare’s life; his granddaughter shared her early memories of her Baba; family friends recalled his love for his wife Sunanda, who could have been the first woman Chief Justice of India.
“Baba’s life is his message. Stay active, remain engaged, be useful,” said Namita Bhandare, his daughter-in-law.
Bhandare, 95, was wheeled onto the stage as the book was presented. Alongside him was lawyer Shyam Divan, former ambassador to Afghanistan Jayant Prasad and Bhandare’s granddaughter Teesta Bhandare. A short video which captures the many facets of Bhandare’s personality—from a loving husband and doting father to a passionate golfer—was played for the audience.
“The book goes well beyond personal into the political and public. He was inducted into politics by his father-in-law, HR Gokhale. He stood for the Lok Sabha election from Bombay at first as an independent, and then on a Congress ticket. Those were the days when campaigns were run on foot, reaching out to voters door to door on shoestring budgets with barely any money, let alone the electoral bonds,” said Namita, as the audience laughed.
His granddaughter, Teesta, said that she has learnt how to live life by just being in his presence and observing him.
“Until Covid-19 confined him to the house, he played golf every day. And in the summer, he swam a few laps. Even today, at 95, he remains engaged, going to art exhibitions and shows. Spending his days writing, corresponding, planning,” said Namita.
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A love story for the ages
The most interesting conversation was about Bhandare and his wife Sunanda.
“The Arc of Memory began as his communication to Sunada about how his life continued without her. It includes a message to his granddaughters about their heritage and where they come from,” said Namita.
When Prasad took the stage, he shared how when he first saw the book he had texted Namita that Murlidhar looked handsome on the cover.
“She replied ‘My father is not looking handsome, he is handsome’. Maybe that is one of the reasons why Sunanda ji was attracted to him initially, especially since at the time of marriage Bhandare was 34 and Sunanda was 18. Theirs was an exemplary marital relationship. It demonstrated how partners can be loving, caring and supportive of each other,” said Prasad.
Divan used his time on stage to read out an excerpt from the book about Bhandare’s marriage.
The love story piqued the interest of the audience and the lawn fell silent to listen. “I told Balasaheb that I wanted to marry Sunanda, Balasaheb was understandably reluctant; he said we would wait for Sunanda to turn 18 in November 1960. On the 28th of April 1961, we got married. Everyone told me that I stole my friend’s daughter, but they weren’t wrong,” read Divan from the book.
But the book is much more than his personal life. It also portrays India’s fight for Independence, Ambedkar’s philosophy and how we arrived at the dynamic country we see today.
“Murli is a people person and has great affection for people. It is the thread that runs through in The Arc of Memory,” said Divan.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)