About the Book For people of all age groups, reading about the lives and times of great Indians is almost always inspiring and uplifting. This book presents insights of many famous Indians of the 20 century. The names include Harivansh Rai Bachchan, R K Narayan, Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Shergil, Osho, J. Krishnamurti, Aurobindo, Satyajit Ray, Madhubala, V. Anand, amongst others.

From their early years to achievements in the chosen fields, World Famous Indians covers all the relevant details. The book makes excellent reading for students, teachers, parents and all other professionals seeking credible information on the lives and achievements of famous Indians of the 20th century.

About the Author Vishwamitra Sharma is a prolific and versatile writer. He has edited hundreds of books and published thousands of articles in national dailies and weeklies. He has authored over 80 books on various subjects such as science, health, yoga, palmistry, astrology, vaastu shastra and the like. He began his journalistic career before 1947 in Lahore with the daily Milap. During the turbulent pre-Partition days, he took part in the freedom struggle under the dynamic leadership of Jayprakash Narayan. After moving to independent India in 1947, he joined the Hindi daily Jansatta. Thereafter, he worked with All India Radio for 20 years. After retirement, he worked in the book publishing industry.

Preface Csought to assert our identity and preserve the nation's rich cultural heritage. It was during this period of enslavement that countless inspiring personalities came to the helm, exhorting countrymen to awake from their slumber, throw off the foreign yoke and reclaim India's rightful place among the comity of nations. Where a writer like Premchand used the written word as a source of inspiration.

Some of the most inspiring personalities lived during the 20 Century, a crucial period in the country's march towards independence. In this reawakening, individuals from every sphere contributed their mite: writers, artists and philosophers - even film and sports personalities. For instance, hockey wizard Dhyan Chand helped India whitewash all the white, supposedly superior nations during the Amsterdam (1928), Los Angeles (1932) and Berlin (1936) Olympics. India's stupendous gold run during this period dazzled onlookers, stunned opponents and silenced critics. It was moments such as these that had the nation glowing with pride, underscoring the fact that true genius couldn't be repressed despite centuries of cultural and imperialist hegemony.

In this amazing turnaround, hundreds and thousands of Indians have played a key role. Selecting only few names has been an arduous task, with other equally deserving ones having been left out due to space constraints. his is not just a collection of achievements and milestones by select individuals - it is the story of an entire era.

I am grateful to M/s V&S Publishers for accepting this book for publication. Thanks also to Ms A Sunita Purushottaman for helping me in this endeavour. And grateful thanks to the editorial staff without whose untiring efforts this book would not have seen the light of day.

**Contents and Sample Pages**