BENGALURU, 6 SEP

The City witnessed the launch of veteran journalist and former MP Shahid Siddiqui’s memoir ‘I, Witness: India from Nehru to Narendra Modi’, on Saturday. The event drew leading political and intellectual voices, blending personal anecdotes with sharp reflections on Indian politics.

The book was released by former Karnataka Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, who lauded Siddiqui’s courage, saying, “Your courage to meet people like Jagjit Singh Chauhan shows you have an extra heart—share some with us too, bhaiya.” 

He recalled 1967 as a turning point in Congress politics, the charisma of Indira Gandhi, and differences within the party, remarking, “Charisma is fascist, when the person becomes more important than the institution.”

Author and columnist Aakar Patel praised Siddiqui as part of the most remarkable generation of editors, calling the book “entertaining, anecdotal and written with warmth that represents Indian secularism in its highest form.”

Writer Sugata Srinivasraju described the work as an “anxious journal of records” that seeks to preserve political memories before they are forgotten, adding, “There is no cynicism in Siddiqui, only constructive engagement.”

In his address, Siddiqui said, “I was never just a reporter; I always believed in reforms through journalism... Only education and hard work can save Indian Muslims today. Be better, and you will get your rights.”