New Delhi, May 01, 2025: Ink, Saffron and Freedom, a searing portrait of the birth and evolution of the modern Indian nation, was released to thunderous applause at a grab unveiling function at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, 15 Janpath, New Delhi.
The book has been penned by veteran journalist and lifelong swayamsevak Shri Kedar Nath Gupta, with support from journalist Mrs. Manoranjana Sinh. The launch was graced by Dr Krishna Gopal, Seh-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as Chief Guest, Sh. Prem Prakash, Chairman of Asian News International (ANI), as Guest of Honour, former Union Minister Dr.Harshvardhan and hundred of journalists. The event was beautifully hosted by Members of the Gupta family.
The book has been published by the well-known publishing house Prabhat Prakashan. Senior Journalist Mrs. Manoranjana Sinh has also made a significant contribution to its writing. In “ Ink, Saffron and Freedom”, Mr. Kedarnath Gupta Explores various important aspects of Indian journalism, culture, the ideological background of the RSS and Indian politics in depth.
Ink, Saffron and Freedom is a work that goes beyond reportage. It is a spiritual inheritance. A torch passed from one generation to the next. Gupta’s words burn with clarity, conscience, and cultural conviction. From the horrors of Partition violence in Garhmukteshwar to the smoke-filled corridors of Delhi’s early newsrooms, from the ideological spine of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to the fading dignity of Indian journalism, this book lays bare the contradictions and courage of India’s journey.
At a time when India stands at a civilizational crossroads, Ink, Saffron and Freedom serves as a voice of rootedness. It dares to ask why cultural resurgence remains incomplete despite political victories. It questions why foreign entities hold sway over Indian policymaking. And it challenges young Indians to reclaim journalism, heritage, and national memory.
This is the story of a man who refused to watch history unfold— he insisted on writing it. For citizens, scholars, swayamsevaks, and seekers of Bharat’s truth, this book is essential reading.
‘Ink’ stands for journalism, ‘Saffron’ for patriotism and ‘Freedom’ is self-explanatory. It isn’t possible to recount them all here but this book digs deep into innumerable turning points in Indian history”, said Dr. Krishna Gopal, Sah-Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He added that the Hindu Society is the only one that is tolerant and accepts everyone. He said the whole world needs Hindu Society and the Hindu way of life. Mr. Gopal Mentioned that the RSS was banned after Gandhi’s assassination, but even before that, Congress leaders often talked about ending the organization. He reflected on the dangerous atmosphere during India’s partition, with widespread violence ,looting and displacement. He questioned who was truly responsible. He also added that if Pakistan was formed, it should have brought peace instead, of continued conflict. He also pointed out that the language divide Urdu and Bangla, led to the creation of Bangladesh. Similarly, today in Pakistan, similar issues can be seen with Sindhis, Pashtuns and Baloch people. These communities no longer want to remain with Pakistan.
“When the RSS was banned, Kedar Nath Gupta, as a 16 year old boy, was sent to Buxar Jail. It took a long time for independent India to realise what should not have been done and what should be done… This book has it all. It is a two in one: one part of it is about Delhi and another about RSS and the politics of Independent India”,said Prem Prakash, Chairman, Asian News International (ANI). He added that while much has been written about Delhi in Urdu, this English-language book offers fascinating insights, especially about Old Delhi. He remarked that Mr. Kedar Nath Gupta was one such revolutionary journalist who continued to write even during the Emergency.
“My book, being released here today, is my own tryst with life, India’s independence, the evolution of the Indian state and my deep association with the RSS, but this text is as much about me as it is about the world I grew up in, and I can only hope that it leaves you, my dear reader, thinking about this lived life long after you’ve brushed past its final pages”, said Kedar Nath Gupta. He also expressed gratitude to international friends like Erik Solheim,former minister of Norway and Aiden White from ethical journalism network for their support.
The grand event was attended by, Politicians, literature enthusiasts, scholars and dignitaries from various fields , making it a meaningful platform for intellectual discussion. The event ended with the singing of Vande Mataram.
Ink, Saffron and Freedom is published by Prabhat Prakashan Private Limited and available in bookstores and online
Amazon Link =https://www.amazon.in/dp/9355627998
