Nakshalbarinama by Asim Chattopadhyay [Hardcover]

*Nakshalbari Nama* is not just the history of the Naxalite movement, but also a reflection of its origins, development, and characteristics. This work transcends the mere historical account, delving into the author's six decades of active political life, including the Eden Hindu Hostel movement, the student movement at Presidency College, the Naxalbari movement, and later, the farmer movements in the border regions of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha—specifically in places like Gopiballavpur, Bahuragora, and Debra.

Although Ashim Chattopadhyay was initially a staunch supporter of Comrade Charu Majumdar's political ideas, later, through his own experiential learning and by following the advice of the Chinese Communist Party, he shifted his stance. He moved away from the line of "destroying class enemies" and, in this book, he emphasizes the importance of people's organization and movements as an effort to develop people's war. 

The central theme of the book is that only the people, and not the party or the leaders, are the true makers of history. Following this principle, the author adopted the politics of the "democratic left" and traces that history in the book as well. Through his personal experience, he emphasizes that in the communist movement, the issues of democracy and centralization have repeatedly been discussed. While centralization is necessary to unify the strength of the party, democracy is equally crucial for the active participation, initiative, and creativity of the people.

After a long journey of six decades and an extraordinary odyssey, the author finally reaches the profound truth: it is not the party or the leaders, but the people who are the true makers of history. *Nakshalbari Nama* brings this truth to light.