Michael Patrick MacDonald

Ramchandra Manohar Nalawade : Former Member of Constituent Assembly 1947

Born on 15^th July, 1907, in Vaduj, Satara, Ramchandra Manohar Nalawade dedicated his life to the service of his nation, leaving an indelible mark on India's history.

From an early age, Nalawade displayed a fierce commitment to the cause of Indian independence. His unwavering resolve led him to actively participate in the freedom struggle, where he fearlessly fought against colonial oppression.

In 1947, Nalawade's exceptional leadership qualities earned him a pivotal role as a member of the Constituent Assembly, representing the Bombay Presidency. His contributions as a steering committee member played a crucial role in shaping the nascent democracy of independent India.

Throughout his life, Nalawade continued to champion the ideals of democracy and social justice. In 1951, he contested the North Satara Lok Sabha seat, receiving a remarkable mandate from the people despite finishing as a runner-up. His political journey was marked by a steadfast commitment to serving the interests of the common people, exemplifying integrity and dedication.

Beyond his political endeavors, Nalawade was also a visionary educationist. As the second chairman of the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, he played a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunities for the masses, believing that education was the cornerstone of societal progress.

Nalawade's influence extended beyond the realms of politics and education. As the first lawyer of Khatav Taluka, he tirelessly worked to uphold the principles of justice and equality, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and constituents alike.

On July 7, 1979 Rammchandra Manohar Nalawade bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. His life remains an inspiration for generations to come, a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and dedication in shaping the destiny of nations.

Books

All Souls: A Family Story from Southie

External videos
Booknotes interview with MacDonald on All Souls, December 12, 1999, C-SPAN
Presentation by MacDonald on All Souls, January 30, 2000, C-SPAN

A New York Times bestseller, All Souls: A Family Story from Southie (Beacon Press, September 1999), won an American Book Award and New England Literary Lights Award, as well as the Myers Outstanding Book Award administered by the Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights in North America.

With All Souls, MacDonald writes a gripping memoir about his life growing up in the Old Colony housing projects in South Boston, a predominantly white Irish Catholic neighborhood. He writes about the crime, drugs, and violence in his neighborhood in the years following Boston's busing riots, and of his brothers and sisters, several of whom fell prey to drugs, crime, and suicide. The book introduces his mother, Helen King, a feisty woman who raised her nine surviving children in the projects. The book often mentions Whitey Bulger, a gangster and FBI informant in Southie, who brought the drug trade into the neighborhood, contributing to the deaths of hundreds of young people leading to suicides, murders, and overdoses. Despite the turmoil, MacDonald writes about how proud and loyal the residents were in Southie.

Easter Rising: An Irish American Coming Up from Under

Released in October 2006, Easter Rising: An Irish American Coming Up from Under continues MacDonald's personal story. It tells of his path out of Southie and the history of the 1980s punk subculture, punk ideologies, and post-punk music scenes. In addition, he speaks of meeting older family members.^[1]

References

External links

• Michael Patrick MacDonald talks about his new book, All Souls, and changing times in South Boston The Boston Phoenix, by Sarah McNaught
• Appearances on C-SPAN