Book excerpt: What a family! Simple and complex, traditional and modern, religious and rational, money-minded and money-renouncing, Indian and international, fiercely individualistic and inspiringly loyal' -P. Lal In a life spanning nine decades Krishna Kumar Birla, son of the legendary Ghanshyam Das Birla, witnessed events that shaped India in the twentieth century and had close associations with iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malviya, Jayaprakash Narayan, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Head of one of India’s leading business houses, K.K. Birla embraced principles in which the creation of wealth, philanthropy and political leadership were all regarded as part of nation-building. Written in a style that is simple and translucent in its sincerity, Brushes with History brings alive an important era in the life of the nation, its changing social mores, evolving principles of corporate governance and enduring family values In an affectionate and moving tribute, K.K. Birla’s daughter, Shobhana Bhartia, acquaints readers with her father’s spiritual strength and moral values which were an integral part of his life.