Expert columnist and the Author Shankkar Aiyar has written the book ‘Accidental India: A History of the Nation’s Passage Through Crisis and Change’.
Another book added on my bookshelf through Blogadda Book Review Program. I am glad I got a chance to read this one.
The First Glance:
I liked the colorful Cover page. The title of the book is simple but equally attention seeking. It easily gives away that the offering in the papyrus product contains story of our nation, its journey through Crisis and its victorious moments of Change. It may sound or look more of a hardcore history or economics book, not of everyone’s interest or liking but….. I would sincerely suggest don’t reject it out rightly. Try out something different— ‘It makes a great read and its gonna keep you hooked all along.
My thoughts:
While I read, I enjoyed every word of it. My hatred for the governing people and the government has been strengthened but definitely it has made me a more aware person than being an ignored one. If we blame population, poverty of the country as the major roadblocks in our development, lets dive into deeper analysis. Its high time and right time now.
The Theme:
The book is the outcome of long years of thorough analysis and keen observation of Indian government, the instable and volatile economy of the country and the manipulative ways of people in power. Some had vision but no support and others who could do much did not think about the progress of the masses. The societal and monetary changes that have taken place in our country post Independance-1947 have been talked about in here in the most lucid and impact ful manner.
Inside Story:
I was surprised and shocked to read the some of the economy related revelations in the book. The Economic progress in nineties in India was almost zilch even after 40 years of freedom and democratic governance. The country being declared bankrupt and the Indian Gold making it ways to Bank of London was the most disappointing truth. Post Independence days was the time when the people in power could have justly used their knowledge and vision for the progress of the country but on the contrary they crippled the nation further. Foreign aids were the only saving grace because a country once known as the ‘Golden bird’ was plundered by foreigners first and then by its own greedy people.
The writer talks very bluntly and at the same time very convincingly that the seven major changes that are considered pivotal in building the country’s economy were not well planned or pre-conceived notions. The alternations happened accidentally because the governing people were in a ‘do or die’ situation. They had to implement the change as the crisis attacked head on and none could bail them out. The supporting facts, the anecdotes, the small stories, the descriptions of micro and macro events make the book a great read. Its completely educative, entertaining and fulsome engaging.
The Break-up:
The book is divided into 7 segments with the following titles:
‘The Bonfire Of The Vanities’
‘The Hunger Games’
‘Das Kapital’
‘The Milky Way’
‘Soup Kitchen For The Kitchen’
‘The Black Swan’
The prologue sets the mood and the entailing chapters add to the shine and pace perfectly. Setting up a industry was almost like getting a visa to heaven. The country had outdated means of agriculture. Year by year the crops failed and what was left was hunger- stricken people. The nation’s interest was marred and overlooked every time and personal profits were in vogue. The growth in India has been restricted due to different layers in the government. More the processes, more number of people involved and absolutely vulnerable to corruption. The first chapter was my favorite.
About the Author:
Shankkar Aiyar is a veteran journalist and has reported on the political economy of India for 30 years. The writer deserves claps and admiration for offering an excellent piece of work to the reading class. His evaluations and analysis are impressive and thought provoking. His views are well balanced and aptly put across to the readers and he does perfect justice to the story telling. The instances and the relative people have been knotted well.
Thumps Up:
The book helps us to get a crystal clear picture of the winning events that happened in the country in the days of grave crisis. The IT revolution, the death of License Raj, Right to Information, Nationalization of banks, the adoption of better methods of agriculture, The Mid day meal program and liberalization of economy.
The book reaches out to the educated class. It talks about truth and thus demands us to think over the situation in India. It appeals to the youth and the educated to act to bring the change with vision and foresightedness. The people whom we have trusted have failed us badly. The need of the hour is to act. We know its time to do something but do we really have the power and resources to fight out the corrupt people. Time to give it a thought!!!
It is not a one time affair, its a lovely book and must be read more than once. I am sure it will help to absorb more, form a vision, look at things with different perspective with subsequent readings.
Thumps Down:
It is expensive, though its worth it but reading needs to be promoted. Some may choose not to buy due to the cost factor.
Happy Reading!!!
This review is also a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
There is one book by Shashi Tharoor, ‘The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone’ some what similar to this. Looks like a good read. I don’t see price tag of books unless it is a decoration.
Oh grt!! Thanx for suggesting another good book.
For the readers price tag doesnot really matter but for the non-readers it does because then they often prefer going for other things than a book. And even if we succeed in convincing him/her to buy a book for its worth, shelling out 700 rupees would definitely call for a second thought.