Feb 02, 2004 05:53 PM
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(Updated Feb 02, 2004 05:53 PM)
Factual, forthright & unfeigned, is how I describe this book.
Most suitably titled The Great Indian Dream, is a picturesque land of contented humans who know no poverty, crime and social & economic prejudice. But it?s not a fairy tale. It is pure mathematics, statistics, logistics put into economics. What comes out then is a calculated map to achieve desired growth not just for India but the entire world.
Now this sounds like erudite ideology? It is! But if no one even talked about it, then the (Raja) Akbars will always scoff at the thought of something like mobile telephony.
The metal the Chaudhuris have as great reformist writers has been abundantly established with this the book. Being a masters student of economics and an avid enthusiast, I give full points to it.
The book is divided into three parts.
In the first part, called 'India Betrayed-Looking Local' the book traces the Indian economic development in comparison with the rest of the world over the last 50 years and more. The authors critically tear apart the entire process of Indian development and the lack of political will which has kept the majority of the masses in a state of abject poverty even as compared to sub Saharan African standards.
It portrays the classic paradox of India- a culturally rich, emotionally rich and intellectually rich nation remains poor! Mass illiteracy--- mafia raj?land of the dying destitute?the withering repressive state?Indian jails (a veritable hell)?disinvestment- (the abandonment of macro responsibility)?dysfunctional judiciary -- Why? How? When? Of course there are some answers too- our insensitive, shameless communal politicians!!
The second part, 'Happy Capitalism - Thinking Global'. Here the book propagates Arindam's concept of Happy Capitalism. It compares the inhuman aspects of the modern day market oriented capitalist system non conducive to human happiness. The most reckoning theory established here is that of ?survival of weakest?!! (and.. not the strongest). It compares to the way we run our family.. channeling most resources to the most needy in the family, like a handicapped brother or a new born infant. Apply the same notion to a nation and what you have is a plan for national growth!
It is the third part, called 'The Great Indian Dream' where this book cascades very distinctly in a territory where no other book has ever ventured into. The solutions for India and the world!! It ignites the spirit of entrepreneurship and patriotism and ends with a vision statement for India after 25 years?A peaceful superpower!
Read it or go to America!
