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India Grows at Night: A Liberal Case for a Strong State
Indians wryly admit that India grows at night. But that is only half the saying; the full expression is: India grows at night... when the government sleeps, suggesting that the nation may be rising despite the state. Indias is a tale of private success and public failure. Prosperity is, indeed, spreading across the country even as governance failure pervades public life.
But how could a nation become one of the worlds fastest-growing economies when its governed by a weak, ineffective state? And wouldnt it be wonderful if India also grew during the dayin other words, if public policy supported private enterprise?
What India needs, Gurcharan Das says, is a strong liberal state. Such a state would have the authority to take quick, decisive action; it would have the rule of law to ensure those actions are legitimate; and finally, it would be accountable to the people. But achieving this will not be easy, says Das, because India has historically had a weak state and a strong society.
But how could a nation become one of the worlds fastest-growing economies when its governed by a weak, ineffective state? And wouldnt it be wonderful if India also grew during the dayin other words, if public policy supported private enterprise?
What India needs, Gurcharan Das says, is a strong liberal state. Such a state would have the authority to take quick, decisive action; it would have the rule of law to ensure those actions are legitimate; and finally, it would be accountable to the people. But achieving this will not be easy, says Das, because India has historically had a weak state and a strong society.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2012
About the author
Gurcharan Das
29 books376 followersGurcharan Das (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਚਰਨ ਦਾਸ, Hindi: गुरचरण दास), (born October 3, 1943), is an Indian author, commentator and public intellectual. He is the author of The Difficulty of Being Good: On the subtle art of dharma which interrogates the epic, Mahabharata. His international bestseller, India Unbound, is a narrative account of India from Independence to the global Information Age, and has been published in many languages and filmed by BBC.
He is a regular columnist for six Indian newspapers in English, Hindi, Telugu and Marathi, and he writes periodic pieces for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, and Newsweek.
He graduated with honors from Harvard University in Philosophy. He later attended Harvard Business School (AMP), where he is featured in three case studies. He was CEO of Procter & Gamble India and later Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Worldwide (Strategic Planning). In 1995, he took early retirement to become a full time writer. He is currently on many boards and is a regular speaker to the top managements of the world’s largest corporations.
His other literary works include a novel, A Fine Family, a book of essays, The Elephant Paradigm, and anthology, Three English Plays.
He is a regular columnist for six Indian newspapers in English, Hindi, Telugu and Marathi, and he writes periodic pieces for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, and Newsweek.
He graduated with honors from Harvard University in Philosophy. He later attended Harvard Business School (AMP), where he is featured in three case studies. He was CEO of Procter & Gamble India and later Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Worldwide (Strategic Planning). In 1995, he took early retirement to become a full time writer. He is currently on many boards and is a regular speaker to the top managements of the world’s largest corporations.
His other literary works include a novel, A Fine Family, a book of essays, The Elephant Paradigm, and anthology, Three English Plays.
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October 21, 2013
After reading Gurucharan Das' last release 'The Difficulty of being Good', I picked up 'India grows at Night' with much expectations. Das seems to be stuck with his last book too, having made dharma the central theme of this book as well.
On the brighter side it is a book that can be read to get oneself updated about the current political and economic situation of India. Das has filled his book with data about India's political environment right from Independence with references to even Mahabharata. So, if you think you have pieces of the Indian political puzzle missing in your memory this will be a quick brush.
Such an extensive data has perhaps made this not such an interesting read because the author has gone all over the place and it is difficult to stitch the whole story together. Most of the solutions and analysis given in the book are rather obvious ones that even we naive readers have registered at different times in our minds.
It is nice to have books like these released in India given the current state of the nation, to serve as a reminder, that this is not a sleeping country. But, all in all I was expecting a better analysis and a more compact read from Gurcharan Das.
On the brighter side it is a book that can be read to get oneself updated about the current political and economic situation of India. Das has filled his book with data about India's political environment right from Independence with references to even Mahabharata. So, if you think you have pieces of the Indian political puzzle missing in your memory this will be a quick brush.
Such an extensive data has perhaps made this not such an interesting read because the author has gone all over the place and it is difficult to stitch the whole story together. Most of the solutions and analysis given in the book are rather obvious ones that even we naive readers have registered at different times in our minds.
It is nice to have books like these released in India given the current state of the nation, to serve as a reminder, that this is not a sleeping country. But, all in all I was expecting a better analysis and a more compact read from Gurcharan Das.
September 29, 2014
India grows at night, while the government sleeps.
India's growth in the last few decades is not because of the Indian Government, but despite it - is the basic premise of this book by Gurucharan Das. He emphasizes how historically India has always been bestowed with a strong populace, but rather a weak government. Be it the warring kings of the princely states, or the marauding foreign invaders or now the populist democratic government, except a few exceptions India has not got the opportunity to have rulers who could establish a strong liberal state by imposing the rule of law. Yet, India has grown owing to its resilient and opportunistic people. Das believes that if we can mend our system of governance, India's growth can have no limit. In the recent events of Anna Hazare movement where India saw its vibrant middle-class for the first time came out to the streets leaving their cozy armchairs, Das saw the glimpse of hope of that happening.
However, this book definitely doesn't do justice to the expectations and credibility that comes along with the author owing to his educational (Harvard Graduate), professional (CEO of P&G India) and public intellectual ( author of the brilliant 'India Unbound') credentials.
As a proponent of free market, Das repeats the theory of 'Weak State vs Strong Society' and drags it throughout the book without presenting any other idea. Even, he realizes this and admits in the conclusion, "As I look back on what I have written in this book, I cannot escape a feeling of asymmetry." Das's this book manages to be informative, but unfortunately fails to enlighten. To redeem, he tries to present some common-sense ideas for solution, like forming a new secular open-economy-ideological party, execute the rule of law, etc … but those are half baked and lack the conviction. Also, now that Anna Hazare's movement has failed to achieve its intended result, too much emphasis on that movement doesn't make this book clairvoyant.
This book is readable, and not complete waste of time, but sadly doesn't live up to the expectations.
India's growth in the last few decades is not because of the Indian Government, but despite it - is the basic premise of this book by Gurucharan Das. He emphasizes how historically India has always been bestowed with a strong populace, but rather a weak government. Be it the warring kings of the princely states, or the marauding foreign invaders or now the populist democratic government, except a few exceptions India has not got the opportunity to have rulers who could establish a strong liberal state by imposing the rule of law. Yet, India has grown owing to its resilient and opportunistic people. Das believes that if we can mend our system of governance, India's growth can have no limit. In the recent events of Anna Hazare movement where India saw its vibrant middle-class for the first time came out to the streets leaving their cozy armchairs, Das saw the glimpse of hope of that happening.
However, this book definitely doesn't do justice to the expectations and credibility that comes along with the author owing to his educational (Harvard Graduate), professional (CEO of P&G India) and public intellectual ( author of the brilliant 'India Unbound') credentials.
As a proponent of free market, Das repeats the theory of 'Weak State vs Strong Society' and drags it throughout the book without presenting any other idea. Even, he realizes this and admits in the conclusion, "As I look back on what I have written in this book, I cannot escape a feeling of asymmetry." Das's this book manages to be informative, but unfortunately fails to enlighten. To redeem, he tries to present some common-sense ideas for solution, like forming a new secular open-economy-ideological party, execute the rule of law, etc … but those are half baked and lack the conviction. Also, now that Anna Hazare's movement has failed to achieve its intended result, too much emphasis on that movement doesn't make this book clairvoyant.
This book is readable, and not complete waste of time, but sadly doesn't live up to the expectations.
June 14, 2020
This was my first book by Das and I know I am late. The data is old and a lot has happened since 2012 but the analysis was well done, articulation is perfect. It’s like a journey the author takes you on. I like how he connected the dots between ancient times and present whilst bluntly bashing bureaucratic and political class. Although, I guess it could’ve been better or maybe, it was more relevant when it was released. Nonetheless, it was a good read but the argument gets too repetitive at times.
February 8, 2013
I read this book with so much expectations after reading his previous book "Difficulty of Being Good". But I feel highly disappointed for his take on some issues in which he is definitely one-sided and that side is known to all. Some of the ideas like "weak state vs strong society" are literally taken from another book "The Origins of Political Order" by Francis Fukuyama. His repeated references of dharma as a contract-enforcing concept in which only the welfare of the contracting parties are taken care of is too narrow and does not take into account its broader societal aspects.
June 8, 2020
With Anna Hazare's stirring clarion call for rooting out corruption as the back drop, Gurcharan Das ruminates on the contradiction that is India. Ruled by a deficient and flailing state (the Congress Government with the helpless Manmohan Singh at its helm), India still has managed to carve out a unique niche in the Global Economy as a force to reckon with. This growth is to a great extent, attributable to the unstinting and tireless efforts put in by the people of India acting in various capabilities and donning multiple responsibilities.
This veritable paradox has coined the popular epithet "India Grows at Night". In other words while an inefficient political body sleeps away the precious morning hours, a determined citizenry pulls its might by forcing India to progress at night. Gurcharan Das explores practical avenues by which this distortion/dichotomy may be alleviated thereby leading to a strong, progressive and prosperous India.
"India Grows at Night" - A tribute to Midnight's Children.
This veritable paradox has coined the popular epithet "India Grows at Night". In other words while an inefficient political body sleeps away the precious morning hours, a determined citizenry pulls its might by forcing India to progress at night. Gurcharan Das explores practical avenues by which this distortion/dichotomy may be alleviated thereby leading to a strong, progressive and prosperous India.
"India Grows at Night" - A tribute to Midnight's Children.
October 26, 2013
I started the book with high expectations but was disappointed. Although Das gives a account of the origins of the weak Indian State but he is repetitive; almost the same thing has been said in most of the chapters,and the worst thing is that same words and phraseology has been used.There is almost nothing new in the book and the ideas given are common knowledge.Also,the strong advocacy of open market economy and economic reforms by Gurcharan Das may not go down well with some readers.
But, in spite of these lacunae,the book is readable.It presents the grim picture of the Indian State and exhorts the rising middle class to take steps to change it.Das is wary of the Anna Hazare type movements and says that although such movements awaken the people but they weaken the institutions of the State which are necessary for the functioning of democracy.But,he also warns the political class that if it doesn't reform itself then it may lead to the unwarranted situation of civil war in the country.He also tries to disentangle the concept of dharma from religion and says that it is the part of Indian tradition and discourse, in the same way as liberty was and is of American tradition.He defines dharma as doing the right thing and says that we must inculcate the values of dharma to bring a change in ourselves as well as society.
The emphasis of the book is on creating a liberal but strong state, which takes decisive action and takes it quickly.Although to many it may seem that Gurcharan Das is advocating free market and the principle of laissez faire but to the contrary he criticizes the American republicans advocating the policy of laissez faire, and says that strong regulation by state is necessary for the smooth functioning of the market.He pitches for strongly regulated capitalism.By giving examples from history, Das tries to prove that a strong government is necessary for the development of India and he fairly succeeds in his endeavor.
But, in spite of these lacunae,the book is readable.It presents the grim picture of the Indian State and exhorts the rising middle class to take steps to change it.Das is wary of the Anna Hazare type movements and says that although such movements awaken the people but they weaken the institutions of the State which are necessary for the functioning of democracy.But,he also warns the political class that if it doesn't reform itself then it may lead to the unwarranted situation of civil war in the country.He also tries to disentangle the concept of dharma from religion and says that it is the part of Indian tradition and discourse, in the same way as liberty was and is of American tradition.He defines dharma as doing the right thing and says that we must inculcate the values of dharma to bring a change in ourselves as well as society.
The emphasis of the book is on creating a liberal but strong state, which takes decisive action and takes it quickly.Although to many it may seem that Gurcharan Das is advocating free market and the principle of laissez faire but to the contrary he criticizes the American republicans advocating the policy of laissez faire, and says that strong regulation by state is necessary for the smooth functioning of the market.He pitches for strongly regulated capitalism.By giving examples from history, Das tries to prove that a strong government is necessary for the development of India and he fairly succeeds in his endeavor.
July 14, 2018
This was a rather dull read. For me, the chapters merged into each other. I could not even take away anything substantial from it. I was just rushing to finish it. It seemed like it was an intellectual trying to do what he does best - talk about ideals and situations in thin air. I genuinely do not understand what I was supposed to take away with me when this book finished. The only thing that I understood was that he liked Anna Hazare and that he didn't like Indira Gandhi's tenure as the Prime Minister.
April 8, 2019
Not as engaging as the other book which I had read and I'm re-reading again this year.
This book does have it's good moments
But somewhere down the line I kept losing track and had to go back to read again. Maybe I'm not intellectual enough.
But overall an okay book.
This book does have it's good moments
But somewhere down the line I kept losing track and had to go back to read again. Maybe I'm not intellectual enough.
But overall an okay book.
July 25, 2016
tl;dr : To play with the blurb on the cover, 'Deserves to be universally ignored'
The book is poorly argued and one gains very little from reading it. Gurcharan Das tries very hard to ground India's potential for good governance (to ultimately support the fountainhead of private enterprise) in texts such as Manusmriti and others. The problem isn't that he quotes at times reasonable concepts from India's history. The issue, in fact, is that Gurcharan Das wants to coerce everything he has with him - a jamboree of anecdotes, his conviction in neoliberalism, knowledge of some Indian texts and current affairs - to unequivocally present a case for "classic liberalism".
The author comes from a family of extraordinarily high privilege. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine him unable to see an entire layer of society that has been ignored for centuries. At times, he makes assertions unbacked by any fact such as the following way where he extracts the dominant narrative of upper castes creating and implementing texts on dharma and completely eschews the need to consider the barbaric exclusion of those lower in the social hierarchy. He concludes: "...was a code of conduct supported by the general conscience of the people." This assertion of universal acceptance of this code of conduct is mentioned repeatedly in the book.
The book also has failed prophecies which anyone can see because they didn't materialize the way he predicted them (the book was published in 2012). Also, I find his understanding of economics to be shoddy but that would take a lot of space (in an already long review). Lastly, the author's optimism is perhaps a shining light through it all but I wonder if we could have done with some admissions of the complexity of the issues India faces rather than speculating how and when the next desi Thatcher or Reagan would save India.
The book is poorly argued and one gains very little from reading it. Gurcharan Das tries very hard to ground India's potential for good governance (to ultimately support the fountainhead of private enterprise) in texts such as Manusmriti and others. The problem isn't that he quotes at times reasonable concepts from India's history. The issue, in fact, is that Gurcharan Das wants to coerce everything he has with him - a jamboree of anecdotes, his conviction in neoliberalism, knowledge of some Indian texts and current affairs - to unequivocally present a case for "classic liberalism".
The author comes from a family of extraordinarily high privilege. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine him unable to see an entire layer of society that has been ignored for centuries. At times, he makes assertions unbacked by any fact such as the following way where he extracts the dominant narrative of upper castes creating and implementing texts on dharma and completely eschews the need to consider the barbaric exclusion of those lower in the social hierarchy. He concludes: "...was a code of conduct supported by the general conscience of the people." This assertion of universal acceptance of this code of conduct is mentioned repeatedly in the book.
The book also has failed prophecies which anyone can see because they didn't materialize the way he predicted them (the book was published in 2012). Also, I find his understanding of economics to be shoddy but that would take a lot of space (in an already long review). Lastly, the author's optimism is perhaps a shining light through it all but I wonder if we could have done with some admissions of the complexity of the issues India faces rather than speculating how and when the next desi Thatcher or Reagan would save India.
December 14, 2012
The title of the book, "India Grows at Night" is only half the saying of the complete sentence: 'India grows at night while the state sleeps.'
The book begins with a famous quote by Aristotle,"The state exists for the sake of good life, not for the sake of life alone." The book has explained the origin of 'weak Indian state' from history of prevailing kingdoms to the presently existing fast paced 21st century situation. The author has advocated for free market economy based on impartial, transparent rules and regulations along with small but minimal state to guide it as the welfare state had failed on numerous accounts.
Though there was a feeling inside me that throughout the book author has been highly critical of the government and considered the market based economy as the only way forward.
Overall it's a very good read. :)
The book begins with a famous quote by Aristotle,"The state exists for the sake of good life, not for the sake of life alone." The book has explained the origin of 'weak Indian state' from history of prevailing kingdoms to the presently existing fast paced 21st century situation. The author has advocated for free market economy based on impartial, transparent rules and regulations along with small but minimal state to guide it as the welfare state had failed on numerous accounts.
Though there was a feeling inside me that throughout the book author has been highly critical of the government and considered the market based economy as the only way forward.
Overall it's a very good read. :)
March 31, 2014
I read this book because it was my book club's selection. We have read a few non fiction books about India's political and socio-economic status. This one is by far the most tedious one. The message is nothing new, and it is presented in a very scattered and confusing manner. There are some interesting facts and the author illustrates some points by quoting situations, I found the writing to be very loose. There did not seem much organization to the chapters either. But in spite of all that there were a few facts that I learnt and added to my understanding of why things are the way that they are in India. I do fervently hope that something does change, as it all seems quite hopeless for India's future.
January 21, 2014
Book treads through India's tale after independence and tries to dictate its verdict on how has it been a success at few instances and failure at some other. Bureaucracy, red tapism, nepotism, and license raj of pre- 90s era have been discussed. It shows d future path for how India can be a success story in future on d likes of emerging economies. It also explores d possibility of alternative political establishment in d present era after Anna Hazare movement on Jantar Mantar Through d likes of Arvind Kejriwal. Overall a good book to read about contemporary India and how it can be success story in all d avenues not only outsourcing and can be an Investment destination for d rest of d world.
May 11, 2013
Gurcharan Das has undoubtedly been one of the writers/commentators i follow. 'India Grows At Night' was an obvious read therefore. I liked the book as it capture the current scenario which has been shown as a repercussion of '91s reforms. The author also gives his take on recent Anna Hazare agitations and what's in it for the future. Overall, recommended reading, considering there are not many contemporary indian non-fiction authors who can comment on the state of affairs. Also, not to mention, Gurcharan Das' ability to describe a chain of events logically.
January 11, 2014
Dharma, Corruption, Anna Hazare, Reforms
Gurcharan Das talks about that how throughout history India has been Dharma centric, that is, doing the right thing. It talks about the history of how India grew with all the problems, where it is currently and the future. Das recommends that time has finally come for the second set of Reforms and if properly implemented these new reforms will solve the problem of corruption.
Book depicts the optimism of Gurcharan Das.
I recommend to read this book to get new insights about Indian Society.
Gurcharan Das talks about that how throughout history India has been Dharma centric, that is, doing the right thing. It talks about the history of how India grew with all the problems, where it is currently and the future. Das recommends that time has finally come for the second set of Reforms and if properly implemented these new reforms will solve the problem of corruption.
Book depicts the optimism of Gurcharan Das.
I recommend to read this book to get new insights about Indian Society.
July 15, 2014
The author makes a balanced argument for a strong state so that India grows in the day as well.But there are some negatives in the book as I saw it: Das has overestimated Anna Hazare and his movement. Repetition of points in many pages.Instead of drawing out a 280 page tedious argument, this could have been a 80 page crisp essay with proper pruning. But how else to price this at 500 odd rupees ? :)
January 6, 2013
A well researched analyses of what is wrong with the Indian Polity. Gurcharan advocates a strong but liberal state. It sounds like an oxymoron but he builds it beautifully. Though his leaning towards and liking for Adam Smith does not desert him, he attempts to look at a more balanced approach as he builds the prescription.
January 27, 2013
the book shows simply how much a liberatarian the author is....and the good effects of liberatarian govt.s and how much it can boost india....gives a nice insight to the indian society and also highlights some areas where the govt has lots left to do....
January 28, 2016
My first book by this author. Civics and politics being out of my comfort zone... though informative but not my cup of tea :(
Got some insights into the basics and formation of Indian politics post independence.
Got some insights into the basics and formation of Indian politics post independence.
June 3, 2014
Good read for aspirational citizens
Read
May 20, 2020India grows at night by Gurucharan Das is a sharp criticism of India’s government which is incapable of handling its own populace and thereby the public of India is evolving and developing on its own steam. The rampant corruption that existed in the UPA government is the clear message from this book. The rise of the middle class is an inevitable outcome as the government fails to meet the expectation of these people. Anna Hazare’s andolan is the propeller for this movement. He ignited the spark in the middle class population to get up and fight for its own right, to remove bribery and red tape that was the cornerstone of all the work that required to be accomplished. A strong state must be equal and fair and be accountable to its public. These issues have been festering since the time of British empire and continue to exist on the democratic 21st century India. India has been always invaded by foreigners and therefore rendering it a week state as compared to China which provided a brave front to its invaders and consequentially prevented it from being rule and hence is an emerging super economy today.
Villages form the foundation in India and many a times when it comes to electing a sarpanch the villagers vote unanimously. Lady sarpanch is not an exception and could govern the village even better than a male sarpanch. This surely paves the way for a modern India with an equal status of a woman as compared to a man. The question remains that cannot be a powerful and successful person be honest? The Indian middle class has been tortured by the rampant corruption that exists on all levels of the society. The 2G scam has been a prime example of this. The concept of Dharma is prevalent in India’s society meaning the individual has the right to carry his transaction in a peaceful manner and procure a rightful earning for himself irrespective of a corrupt state at its functioning.
Villages form the foundation in India and many a times when it comes to electing a sarpanch the villagers vote unanimously. Lady sarpanch is not an exception and could govern the village even better than a male sarpanch. This surely paves the way for a modern India with an equal status of a woman as compared to a man. The question remains that cannot be a powerful and successful person be honest? The Indian middle class has been tortured by the rampant corruption that exists on all levels of the society. The 2G scam has been a prime example of this. The concept of Dharma is prevalent in India’s society meaning the individual has the right to carry his transaction in a peaceful manner and procure a rightful earning for himself irrespective of a corrupt state at its functioning.
March 7, 2016
‘India Unbound’ was a phenomenal book translated into all Indian languages which told the story of how the economic giant, asleep in a body controlled by fetters of excessive state control was at last unbound and found immense success in the world of trade and commerce. Gurcharan Das, a former CEO of Procter & Gamble India, and now fully dedicated to writing, told the story in a sad, yet moving way. ‘India Grows at Night’ may be considered as a sequel to the first one, in which the author identifies the loss of steam and determination to move forward with reforms. The title of the book is a euphemism for India’s economy which is said to grow at night – when the government is asleep! If the second round of advance is not forthcoming, India may be caught up in a ‘middle income trap’ as observed in some of the Latin American countries like Brazil. It was a great achievement to get rid of the license-quota-permit raj, as the author had himself met officials in his career who didn’t understand a thing of his business, yet had the power to ruin it. But there are unreformed sectors yet, in which crony capitalism is still at large. Das proposes a package to carry forward the reforms which will inculcate the concept of the modern state which the architects of our constitution had in mind. A liberal, but strong state is the need of the hour, with an unbending rule of law that severely penalizes graft. This is a must-read for India’s young generation and an eye-opener for bureaucrats and politicians.
India always had a weak state, which ruled over a strong society. The populace regulated their daily lives according to swadharma (the code of ethics applicable to one’s own community), from which even the king was not potent enough to dissuade them. The ruler’s power was not absolute, as he also was expected not to waiver from the branch of dharma applicable to him. India’s society is inherently heterogenic. It admitted all groups of people who came here ��� either as merchants or invaders – into the multilayered fold of its castes, until the arrival of those guided by strict monotheism. This paradigm of a weak state and strong society is antithetical to the case of China, where they traditionally had a strong state and a weak society. Chinese emperors were sons of god and their empire was celestial. Groups of people were assimilated into the great melting pot of Chinese culture in which all traces of their previous existence was obliterated. The strength of civil society is one reason why the state is powerless to impose rules or laws that are unpopular. Seeing the working of the Indian government in Nehru’s time, noted economist Gunnar Myrdal had remarked it as a soft state, which is still applicable. The strong, liberal states rest on three pillars: first, the power to act independently and resolutely; second, a rule of law which constrains political power and limits corruption; and third, democracy and accountability which allow the people to change their rulers when they start to behave badly.
India obtained political independence in 1947. But to obtain economic independence from the clutches of greedy, self-serving bureaucrats and politicians, we had to wait till 1991 when the economy was unshackled at last. The country’s growth rate was a dismal 0.8% during the British years 1900 – 1947. So much for arguments of benevolence under the colonial administration! The rate increased to 3.5% in the four decades after independence leading to 1991. We derisively call it the Hindu rate of growth, which is a misnomer. The growth rate was pinned down because of the unwarranted state control at the commanding heights of the economy. When the license-quota-permit raj was finally scrapped, the growth jumped to 6-9%, until 2010. Das provides glowing tributes to economic liberalization that changed the face of the land.
The author presents a litany of measures to escape from the pathetic lot into which India is entrapped. Some are the results of genuine introspection done by him, like reform of the institutions of governance, radical devolution of powers to the States at first and then to local self-government bodies, ushering in second generation of economic reforms and strict and speedy delivery of punishment (danda niti) to the corrupt. But his suggested remedy out of this sorry state of affairs is pure wishful thinking. Having lost faith in all political parties now in the national and regional platforms, Das suggests setting up a liberal, secularist party on the lines of the erstwhile Swatantra Party of Rajaji by the Middle Class, which will number almost half of the population of the country by 2020. This book was written before the inception of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Admi Party, which was set up on similar lines of thought. However, as soon as the party came to power in Delhi, it also fell into the trap of offering free giveaways to the affluent using public money. He also mentions an anecdote in which a very effective World Bank project to ensure continuous water supply to the inhabitants of Delhi was scuttled by the NGO, Parivartan, established by Kejriwal and his cronies.
Even though the book is written in a simple, yet elegant style, frequent breaking of the thread of continuity is somewhat irritating. Presenting an idea or person, Gurcharan Das suddenly drops it midway with an offhand remark that he will continue the discussion in another chapter or at the end of the present one. The book makes bold assertions like the Indian state was traditionally weak, but the society was strong. However, I couldn’t help thinking that this postulate is based on a selective and simplistic reading of Indian history, not at all supported by solid fact or rational judgment. The Middle Class identified by the book as holding the potential to change the destiny of the country through sheer numbers, is living in metros and drinking latte and cappuccino! This class has no roots on the countryside in fact, and the author expects that the rural middle class also will transform in due course into the chimera of the metro cities which he admires. The book is to some extent, hastily concluded, but sports a good index and a comprehensive bibliography.
The book is highly recommended.
India always had a weak state, which ruled over a strong society. The populace regulated their daily lives according to swadharma (the code of ethics applicable to one’s own community), from which even the king was not potent enough to dissuade them. The ruler’s power was not absolute, as he also was expected not to waiver from the branch of dharma applicable to him. India’s society is inherently heterogenic. It admitted all groups of people who came here ��� either as merchants or invaders – into the multilayered fold of its castes, until the arrival of those guided by strict monotheism. This paradigm of a weak state and strong society is antithetical to the case of China, where they traditionally had a strong state and a weak society. Chinese emperors were sons of god and their empire was celestial. Groups of people were assimilated into the great melting pot of Chinese culture in which all traces of their previous existence was obliterated. The strength of civil society is one reason why the state is powerless to impose rules or laws that are unpopular. Seeing the working of the Indian government in Nehru’s time, noted economist Gunnar Myrdal had remarked it as a soft state, which is still applicable. The strong, liberal states rest on three pillars: first, the power to act independently and resolutely; second, a rule of law which constrains political power and limits corruption; and third, democracy and accountability which allow the people to change their rulers when they start to behave badly.
India obtained political independence in 1947. But to obtain economic independence from the clutches of greedy, self-serving bureaucrats and politicians, we had to wait till 1991 when the economy was unshackled at last. The country’s growth rate was a dismal 0.8% during the British years 1900 – 1947. So much for arguments of benevolence under the colonial administration! The rate increased to 3.5% in the four decades after independence leading to 1991. We derisively call it the Hindu rate of growth, which is a misnomer. The growth rate was pinned down because of the unwarranted state control at the commanding heights of the economy. When the license-quota-permit raj was finally scrapped, the growth jumped to 6-9%, until 2010. Das provides glowing tributes to economic liberalization that changed the face of the land.
The author presents a litany of measures to escape from the pathetic lot into which India is entrapped. Some are the results of genuine introspection done by him, like reform of the institutions of governance, radical devolution of powers to the States at first and then to local self-government bodies, ushering in second generation of economic reforms and strict and speedy delivery of punishment (danda niti) to the corrupt. But his suggested remedy out of this sorry state of affairs is pure wishful thinking. Having lost faith in all political parties now in the national and regional platforms, Das suggests setting up a liberal, secularist party on the lines of the erstwhile Swatantra Party of Rajaji by the Middle Class, which will number almost half of the population of the country by 2020. This book was written before the inception of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Admi Party, which was set up on similar lines of thought. However, as soon as the party came to power in Delhi, it also fell into the trap of offering free giveaways to the affluent using public money. He also mentions an anecdote in which a very effective World Bank project to ensure continuous water supply to the inhabitants of Delhi was scuttled by the NGO, Parivartan, established by Kejriwal and his cronies.
Even though the book is written in a simple, yet elegant style, frequent breaking of the thread of continuity is somewhat irritating. Presenting an idea or person, Gurcharan Das suddenly drops it midway with an offhand remark that he will continue the discussion in another chapter or at the end of the present one. The book makes bold assertions like the Indian state was traditionally weak, but the society was strong. However, I couldn’t help thinking that this postulate is based on a selective and simplistic reading of Indian history, not at all supported by solid fact or rational judgment. The Middle Class identified by the book as holding the potential to change the destiny of the country through sheer numbers, is living in metros and drinking latte and cappuccino! This class has no roots on the countryside in fact, and the author expects that the rural middle class also will transform in due course into the chimera of the metro cities which he admires. The book is to some extent, hastily concluded, but sports a good index and a comprehensive bibliography.
The book is highly recommended.
May 31, 2017
This book was formed in a response to the extraordinary scandalous term of central government and the subsequent Anna Hazare movement in 2011. As the subtitle suggest, the central theme of this work is 'a liberal case for a strong state'. Although the memory of all those events still stay fresh in my memory and Facebook timeline, I wanted to brood in hindsight 6 years later under a liberal (at least economically) and, without doubt, a strong state. I really enjoyed the experience, although it is disappointing that the current regime, which was everything that the then revolutionaries could dream of, is not being given the due credit by the intelligentsia.
By the likes of other works discussing India and her politics, the narrative here was distinctly interesting and the ideas discussed were definitely worth contemplating. Sadly, it was all scattered mindlessly without a form and direction, and ultimately fails to conclude with a strong argument.
By the likes of other works discussing India and her politics, the narrative here was distinctly interesting and the ideas discussed were definitely worth contemplating. Sadly, it was all scattered mindlessly without a form and direction, and ultimately fails to conclude with a strong argument.
March 8, 2022
This would be 3 stars for me
Premise of the book is
Author argues in this book that india grows despite government not because of it. He goes deep into origins of indian culture and how state was never a strong force and people lived their social life by having local governance of a kind to settle disputes rather than a central governing King. Kings from Bharat were merely involved in waging wars (and protecting against external threats) but weren't into day to day governance of people and much less in regulating their behavior. This to him is one way to explain how we fail to have strong government even today. Indians got their wings once economy was liberalized, people thrived by figuring out solutions on their own in private sector. There are also pages about crony capitalism and lazy bureaucrats but i skimmed through those having read too many versions of those over years.
While lot of it is useful background and great way of explaining things we observe in india, this book could have been trimmed down to 50-60% of existing content. Last chapter with recommendations of liberal strong state was especially tiring. Skip it if you have read enough works around post-1947 India.
Premise of the book is
Author argues in this book that india grows despite government not because of it. He goes deep into origins of indian culture and how state was never a strong force and people lived their social life by having local governance of a kind to settle disputes rather than a central governing King. Kings from Bharat were merely involved in waging wars (and protecting against external threats) but weren't into day to day governance of people and much less in regulating their behavior. This to him is one way to explain how we fail to have strong government even today. Indians got their wings once economy was liberalized, people thrived by figuring out solutions on their own in private sector. There are also pages about crony capitalism and lazy bureaucrats but i skimmed through those having read too many versions of those over years.
While lot of it is useful background and great way of explaining things we observe in india, this book could have been trimmed down to 50-60% of existing content. Last chapter with recommendations of liberal strong state was especially tiring. Skip it if you have read enough works around post-1947 India.
November 20, 2019
Disclaimer:
I like read contemporary politics books.
What I liked:
How the word 'dharma' is explained in the context of Indian institutions and polity.
How India is unique in solving or attempted to address its problems
Why is federalism good
Why 'Laissez-faire' can work for India
Conclusion:
The author interweaves his personal experiences, Indian mentality, Indian mythology, World history to narrate his opinion. This book is a dense once and needs at least 4 to 5 reading before you get it ( for my dumb brain, may be!) & I plan to do it. I bought the audio version in Audible ;-)
Warning:
Do not pick this book if you do not have any affinity towards Indian politics or Indian Economy.
I like read contemporary politics books.
What I liked:
How the word 'dharma' is explained in the context of Indian institutions and polity.
How India is unique in solving or attempted to address its problems
Why is federalism good
Why 'Laissez-faire' can work for India
Conclusion:
The author interweaves his personal experiences, Indian mentality, Indian mythology, World history to narrate his opinion. This book is a dense once and needs at least 4 to 5 reading before you get it ( for my dumb brain, may be!) & I plan to do it. I bought the audio version in Audible ;-)
Warning:
Do not pick this book if you do not have any affinity towards Indian politics or Indian Economy.
April 25, 2021
Unlike his earlier books that I have read (India Unbound, The Difficulty of Being Good) which were well researched, this one seems more or less a repetition of his earlier arguments on the socio economic and political system of modern India. Though his hypothesis of India being a case of private success and public failure is apparently correct yet if verified more minutely there is a lot of scope of moderating the statement. Even if the pace of public growth has been frustrating yet there is no denial that some of the public achievements are commendable despite the odd realities of a relatively juvenile democracy which is a home to one seventh of the world population.
June 4, 2020
The author Mr. Gurucharan Das is someone who has enormous experience and fantastic analytical mind. He always brings all his qualities in his books and this one is no different.
A highly recommended book for MBA aspirants who are preparing for GDs and PIs.
Many of the ideas mentioned in the book have been implemented today by Mr. Narandra Modi led government. Yet there are many ideas which can be implemented to improve the political scenario in India.
Somewhere i feel the book talks about the secret of success...be it nation, society or individuals.
A highly recommended book for MBA aspirants who are preparing for GDs and PIs.
Many of the ideas mentioned in the book have been implemented today by Mr. Narandra Modi led government. Yet there are many ideas which can be implemented to improve the political scenario in India.
Somewhere i feel the book talks about the secret of success...be it nation, society or individuals.
October 14, 2017
Okay read, Not fully updated in today's scenario. However, some steps have been taking by present government. I liked the ideologies used in this book. overall it was easy book for those who have been familiar with such kinds of books and ideologies. A simple read. Got very little things to extract from this book. If someone is not aware of political ideologies and philosophies then they might found it tough other wise its maska.
January 10, 2019
I really liked the writing style of the writer. It's written beautifully. The books talks about what the absence of robust governance institutions do to a country in a positive way. I would have found the idea bizarre before reading the book. But the books presents a reader some really good case studies. Also, the book I feel gives all the reasons to a growing country like India to built healthy institutions to run the country effectively. After all how long can India grow at night?
May 28, 2021
I don't even know what to say about this book. It was my first book from Gurcharan Das ji. But It was so bland. Don't know what is writer want to prove or not. Neither this book look like it make a strong case about Capitalism nor it is a good philosophical book about Dharma.
Very fast read but nothing interesting in this book.
I advise people should stay away from this book and save their time.
Very fast read but nothing interesting in this book.
I advise people should stay away from this book and save their time.
September 29, 2022
Another amazing book by Gurucharan Das. This is a man who can argue brilliantly from both sides of the table. The book treads lightly on serious issues of the slow moving government machinery also highlighting that in the last few decades we have successfully either dismantled this machinery or have optimised it.
The book leaves us with a lot of questions like youth participation in politics, mad run of capitalism and do we need to be a socialist state or a liberal one
The book leaves us with a lot of questions like youth participation in politics, mad run of capitalism and do we need to be a socialist state or a liberal one
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