Reader's Paradise discussion
Monthly Copy Cat Challenge
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Aparna and Arpit: Jan copy cat challenge... Edit: India After Gandhi discussion
You don't know Irom Chanu Sharmila, the real Iron lady? She hunger striked for 16 years! And she's alive!
(Maybe that will arouse your curosity ;)
(Maybe that will arouse your curosity ;)
I'm still on chap 15. Hoping to finish it today.
Arpit wrote: "Did you just mention "Zindagi Gulzar Hai"??Oh god, why you doing this to me??
*Breathe* tell me the complete story.... How you come to know about this? How many episodes you have watched? Does you..."
Ok Arpit. *Breathe some more*
Why I mentioned ZGH? Bcoz you recommended it heavily last year. Haven't watched any of it. And mentioned it just to give an example of how reluctant I am to check video links and recos.
So again saying, will watch it if I ever get chromecast (hope you know what it is... its a device to directly stream videos from internet on TV)
Arpit wrote: "I'm still on chap 15. Hoping to finish it today."I don't know where I am :(
Ok let me look up.
Starting of Chapter 15 - Experience of Defeat.
Yay! We're on the same chapter after a long time :)
Okay, I'm sparing from Manipur and Irom, but I do hope that Manipur's issus is raised in the book.
And if it comes, I'll bring back my Irom card :P
And if it comes, I'll bring back my Irom card :P
The defeat was very unfortunate. Do you think if Dalai Lama didn't flee to India, the war wouldn't happen, or at least not that early?
Did I mention it to u?
I have no memory of recommending it to you. Although I do remember recommending it to Pran and Ann, but not you.
And as you are a cave-dweller when it comes to politics and stuff, I'm more like a pre-historic person when it comes to sci & tech. And so I had no idea about Chromecast before you mentioned it. I googled it. Interesting stuff ;)
I have no memory of recommending it to you. Although I do remember recommending it to Pran and Ann, but not you.
And as you are a cave-dweller when it comes to politics and stuff, I'm more like a pre-historic person when it comes to sci & tech. And so I had no idea about Chromecast before you mentioned it. I googled it. Interesting stuff ;)
Arpit wrote: "The defeat was very unfortunate. Do you think if Dalai Lama didn't flee to India, the war wouldn't happen, or at least not that early?"Would have happened either way... and I don't feel it would have been delayed much... may be a little here n there.
Because even if you leave Dalai Lama part, there were other burning issues too regarding McLeod line!
Now if the communist China of 1949 doesn't regard the treaties regarding the borderline, hell! What could Dalai Lama or any other would have impacted?
From Chin-Li's (or whatever!) point of view, he was inculcating that feeling in Chinese citizens that this land did belong to us before British. And you have to agree they were (are?) way more stronger than India.
Inevitable stuff.
Again a myth buster. Had always heard "Nehru gifted Tibet to China" was one of his greatest blunders. But now I see it with more details.... Nehru is not to be blamed as much as I thought!
message 128:Arpit wrote: "Honestly, I'm so fed up with this Kashmir issue, that I swear on the name of holy god that one more chapter on this issue and I'll jump on the next one."
Bwahahahahahaha! Chapter 16 :D :D :D
Arpit wrote: "Did I mention it to u?I have no memory of recommending it to you. Although I do remember recommending it to Pran and Ann, but not you.
And as you are a cave-dweller when it comes to politics and s..."
Oh may be I was a lurker there and incepted that idea as being planted by Mr Arpit.
I'm not a gadget freak either... but yeah the knowledge about tech is way better than politics :)
I've got loads to discuss.... don't know where and how to start.I've read till 18, and stopped at the beginnng of 19 - Leftward turns.
Help me buddy. How do I remember which is left, right, centre, communist, imperialist?
On the placement of Chapter 17 - Minding the minoritiesCh16 ended with the demise of Nehru Ji. And Ch18 was about finding the successor and related stuff. Wodering why Ch17 was placed at this junction exactly? Felt this should have been either a chapter before or later. Only thing could be chronology.... or may be change of part from Shaking the Centre to Rise of Populism?
You think there could be some other reason?
While reading about minority, I thought it will have some link to the selection of successor. But may be I missed that link.
One interesting line from Nehru : "The minority are such large in number that...."
Language issueWe'll discuss this after you've read 18.
Have read RKN's view on this language problem where he took a dig at he ministers enforcing Hindi in South India. Source: An essay from the collection Salt and Sawdust
There are conspiracy theories regarding (controversial?) death of Shastri ji during Tashkent agreement. Do you know about that?
Chapter 16 (Sorry I'm going haywire and typing whatever I remeber... so there is no proper sequence of discussion! )
(view spoiler)
The build up for that Kashmir issue just before Nehru ji's death was like a masala film. Do you think we'd have reached an agreement had Nehru ji's demise was not at such unfortunate moment?
And this reminds me of your fav topic - Kashmir :DAs if Guha sir knew of readers possible irritation towards repetition on Kashmir issue ,,... and is now deliberately adding these sentences to mock at them :P
Ch18 Part 4 starts with
"From South India, let us move back to that old trouble spot in the north, Kashmir."
Ch18 Part 11 starts with
"Throughout 1966, one place that had been unusually quiet was the Valley of Kashmir."
Ch18 P12 starts
"For now, Kashmir appeared quiet and its people quiescent."
:D :D :D
And I know for sure Kashmir will come back at least a 100 times if not more :P
Just one more thing to discuss.... (I know its too much already.... and if you say I'll take a break from reading further until we're on the same chapter again)Regarding successor of Nehru ji. I liked the way Congress thought to find able leaders and not just pick someone from inside the family to run this business. It was Shastri ji's untimely demise which led to Indira's entry (in spite of Morarji Desai's cause!)...
Would be looking carefully on the part where Indira's successor is sought after. Were there really other options available and still Congress chose to make it a family affair? Any other constraints?
This is turning out to be much more delightful read than anticipated. Full 5 stars so far! (At 36%)
Respons to message no. 161-
I agree, but I think it could be delayed. Although, it's better that we got to know their real face earlier.
Wait a minute- Nehru gifted Tibet to China? Never heard of it. Who told you??
Although, if by gifting Tibet (or by any other means) he could have assured Indian minorities about Indian Union's secularism, he would have certainly done it :P
I agree, but I think it could be delayed. Although, it's better that we got to know their real face earlier.
Wait a minute- Nehru gifted Tibet to China? Never heard of it. Who told you??
Although, if by gifting Tibet (or by any other means) he could have assured Indian minorities about Indian Union's secularism, he would have certainly done it :P
Gorab wrote: "And this reminds me of your fav topic - Kashmir :D
As if Guha sir knew of readers possible irritation towards repetition on Kashmir issue ,,... and is now deliberately adding these sentences to mo..."
And it started with this sentence-
"We shall, in time, turn our attention to those ‘other spheres’ of nation-building. But we have first to investigate the case of the princely state that gave the Indian Union the most trouble of all. This particular apple stayed perilously placed on the rim of the basket; never in it, but never out of it either."
As if Guha sir knew of readers possible irritation towards repetition on Kashmir issue ,,... and is now deliberately adding these sentences to mo..."
And it started with this sentence-
"We shall, in time, turn our attention to those ‘other spheres’ of nation-building. But we have first to investigate the case of the princely state that gave the Indian Union the most trouble of all. This particular apple stayed perilously placed on the rim of the basket; never in it, but never out of it either."
Gorab wrote: "I'm not a gadget freak either... but yeah the knowledge about tech is way better than politics :)"
Actually, being in this field really helps. Got lots of tech-y friends. So, I left this department for then :D
Actually, being in this field really helps. Got lots of tech-y friends. So, I left this department for then :D
Gorab wrote: "I've got loads to discuss.... don't know where and how to start.
I've read till 18, and stopped at the beginnng of 19 - Leftward turns.
Help me buddy. How do I remember which is left, right, cent..."
I'm on the starting of chap 18. Hopefully tomorrow's journey will make us equal.
For those tags. Simple
Imperialistic- China (always ready to snatch others' land)
Right wing (Never right)- RSS, VHP, Owaisi etc. Fundamentalists.
Left wing- I'm only aware of the ideal idea of Communism, i.e. Marxism, which is about a classless society where few selected private people do not own the capital, but it's more like everyone's property. It's like a utopian society. It's not practical, but theoritically it sounds very good. I'm yet to study Lennisim (Vladimir Lenin did some changes and made it a reality and applied it in System). China has different type of Communism. It's too complicated.
There's socialism and capitalism too :D
India is like a mixture of Capitalism and socialism. Wait, let me check it.
I've read till 18, and stopped at the beginnng of 19 - Leftward turns.
Help me buddy. How do I remember which is left, right, cent..."
I'm on the starting of chap 18. Hopefully tomorrow's journey will make us equal.
For those tags. Simple
Imperialistic- China (always ready to snatch others' land)
Right wing (Never right)- RSS, VHP, Owaisi etc. Fundamentalists.
Left wing- I'm only aware of the ideal idea of Communism, i.e. Marxism, which is about a classless society where few selected private people do not own the capital, but it's more like everyone's property. It's like a utopian society. It's not practical, but theoritically it sounds very good. I'm yet to study Lennisim (Vladimir Lenin did some changes and made it a reality and applied it in System). China has different type of Communism. It's too complicated.
There's socialism and capitalism too :D
India is like a mixture of Capitalism and socialism. Wait, let me check it.
Will comment on message no. 166 and 167 once I'm done with chap 17 and 18.
Gorab wrote: "There are conspiracy theories regarding (controversial?) death of Shastri ji during Tashkent agreement. Do you know about that?"
Heard about it. Not only Shastri uncle's, but Bose sir's death too is very suspicious. Sadly, we will never know the truth about such things.
Political parties only coin the issue when elections are near. It's all vote-game now :(
Heard about it. Not only Shastri uncle's, but Bose sir's death too is very suspicious. Sadly, we will never know the truth about such things.
Political parties only coin the issue when elections are near. It's all vote-game now :(
Gorab wrote: "Chapter 16
(Sorry I'm going haywire and typing whatever I remeber... so there is no proper sequence of discussion! )
[spoilers removed]
The build up for that Kashmir issue just before Nehru ji's ..."
I am not sure about other things, but one must never doubt Nehru's secularism. And Kashmir issue was raising questions on his secular image, and so I think he did every thing that he could to untangle it.
His attempts about J&K were very honest. And Shiekh Abdullah ( (view spoiler) ) and Nehru's pair would have certainly found some solution if only time allowed them. Both were minority supporter, secular, logical person.
(Sorry I'm going haywire and typing whatever I remeber... so there is no proper sequence of discussion! )
[spoilers removed]
The build up for that Kashmir issue just before Nehru ji's ..."
I am not sure about other things, but one must never doubt Nehru's secularism. And Kashmir issue was raising questions on his secular image, and so I think he did every thing that he could to untangle it.
His attempts about J&K were very honest. And Shiekh Abdullah ( (view spoiler) ) and Nehru's pair would have certainly found some solution if only time allowed them. Both were minority supporter, secular, logical person.
I think it would have been very great if Nehru resigned after Indo-China war.
1. Although, it would have cementified the fact that he admitted that it was all his mistake (from starting, not removing Menon).
2. But it would have also made him look like a great Gandhian leader. There would be no questions on his character and intentions then.
What do you think, buddy?
1. Although, it would have cementified the fact that he admitted that it was all his mistake (from starting, not removing Menon).
2. But it would have also made him look like a great Gandhian leader. There would be no questions on his character and intentions then.
What do you think, buddy?
Gorab wrote: "Just one more thing to discuss.... (I know its too much already.... and if you say I'll take a break from reading further until we're on the same chapter again)
Regarding successor of Nehru ji. I ..."
Yet to read this part.
Regarding successor of Nehru ji. I ..."
Yet to read this part.
Gorab wrote: "This is turning out to be much more delightful read than anticipated. Full 5 stars so far! (At 36%)"
Actually, this is the kind of discussion I love.
Our holy trinity is complete now-
*The Guide Discussion.
*Finding a suitable boy: An ASB Discussion.
*Gandhi Gone, India Still On: India After Gandhi Discussion.
4 star so far (one star deducted for making me a Nehru fan. Now I chant "Nehru, Nehru, Nehru, Allahabad wale Nehru" thrice a day )
Actually, this is the kind of discussion I love.
Our holy trinity is complete now-
*The Guide Discussion.
*Finding a suitable boy: An ASB Discussion.
*Gandhi Gone, India Still On: India After Gandhi Discussion.
4 star so far (one star deducted for making me a Nehru fan. Now I chant "Nehru, Nehru, Nehru, Allahabad wale Nehru" thrice a day )
I'll give myself more time to understand this right left funda. Your message did help as a starting point.Bose sir is a whole lot bigger and mysterious than Shastri Ji. There are top secret documents (which could be a threat to the current Indian state of affairs) and might never see daylight.
Or who knows, no such thing exists :|
Arpit wrote: "I think it would have been very great if Nehru resigned after Indo-China war."Not feasible. No other leader could be near him in popularity and half that convincing.
It would have been something like Sonia-Manmohan pair.
I think there would be many works related to Sheikh!
This is turning out to be a whole new world. Had wanted to read more about Gandhiji and Godse... now there are a lot many Indian history stories I'd be interested to catch up on!
"*Gandhi Gone, India Still On"Ha ha ha!
Superb tagline!
Lovely!
Arpit wrote: "Actually, this is the kind of discussion I love. Our holy trinity is complete no..."
Edited the thread name and About section.
"About this thread" section is why I'm always insisting on creating separate threads for separate books.There's this feature on GR... when you go to the bottom of a book page after the reviews, you'll see the discussions about that book links. Same for Author.
So when we pick the next book on the same thread, and update the About... the previous book is no longer connected to that discussion.
And I often check those discussions on the books where I have some doubts. Even if you don't, ain't it better to leave the traces for someone who might want to follow the discussion in furture?
I hope this explains my OCD!
Wow.. I never knew there are people in the group reading IAG. It is an amazing book. I was reading it then gave it a pause. Read all the msgs on the thread. Loving the discussion.
:DHow far you've read Nitesh? Pick it up again and join us if its not too late?
Gorab wrote: ":DHow far you've read Nitesh? Pick it up again and join us if its not too late?"
Don't exactly remember :P
Nitesh wrote: "Wow.. I never knew there are people in the group reading IAG. It is an amazing book. I was reading it then gave it a pause. Read all the msgs on the thread. Loving the discussion."
Instant action. Wow, Gorab, I see your point. Will try to follow it next time.
And Nitesh, it's a not a fiction. You can re-start from any chapter. Why don't you join us? We haven't read much. Only 36 % :P
Instant action. Wow, Gorab, I see your point. Will try to follow it next time.
And Nitesh, it's a not a fiction. You can re-start from any chapter. Why don't you join us? We haven't read much. Only 36 % :P
Gorab wrote: ""About this thread" section is why I'm always insisting on creating separate threads for separate books.
There's this feature on GR... when you go to the bottom of a book page after the reviews, y..."
Goodone, except we generally don't "discuss" xD
Don't worry, your point is completey valid. We will try to maintain it.
There's this feature on GR... when you go to the bottom of a book page after the reviews, y..."
Goodone, except we generally don't "discuss" xD
Don't worry, your point is completey valid. We will try to maintain it.
Oh, how I wish there were a "Pakistan After Jinnah"!!!
Gorab wrote: "Bose sir is a whole lot bigger and mysterious than Shastri Ji. There are top secret docum..."
Really? I didn't know about it.
I think Govt. did disclose some documents last year, around WB election. Still BJP did badly xD
Really? I didn't know about it.
I think Govt. did disclose some documents last year, around WB election. Still BJP did badly xD
Gorab wrote: "Arpit wrote: "I think it would have been very great if Nehru resigned after Indo-China war."
Not feasible. No other leader could be near him in popularity and half that convincing.
It would have be..."
Agree about that popularity part. If only Patel was alive.
Not feasible. No other leader could be near him in popularity and half that convincing.
It would have be..."
Agree about that popularity part. If only Patel was alive.
Gorab wrote: "I think there would be many works related to Sheikh!"
Need to find them.
Need to find them.
Gorab wrote: "On the placement of Chapter 17 - Minding the minorities
Ch16 ended with the demise of Nehru Ji. And Ch18 was about finding the successor and related stuff. Wodering why Ch17 was placed at this jun..."
Umm...I forgot all about it. Have to check those chapter *_*
Ch16 ended with the demise of Nehru Ji. And Ch18 was about finding the successor and related stuff. Wodering why Ch17 was placed at this jun..."
Umm...I forgot all about it. Have to check those chapter *_*
Gorab wrote: "Language issue
We'll discuss this after you've read 18.
Have read RKN's view on this language problem where he took a dig at he ministers enforcing Hindi in South India. Source: An essay from the c..."
I, too, think forcing Hindi wasn't a good option. Will read the RKN book.
We can discuss the issue now. Do you have any opinion on this one?
We'll discuss this after you've read 18.
Have read RKN's view on this language problem where he took a dig at he ministers enforcing Hindi in South India. Source: An essay from the c..."
I, too, think forcing Hindi wasn't a good option. Will read the RKN book.
We can discuss the issue now. Do you have any opinion on this one?
Reader's Paradise
Books mentioned in this topic
The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century (other topics)Salt and Sawdust (other topics)
Cracking India (other topics)
Cracking India (other topics)
India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy (other topics)
Oh god, why you doing this to me??
*Breathe* tell me the complete story.... How you come to know about this? How many episodes you have watched? Does you wife accompany you in this? Are you liking it? Do tell me please?