Seven Decades of Independent India: Ideas and Reflections

Vinod Rai

Published: 2022, Penguin Books India

Another General Election for the 1.3 billion people of India is about to conclude and at the time of writing, a third term for Modi and his BJP party is a racing certainty. Consequently for our Book Review this month I thought it would be a good time to reflect on India’s politics and its time since independence.

“Seven Decades of Independent India: Ideas and Reflections” is a compilation of essays edited by Vinod Rai and Amitendu Palit. These essays cover various subjects related to India’s achievements and challenges post-Independence and consists of 25 standalone chapters, each focusing on a specific topic. These topics range from “Security Challenges” and “India in a Globalised World” to “Skill Development.” Unfortunately, the chapters are not integrated or grouped together in a meaningful way but are more like reflections rather than a comprehensive assessment of India’s past record. Nonetheless they are interesting and worthy read.

The introductory chapter emphasises good governance and the need for an efficient civil administration. This is at the heart of Modi’s successful time in office and is the backbone to his mandate as India’s Prime Minister. While there are observations on issues like “waste management” and “pollution control,” the focus on bank management outweighs attention to other vital institutions like the judiciary or legislature. The book praises the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but lacks a critical evaluation of India’s overall achievements and failures.

Three essays discuss external affairs: One emphasises India’s engagement with neighbours in southern and Southeast Asia, advocating for a new approach to managing big power relations. Another focuses on India’s relations with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the need to translate policies into concrete actions and investments.

The chapter on “Sustainable, Productive Agriculture” by Ashok Gulati and Gayatri Mohan stands out. It offers original conclusions based on serious research. The authors argue that Punjab is not the most suitable state for rice cultivation, and Maharashtra is not ideal for sugarcane. Water availability and flows do not guarantee long-term sustainability. Crop diversification is necessary but challenging to implement.

The book provides diverse perspectives, but it lacks a cohesive narrative. It’s a worthwhile read for those curious about India’s multifaceted viewpoints, but it doesn’t offer a critical assessment. In summary, “Seven Decades of Independent India: Ideas and Reflections” offers insights into India’s journey post-Independence, but readers should approach it as a collection of reflections rather than a comprehensive analysis. If you’re interested in exploring different viewpoints on India’s progress, this book might be worth your time!

Robin Sellers
May 2024

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