5 Responses to Being Indian: Inside the Real India

1. 

   S. A. Richmond on April 15, 2011 at 4:28 pm

   Review by S. A. Richmond for Being Indian: Inside the Real India
   Rating:
   This is a great book for people who want to try and capture some of the Indian psyche, and understand where India is going in the next century. I guess, to understand that, you need to know the context. That’s what Pavan Varma tries, successfully, to do. He touches on the desire to create a better life and the focus on wealth being huge motivating factors for most Indians. The issues of language, politics, religion and family are also discussed at length. The mix of modernity and tradition is one that most Indians sit at ease with. Indians can embrace new technologies, but yet, cling to marrying within their caste and, in some cases, having a dowry. Social India is highly conservative still.
2. 

   A. Gupta on April 15, 2011 at 5:01 pm

   Review by A. Gupta for Being Indian: Inside the Real India
   Rating:
   This is the first book which ( I have read or found easy enough to read)attempts to examine /explain the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Modern India and its recent economic success. Especially insightful is the explanation for the success and surival of democracy – the fact that it was seen by the masses as a way to get a step onto the POWER ladder ( power being one of the prime aims /drivers of the Indian polity/culture, according to the book ) i.e a means to an end. It is aptly summed up by the author when he writes ” India has a democractic process, but we dont have a democractic temperament”. All in all , a great read with several great insights!!
3. 

   julie on April 15, 2011 at 5:19 pm

   Review by julie for Being Indian: Inside the Real India
   Rating:
   I won’t shy away from the fact that this is not an easy read but it is worth investing time in it. I recently moved to India and have spent the last 5 months experiencing and being puzzled and frustrated by the mass of contradictions that there are within the country. Reading this book has been a revelation – its not answered all the questions, but many things, in particular the persuit of power, have suddenly explained the actions of so many around me. Can’t recommend it enough.
4. 

   D.N.Wijewardane on April 15, 2011 at 6:14 pm

   Review by D.N.Wijewardane for Being Indian: Inside the Real India
   Rating:
   A very incisive, interesting and compelling book on modern India, its inhabitants and their generalised characteristics, helping to dispel or reorient some of the mysticisms that surround India in the West. The author writes with great insight (and some courage!) and weaves his analysis with both interesting and relevant examples, as viewed by an Indian sub-continental reader. Well worth the price.
5. 

   Robert Stephenson on April 15, 2011 at 6:48 pm

   Review by Robert Stephenson for Being Indian: Inside the Real India
   Rating:
   This is an easily readable book (not too long or academic) that attempts to give insight into what first appears to be a baffling and complex country. It is made quite clear from the outset that as the majority of Indians are Hindu, it is really a book about Hindu culture.

   The author tries very hard to give a balanced view however I sometimes got the impression that he was having to stifle his natural enthusiasm and promotion of his country that was probably developed whilst working for the Indian diplomatic corps! Also, some of the conclusions made about Indians today based on their history I found difficult to believe.

   The positive thing that I took away from the book is that human nature is the same in India as in the West.

   I recommend this book if you want an introduction to the subject.