Modi Magic: The Nudge Theory, India, Pakistan, China and More

by Ashali Varma

Did PM Modi know about The Nudge Theory for which two Economists won the Nobel Prize in 2017?From Swachh Bharat to UPI payments, to sanitation and to Jammu and Kashmir so much else has been achieved in the last decade in India. More, I would say, than in the last 70 years before, and in contrast, compare this with how China and Pakistan lost out...Check out this collection of astute articles from the pen of a veteran journalist who has watched, worked and reported from around the globe.~*~“Ashali Varma, who has authored Victoria Cross, A Love Story and writes a popular column, ’No Free Lunch’ for The Times of India, offers a refreshing and bold new perspective on the virtual emergence of India as a global power and the man behind this paradigm shift, Narendra Modi. Her latest endeavour, Modi Magic, is a gripping read, fascinating, in depth and well researched, revealing what lies behind the Prime Minister's drive and determination.”—Sudip TalukdarAuthor of Major The Dragon’s Nemesis, Scary India Under Siege, and Proxy War"Modi Magic by Ashali Varma takes the reader right through the turbulent phase the nation has experienced over the recent past. Her incisive writings have fearlessly exposed those inimical elements which seek to divide and even wreck the idea of Bharat. Being the only daughter of Gen P.S. Bhagat, one of India’s most illustrious and decorated military commanders, her abiding love for India shines through in her analyses."—Lt Gen P.G. KamathStrategic affairs analyst, distinguished veteran, and motivational speaker“The book answers a Would India have developed in the same manner had Modi not been the Prime Minister? A wonderful account of the style of working of PM Modi. A testimony of the swift rise of India and the remarkable change from India to Bharat. Deep insight into the emergence of Bharat as a global power in the past decade.”—Rohit SharmaEditor in Chief, India Matters with Rohit Sharma“Modi Magic by Ashali Varma is a fascinating look at Prime Minister Modi’s ‘can do’ style of government based on the ‘nudge theory’ that looked at how people make choices and how a population can be nudged towards better behavioral outcomes. Interestingly, Varma notes that Modi has been using the nudge theory to reap tangible benefits ever since he was elected to office in 2014, even before Thaler won a Nobel Prize in 2017. It is an easy to read book, with crisp lucid prose and the writer makes it especially engaging by drawing on her personal observations and experiences. This is a must read book for anyone who wants to learn about what makes Modi such an effective and astute leader.”—Shobha Tsering BhallaFounder, Editor-in-Chief, India Se Media, Singapore

318 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2024

Reviews

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Modi Magic
Author: Ashali Varma
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

In the literary realm of political discourse, Ashali Varma's "Modi Magic" emerges as an illustrious tome, meticulously unraveling the enigma shrouding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance paradigm. Her magnum opus transcends the conventional confines of political analysis, ushering readers into an intellectual odyssey, where the synergistic amalgamation of astute leadership and the nuanced intricacies of behavioral economics unfurl before their discerning gaze.

At the heart of the author's narrative lies an astute examination of Modi's astute utilization of the "nudge theory," a cornerstone of behavioral economics elucidated by luminaries such as Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. Through a judicious fusion of empirical evidence and incisive commentary, Varma delineates how Modi's strategic deployment of behavioral nudges has engendered a seismic shift in India's socio-economic landscape. This paradigmatic shift is epitomized by the transformational strides witnessed in sectors ranging from sanitation to economic reforms, elevating India onto the global stage as a formidable powerhouse of progress.

Central to the author's thesis is her adept juxtaposition of theoretical constructs with real-world manifestations, thus rendering it is not merely a cerebral exercise but a veritable tapestry of empirical substantiation. Her perspicacious analysis transcends the realm of mere adulation, navigating the labyrinthine corridors of Modi's governance with a discerning eye that neither sanctifies nor vilifies but elucidates.

Her narrative prowess imbues this book with a palpable sense of immediacy, beckoning readers into an immersive discourse where the esoteric intricacies of governance are demystified with scholarly aplomb.

In denouement, it emerges not merely as a paean to political prowess but a seminal treatise that transcends the ephemeral cacophony of partisan polemics. Through her erudite prose and incisive analysis, she offers readers an intellectual compass to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of contemporary Indian politics, illuminating the path towards a more nuanced understanding of Modi's governance ethos. It stands not only as a testament to Modi's transformative leadership but also as a beacon of scholarly excellence in the annals of political discourse.