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We, The Citizens: Strengthening the Indian Republic
… the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. — Walt Whitman
What is a republic? How do markets work? What is the role of society in bringing about change? These may be abstract questions, but they have a concrete impact on all of us.
We, the citizens, live at the intersection of the Indian state, market and society. Yet, many of us are unaware of what these entities stand for, how they interact with each other, and how they touch our lives.
We, The Citizens, by Khyati Pathak, Anupam Manur and Pranay Kotasthane, decodes public policy in the Indian context in a graphical narrative format relatable to readers of all ages. If you want to be an engaged citizen, aspire to be a positive change-maker, or wish to understand our sociopolitical environment, this book is for you.
The idea of India was an audacious dream. The fulfilment of this dream lies upon We, the citizens.
What is a republic? How do markets work? What is the role of society in bringing about change? These may be abstract questions, but they have a concrete impact on all of us.
We, the citizens, live at the intersection of the Indian state, market and society. Yet, many of us are unaware of what these entities stand for, how they interact with each other, and how they touch our lives.
We, The Citizens, by Khyati Pathak, Anupam Manur and Pranay Kotasthane, decodes public policy in the Indian context in a graphical narrative format relatable to readers of all ages. If you want to be an engaged citizen, aspire to be a positive change-maker, or wish to understand our sociopolitical environment, this book is for you.
The idea of India was an audacious dream. The fulfilment of this dream lies upon We, the citizens.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 15, 2024
A superb introduction to public policy and frameworks to understand the interplay of state, market, and society.
I am a long-time fan of Amit Varma's blogs and podcasts. Amit recently launched a YouTube show with Ajay Shah, discussing many interesting topics. In one of the shows, Ajay mentions that if he could go back in time to 1947 and give Nehru a book on how to think about economic and government policies, it would be In Service of the Republic: The Art and Science of Economic Policy written by him and Vijay Kelkar. Since then, I have been very eager to know more about it.
This short graphic novel is a quick intro to the key ideas from that book. I used to think the government should do very few things (like Law and Order, Foreign Policy, and Regulation) well and leave other things to entrepreneurs and companies. But this gives more nuances on when the market fails, how the government can intervene, how the government can think and not copy something that worked in Singapore or Bogota and expect miracles here.
If you are curious about markets, society, and the government's capacity for intervention, this is a short and fantastic introduction. Check it out.
I am a long-time fan of Amit Varma's blogs and podcasts. Amit recently launched a YouTube show with Ajay Shah, discussing many interesting topics. In one of the shows, Ajay mentions that if he could go back in time to 1947 and give Nehru a book on how to think about economic and government policies, it would be In Service of the Republic: The Art and Science of Economic Policy written by him and Vijay Kelkar. Since then, I have been very eager to know more about it.
This short graphic novel is a quick intro to the key ideas from that book. I used to think the government should do very few things (like Law and Order, Foreign Policy, and Regulation) well and leave other things to entrepreneurs and companies. But this gives more nuances on when the market fails, how the government can intervene, how the government can think and not copy something that worked in Singapore or Bogota and expect miracles here.
If you are curious about markets, society, and the government's capacity for intervention, this is a short and fantastic introduction. Check it out.
June 20, 2024
Every day we look around and blame the government for not doing the things they are supposed to do, and for being overbearing on things like taxation. This is a wonderful little book (176 pages) that explains why things are the way they are. Full of wit and wisdom on subjects we don't think about enough, but are important. I think the authors have done a great job of making the complex interplay of state, market, and society understandable, and that includes the illustrations that elevate the narrative many a times. A graphic narrative that decodes how public policy works (and could work) in the Indian context.
The state is good at employing force, but isn't very efficient. The market is good at driving efficiency, but is not concerned with ensuring equity. Society is best suited to deal with behavioural changes, but it is prone to majoritarianism. The entire system is a maze of checks and balances to achieve progress while not allowing any of the elements to go out of control. The book delves into how each of these function, and should function.
The state, for instance has a toolkit of at least eight things from doing nothing to nudging to playing umpire to marginally/drastically changing incentives and so on but doesn't always employ the right one. Munger's "Show me the incentives and I'll show you the outcome" brilliantly manifests in these explorations. The book provides an excellent framework to think about this based on axes of extent of intervention and state capacity. The government can fail in many ways, and the taxpayer pays for these mistakes. The best part about the book is how it uses examples to (literally) illustrate these mistakes, and how they can be avoided. All delivered with some fantastic humour.
Why are we a democratic republic and not just a democracy? Because while democracy gives the state legitimacy on coercion, the republic (constitution) guarantees the rule of law. What is the difference between a nation, state and government? The nation is an imagined community, where people don't know each other but are still willing to sacrifice for. On the other hand, a state is a political entity. The government is the temporary manager of the state. What are public and common goods? Public goods are goods that are non-excludable and non-rival. (e.g. a lighthouse which everyone can use and its usage by one person doesn't mean another cannot use it) On the other hand, common goods are non-excludable but rival (e.g. fish in the sea). This is why only the government produces public goods. These are the kind of significant nuances that the book uncovers.
I cannot stress how accessible this book is. Plain English, relatable examples, and frameworks that can be applied even in other contexts. Like many good things in life, I discovered the book courtesy the better half. I'd highly recommend this to anyone even remotely curious about how the 'system' works. If you're not, this can actually get you interested.
The state is good at employing force, but isn't very efficient. The market is good at driving efficiency, but is not concerned with ensuring equity. Society is best suited to deal with behavioural changes, but it is prone to majoritarianism. The entire system is a maze of checks and balances to achieve progress while not allowing any of the elements to go out of control. The book delves into how each of these function, and should function.
The state, for instance has a toolkit of at least eight things from doing nothing to nudging to playing umpire to marginally/drastically changing incentives and so on but doesn't always employ the right one. Munger's "Show me the incentives and I'll show you the outcome" brilliantly manifests in these explorations. The book provides an excellent framework to think about this based on axes of extent of intervention and state capacity. The government can fail in many ways, and the taxpayer pays for these mistakes. The best part about the book is how it uses examples to (literally) illustrate these mistakes, and how they can be avoided. All delivered with some fantastic humour.
Why are we a democratic republic and not just a democracy? Because while democracy gives the state legitimacy on coercion, the republic (constitution) guarantees the rule of law. What is the difference between a nation, state and government? The nation is an imagined community, where people don't know each other but are still willing to sacrifice for. On the other hand, a state is a political entity. The government is the temporary manager of the state. What are public and common goods? Public goods are goods that are non-excludable and non-rival. (e.g. a lighthouse which everyone can use and its usage by one person doesn't mean another cannot use it) On the other hand, common goods are non-excludable but rival (e.g. fish in the sea). This is why only the government produces public goods. These are the kind of significant nuances that the book uncovers.
I cannot stress how accessible this book is. Plain English, relatable examples, and frameworks that can be applied even in other contexts. Like many good things in life, I discovered the book courtesy the better half. I'd highly recommend this to anyone even remotely curious about how the 'system' works. If you're not, this can actually get you interested.
March 10, 2024
Visual storytelling can be a way to make several complex issues easy to understand and drive change. This book covers a wide spectrum of policy making from private to public enterprise as well as economics and politics with very relatable examples which can illustrate a concept. We learn some of this in a civics or an economics text book in school but unless you have a good teacher, the nuance and substance are both. lost. I loved the two chapters on Market failures and Govt failures. The role of society in driving change is also highlighted well (so is the individuals citizens responsibility - After all the book is called We citizens..). Some interesting facts from the book (Amongst many other good nuggets for further digging).
Some facts -
* A country's govt spends on infrastructure and it's share of the GDP spending goes up as it becomes more developed
* The number of govt employees at the local level in India is much less as compared to the US and China. It is the reverse in the latter two countries. (My guess is that this leads to benefits of policy trickling down slower than expected and also less enforcement of rules).
* Before many any policy or laws the government has to consider the state capacity for enforcement and the possible unintended consequences (the examples in the book were very relevant and relatable).
Highly recommend this read to understand the role and interplay of society, markets and government.
Some facts -
* A country's govt spends on infrastructure and it's share of the GDP spending goes up as it becomes more developed
* The number of govt employees at the local level in India is much less as compared to the US and China. It is the reverse in the latter two countries. (My guess is that this leads to benefits of policy trickling down slower than expected and also less enforcement of rules).
* Before many any policy or laws the government has to consider the state capacity for enforcement and the possible unintended consequences (the examples in the book were very relevant and relatable).
Highly recommend this read to understand the role and interplay of society, markets and government.
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March 15, 2024I think this is my first Non-Fiction graphic novel. The creators of this book had a huge task of simplifying how a government works and functions and they have successfully completed it. It is not very easy to explain how a country and its government work? What does republic actually mean? What is a state? etc. but the creatives have made a graphic narrative and tried to explain these concepts in simple language so that anyone picking up this book can get a better idea about them. Every single topic of this book can be turned into volumes of textbooks. This book does not delve deep into any of these topics but it gives a basic structure or outline to them. This is not a book which will help you crack IAS or other similar exams but it will provide for a good foundation so that when you read other textbooks on similar topics you won't feel lost.
I would say this is a must read for every citizen of India. Every one should be aware of how a country functions and works. Knowledge about these things will benefit the nation as a whole. You might not be able to understand everything all at once. Repeat readings are a must. The artwork is very simple and consistent it does not distract the readers. This could be a good study material for High School children. It would encourage them towards shaping the future of our nation. Do give it a read and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
I would say this is a must read for every citizen of India. Every one should be aware of how a country functions and works. Knowledge about these things will benefit the nation as a whole. You might not be able to understand everything all at once. Repeat readings are a must. The artwork is very simple and consistent it does not distract the readers. This could be a good study material for High School children. It would encourage them towards shaping the future of our nation. Do give it a read and let me know your thoughts in the comments.
April 29, 2024
Great introduction to the basics of public policy. Helps you understand what it means for a country to be republic & what is the relationship between the state, the market & the society.
And as the great Ajay Shah says - "Everyone who is interested in India should read this. Everyone who is interested in India should buy this for their WhatsApp uncle."
And as the great Ajay Shah says - "Everyone who is interested in India should read this. Everyone who is interested in India should buy this for their WhatsApp uncle."
August 11, 2024
An introduction to the world of policy making and the functioning of the state, this book will definitely promote enlightened debates across the spectrum, instead of citizens making simplistic decisions about which side to support on an issue.
While prescribing a framework to assess public policies, the book also nicely weaves in what we - as citizens and as key members of the society - can do to have a meaningful impact on this process.
The accessible graphic format brings the concepts alive and within the grasp of readers across age groups and backgrounds alike. A monumental achievement without a doubt, this book is essential reading for everyone who is interested in the future of this country.
While prescribing a framework to assess public policies, the book also nicely weaves in what we - as citizens and as key members of the society - can do to have a meaningful impact on this process.
The accessible graphic format brings the concepts alive and within the grasp of readers across age groups and backgrounds alike. A monumental achievement without a doubt, this book is essential reading for everyone who is interested in the future of this country.
March 3, 2024
Excellent illustrations and conceptual explanations of fundamental principles. Even a skeptically reluctant citizen like me came away feeling hopeful of the republic.
May 7, 2024
Very simple reading, explains the govt/society/state problems to the layman in easy graphic illustrations
March 5, 2024
Edition: Physical Book (for some reason Goodreads doesn't have that)
Rating: 3.9/5
Pros :
- Accessible approach: The book wonderfully simplifies Public Policy for the general public. It takes the complex web of State, Markets, and Society and reveals how we exist at the intersection of the three.
- Illuminates on the Journey: The book elucidates the journey of policy making. From its grassroots origins within society to its formal drafting, regulation, and implementation by the state, the process is made very easy to understand.
- Engaging Visuals: The graphics add an extra layer of engagement.
Cons :
- Disjoined conversations: Some of the dialogue boxes in the cartoon strips disrupt continuity. For example, imagine expecting Person A to finish a thought, only for Person B to swoop in. Many of the conversations are broken up between people.
- Perceived bias: I find it quite commendable that the author actually cites many of the important works that they have taken inspiration from, although it only looks like they cite the works of those that they have acknowledged (suggesting they have close connections with those individuals) this might be perceived as bias.
However, for anyone venturing into the world of Public Policy and change making, this book is definitely a worthy read.
Rating: 3.9/5
Pros :
- Accessible approach: The book wonderfully simplifies Public Policy for the general public. It takes the complex web of State, Markets, and Society and reveals how we exist at the intersection of the three.
- Illuminates on the Journey: The book elucidates the journey of policy making. From its grassroots origins within society to its formal drafting, regulation, and implementation by the state, the process is made very easy to understand.
- Engaging Visuals: The graphics add an extra layer of engagement.
Cons :
- Disjoined conversations: Some of the dialogue boxes in the cartoon strips disrupt continuity. For example, imagine expecting Person A to finish a thought, only for Person B to swoop in. Many of the conversations are broken up between people.
- Perceived bias: I find it quite commendable that the author actually cites many of the important works that they have taken inspiration from, although it only looks like they cite the works of those that they have acknowledged (suggesting they have close connections with those individuals) this might be perceived as bias.
However, for anyone venturing into the world of Public Policy and change making, this book is definitely a worthy read.
March 21, 2024
Believing in the power of engaged citizenry, they have interspersed the book with pop culture and historical nuances. So, you find Birbal, Rajnikanth and even Louis XIV in the book. And there are no quick fixes, just the desire to ignite the spark to make a change. They talk about the impact of policy in all ways—how it helps and when it doesn’t do good.
The book takes us back to our classrooms, and sensitises us to the news that keeps circulating around us. So, if you have been wondering why a prime minister runs a country but a president is the head of state, then you will get your answers.
The book takes us back to our classrooms, and sensitises us to the news that keeps circulating around us. So, if you have been wondering why a prime minister runs a country but a president is the head of state, then you will get your answers.
April 10, 2024
Good introduction to Public Policy, especially for the younger generation who might not fully appreciate or understand the role that the society and the state can play in the state-market-society.
I loved listening to Anupam Manur and Pranay Kotasthane in the GCPP course at the Takshashila Institution and this book does a great job of introducing the concepts to a broader audience. And maybe a few will become interested enough to pursue the course too! The format enables the reader to reacquaint themselves with a topic easily, which I think is quite necessary if you're just starting to explore Public Policy
I loved listening to Anupam Manur and Pranay Kotasthane in the GCPP course at the Takshashila Institution and this book does a great job of introducing the concepts to a broader audience. And maybe a few will become interested enough to pursue the course too! The format enables the reader to reacquaint themselves with a topic easily, which I think is quite necessary if you're just starting to explore Public Policy
May 17, 2024
In a time when it seems like most people aren't able to wrap their heads around how a country functions, how policies are made and the economics behind it all, "We, The Citizens" sheds light on all the nitty gritties of how countries function and what is the role of people in ensuring strong policy making.💪🏻💪🏻
I love how some complex economic concepts are explained in this book through illustrations and I really wish this book came out when I was in school. I would have scored much much better in Economics 🙈🙈
I love how some complex economic concepts are explained in this book through illustrations and I really wish this book came out when I was in school. I would have scored much much better in Economics 🙈🙈
June 21, 2024
I started and read this book in one sitting. It is an absolutely brilliant book. The authors point out that they had a bias towards keeping it simple and they have done a fantastic job of taking truly complex and even polarising topics and making it all so clear and precise. Awesome work. Thanks for writing it. The graphical format, the sharp and simple text and the easy to grasp frameworks make the book what it is. A must read for anyone who cares about India.
September 23, 2024
An amazingly simple book about how we, as individuals live in the intersection of state, market, and society. This can definitely be a beginner's guide to the Indian policy making. Something everyone of us can read towards a better understanding of how these theee pillars can play vital roles in ensuring positive changes around us.
Definitely recommend to all those who are looking for a start in understanding how India functions as a republic.
Definitely recommend to all those who are looking for a start in understanding how India functions as a republic.
May 31, 2025
Beautiful read. Takshashila Institution is a leading think tank in India and its courses on Public Policy are well regarded. Pranay, Anupam and Khyati have done a wonderful job of creating this graphic novel which encapsulates the ideas of public policy in a refresher format. Highly recommend everyone to read this. Enjoyed it as much as I did my Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (GCPP) a few years back.
December 18, 2024
A must read for those that are concerned as citizens of a democracy, and definitely for those that think we have no role to play.
The witty caricatures, simplify many complex concepts of economics and political science making it an engaging and enlightening read for anyone with little or no knowledge about these.
The witty caricatures, simplify many complex concepts of economics and political science making it an engaging and enlightening read for anyone with little or no knowledge about these.
June 5, 2024
This is a beautiful book that reminds us about the ambitious and progressive concept of our country. It should replace all good for nothing civics textbooks that spend pages on teaching the difference between executive, legislature and judiciary.
September 5, 2024
Informative and engaging book on public policy , role of citizens, responsibilities and limitations of Government and Governance. Stays true to the spirit of the book by not swaying to ideology on either side.
March 10, 2024
Such a good book. Lovely illustrations and lucid explanations of complex concepts!
May 29, 2024
Loved the illustrations. Gave a social message in a fun way!
August 12, 2024
Its a book that every citizen should read ranging from an student to a senior citizen…. Very easy and practical book
November 22, 2024
A quick and easy to comprehend introduction to public policy and the role that state, society and market play in our nation.
November 28, 2024
Brilliant and accessible introduction to Constitutional and civic principles. I use it in university teaching. People of all ages can learn something from this book.
March 25, 2025
Absolutely wonderful little book, I cannot recommend it enough and will be buying it for all my Indian friends and family.
May 3, 2025
It's a joy to read this book. The right selection of state building and public policy ideas, explained in simple terms for a mass audience.
November 30, 2025
I'd definitely tell every Indian citizen to read this simple to read yet necessary book.
July 30, 2025
A thought provoking graphic novel on the public policy of India. Every topic is simplified and coherently explained whilst laying an emphasis on the important points. Impressive & worth the read! Highly recommended!
November 15, 2024
A must-read for everyone who is interested in India's development. Understanding current issues from a policy perspective is critical to solving them, and this book will strongly kindle your interest in the policy direction!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews