Why Are We Backward

by Vishal Mangalwadi

Exploring the roots, Exploding the myths, Embracing true hope.

Bringing illuminating insights from cultures as diverse as Soviet Russia, South Korea, Middle East, Afghanistan, Libya, Uganda, Holland and the United States, Vishal Mangalwadi overturns the popular ideas about the cause of backwardness of the people of India and their country. Colonialism, capitalism, and now corruption are seen as the roots. But since backwardness predates colonialism, the author's forceful analysis says that it is the culture of India that legitimizes, via myths and religious philosophy, the social degradation of the majority of the India people by the traditional elites. The book may appear biting in its criticism of some of the Indian ways, but Dr. Mangalwadi's message to India is love: "Instead of treating them as untouchables, we need the philosophy and power to love our neighbors as we love ourselves."

"This book establishes that Dalit-Bahujan backwardness is rooted in Hindu caste backwardness. The West's advancement, including science and technology, capitalism and democracy, came out of the Bible's worldview and ethic. The earliest Indian to understand this was Mahatma Jotirao Phule. But his agenda was never carried to the logical end." - Professor Kancha Ilaiah, author of "Why I Am Not a Hindu"

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Vishal Mangalwadi (1949-) is an international lecturer, social reformer, cultural and political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes.

His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India's Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It is still used as a text book in universities. It was Mangalwadi’s book on the New Age Movement and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic and engaging speaker who has lectured in 34 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.

Reviews

[Prabhu Guptara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge pity that this book was originally for sale only in India - and, even in India, it has been out of print for years.

I hope that it is brought back into print again - it will need an updated first few pages because the introductory material is dated.

Otherwise, this is an unusual and excellent (though brief!) analysis of the reasons why our nation doesn't make the sort of progress it should.

The book is highly readable, each short chapter starting with a story or incident, and the rest of the chapter exploring the implications and reflecting on the issues raised.

It is the sort of book you can read quickly and superficially while you are on a flight or other short journey, but much better if you can take it a chapter at a time and give yourself time to think about each point in the analysis.

"Why Are We Backward?" is the sort of book that changes your understanding of almost everything in relation to our nation.

[Vanesh Chinni · Rating 4 out of 5]

vishal mangalwadi gave the best criticism for all the religions including Christianity too...