The New Indian Middle Class

by Pavan K. Varma

For the first time in our history, the Indian middle class has emerged as an important player in the elections, both in terms of numerical size and the influence it wields. For the first time, a pan-Indian class, largely homogeneous, mostly educated and universally angry, is a factor in the war rooms of almost all political parties.

In the era of the global middleclass revolution, will the Indian counterpart emerge as a credible game changer? Does it have a wide and inclusive agenda, strong organization, effective leadership and an alternative vision that shows up political discrimination? Or will it be mere cannon fodder for calculating, manipulative, cynical politicians?

In this important and timely book, Pavan K. Varma - the most respected analyst of the middle class in India - looks at the 2014 elections as a watershed in the evolution of this class. Crucially, he argues that what the middle class does now and the choices it makes will shape the future of India, for better or for worse.

Genres: Politics

112 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2014

About the author

Pavan K. Varma is a former Indian Foreign Service officer and was an adviser to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, with cabinet rank. With effect from June, 2014 he was a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) until July 2016. He is currently the National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal (United).

Varma is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi where he studied History (Honours) and received the first position. He was President of the St. Stephen’s College Debating Society as well as the star debater and elocutionist of the University of Delhi. He also won the Sir CP Ramaswamy Aiyar Memorial Essay Prize at St. Stephen’s. Subsequently, he acquired a degree in Law from the University of Delhi.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1976. His career as a diplomat has seen him serve in several locations, including New York and Moscow. In New York, he was with India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. His assignments in India include that of Press Secretary to the President of India, Spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretary for Africa and Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.

Reviews

[Nandha Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author put too much hope on the 2014 elections. Hope he is happy now

[Kaustubh Kirti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was written as a build up to the 2014 election. Author tries to stress and explore the details of Indian middle class and how it is becoming the main focal point of growth in the country. Technology, globalization and consumerism has exploded in the country and it is acting as a key driver in the growth of the middle class.

The middle class is however is faced with multiple challenges around bureaucratic corruption and the lack of empathy of the government towards the people in general. The story is essentially what the author wants to point out that this middle class will have to force their position and decided on Indian governance based on that.

Pavan Verma was in an anti BJP alliance before 2014 however JDU later joined the NDA later in Bihar.

[Toolika Wadhwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Like all Varma's writings, this is enjoyable if you are interested in the concerns of the Indian middle class. Very poignant and covers a range of important issues.
Complete review on KitaabiKhazana.blogspot.com

[AMRITHA. V · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book well articulates the essence of the book and middle class intentions while the latter part heavily brings out the authorial intent and his political biasness. It seemed more of a justification to his political stance.

[Deepak Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Mr Verma's books and writing style. But this book has been quite a disappointment as it hardly has anything new to offer apart from the author's politically hued views on some issues related to the "New" Indian Middle Class.