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Looking Away
In the two decades since the early 1990s, when india confirmed its allegiance to the free market, more of its citizens have become marginalized than ever before and society has become more sharply riven than ever. In looking away, harsh mander ranges wide to record and analyse the many different fault lines which crisscross indian society today. There is increasing prosperity among the middle classes but also a corresponding intolerance for the less fortunate. Poverty and homelessness are also on the rise -both in urban and rural settings - but not only has the state abandoned its responsibility to provide for those afflicted, the middle class, too, now avoids even the basic impulses of sharing. And with the sharp rightward turn in politics, minority communities are under serious threat -their very status as citizens in question -as a belligerent, monolithic idea of the nation takes the place of an inclusive, tolerant one. However, as harsh mander points out, what most stains society today is the erosion in the imperative for sympathy, both at the state and individual levels, a crumbling that is principally at the base of the vast inequities which afflict india. Exhaustive in its scope, impassioned in its arguments and rigorous in its scholarship, looking away is a sobering checklist of all the things we must collectively get right if india is to become the country that was promised, in equal measure, to all its citizens.
464 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 14, 2016
One of the great experts on inequality. It is so trivialising to me when I stumble upon a remarkable book through random library expeditions but find is largely unknown among Goodreads community.
It is not a book that should be read but must be read. He has done to inequality in India what P. Sainath did to farmer's suicide.
It is not a book that should be read but must be read. He has done to inequality in India what P. Sainath did to farmer's suicide.
August 21, 2019
One of the reasons I picked up Harsh Mander’s book “Looking Away” is that I did not resonate with the author’s ideology when I heard his lecture. It was difficult for me to believe that someone can operate from a space where he believes that giving, and not necessarily enabling, is a way to help the underprivileged. For the longest time, I wasn’t able to come to terms with how I felt after the lecture because it made me challenge my own beliefs that I felt strongly about. In my book review, I will share a summary of each of the sections and then share how the book shaped new beliefs and reinstated some of the existing beliefs.
The book is divided into three sections—the first section talks about the indifference towards the less privileged, the second section about the prejudice towards the minorities, and the third about compassion as a way to overcome both indifference and prejudice. The author starts the book by highlighting the inequality that exists in India and elucidates with facts. Some of the facts that really had me thinking was that India is home to the 5th highest number of billionaires, 3rd highest middle class population, and paradoxically, highest number of poor. The author then talks about the indifference towards the less privileged— what he defines as the migrants, poor, tribals—by the privileged—what he defines as “middle class”. He gives anecdotal examples to show that it’s normal for us to look past the slums, it’s normal for us to disrespect the maids in the house, and it’s normal for us to believe that the reality for the poor is different from ours, the middle class in that the dreams, hopes of the poor is different from ours.
The second part of the book talks about the prejudice that exists in India against minorities including Muslims. The author politicises the argument and openly talks about his strong hate towards the current government. The author shares that government’s model of economic development isn’t inclusive, that the policies implemented by the government are not for the ones who need it the most. While this section of the book was interesting, I found the entire argument or reasoning extremely political, and therefore, it was difficult for me to connect with author’s way of thinking.
The last section of the book suggests a humanistic approach to overcome inequality which is reflected by our indifferent and prejudiced actions. In this section, the author compels us to think that one of the strongest ways to overcome inequality is to empathise. He gives an example to define empathy beautifully—empathy starts with the heart—feeling the way others are feeling, goes on to the speech—speaking up against injustice—and ends with the hand—by taking action against what’s wrong or what needs to change. He goes on to say that to empathise you must imagine—imagine, if you can, the suffering of others and only then take action.
These three sections combined helped me challenge my existing opinions, develop some new, and reinstated some of the existing beliefs.
Before I read the book, I strongly felt that I am where I am today because of the hard work and commitment towards my career and my family. I felt so strongly that I took pride in having overcome some of the challenges in my personal life. Also, it’s because of this struggle that I upheld perseverance as a strong value and didn’t respect anyone who may not operate from the value. Therefore, I had believed that poor are poor because they are lazy and lack perseverance to achieve their dreams.
After reading the book, I realised that it’s not necessarily the capabilities but the opportunities that determine the future of an individual. I am compelled to think, what if I were born in a family that did not consider girl education important or where I had no access to basic health or education. What if I were born in a slum ? Would have I still been able to achieve all that I have today if I had less opportunities than I do now? I probably know the answer but do not want to fully accept it. Accepting the answer also makes me realise how privileged I am. Being surrounded by like minded people, I had come to imagine that the reality that exists for us is the only reality. With that understanding I had completely overlooked that reality that exists for the less privileged—what they struggle with everyday such as basic livelihood, education, and health is what I had taken for granted. Now, I am willing to accept that opportunities plays a pivotal role in determining the future of an individual.
In continuation with the first belief, I was also against affirmative action because I believed that meritocracy can help you get where you want, so you don’t necessarily need reservation. I now believe that it is not fair to compare the merit of a student who has been born into a family with all privileges such as access to health, education and freedom of
choice to that of a student who was raised in a family where even the basic necessities were not met. It’s almost like comparing the capabilities of girl child of a Dalit born in one of the backward districts of UP to a male child born into a family of doctors in Delhi. The girl child in this example did not get enough nutrition while growing up which affected her learning outcome; she probably had to walk around 5kms to the school where the teachers didn’t show up most of the days; the girl already expects that she will get married before she turns 18. Given that the opportunities are not the same, how can we expect the outcome to be the same. Therefore, I have changed my perspective to believe that it is important to have equity till we reach equality.
The third and the last shift was reinstating my existing belief that the change must start with the individual. My original idea of development aimed at developing a more conscious individual and its interconnectedness to other players in the system including the government, business, markets, and the environment. I believe that a more responsible individual can make the state responsible by practising his rights, the business more responsible by asking for more environment friendly products or processes, and the markets by demanding work that meet his/her higher goal. Harsh Mander reinstates my belief by stating that the current government acts the way it does because the individuals of the society have accepted it to be so. He further suggests that a government that cares can exist only in a society that cares. We can imagine a better society only when the ones who are privileged start speaking up or taking action towards the betterment of those who aren’t.
The book is divided into three sections—the first section talks about the indifference towards the less privileged, the second section about the prejudice towards the minorities, and the third about compassion as a way to overcome both indifference and prejudice. The author starts the book by highlighting the inequality that exists in India and elucidates with facts. Some of the facts that really had me thinking was that India is home to the 5th highest number of billionaires, 3rd highest middle class population, and paradoxically, highest number of poor. The author then talks about the indifference towards the less privileged— what he defines as the migrants, poor, tribals—by the privileged—what he defines as “middle class”. He gives anecdotal examples to show that it’s normal for us to look past the slums, it’s normal for us to disrespect the maids in the house, and it’s normal for us to believe that the reality for the poor is different from ours, the middle class in that the dreams, hopes of the poor is different from ours.
The second part of the book talks about the prejudice that exists in India against minorities including Muslims. The author politicises the argument and openly talks about his strong hate towards the current government. The author shares that government’s model of economic development isn’t inclusive, that the policies implemented by the government are not for the ones who need it the most. While this section of the book was interesting, I found the entire argument or reasoning extremely political, and therefore, it was difficult for me to connect with author’s way of thinking.
The last section of the book suggests a humanistic approach to overcome inequality which is reflected by our indifferent and prejudiced actions. In this section, the author compels us to think that one of the strongest ways to overcome inequality is to empathise. He gives an example to define empathy beautifully—empathy starts with the heart—feeling the way others are feeling, goes on to the speech—speaking up against injustice—and ends with the hand—by taking action against what’s wrong or what needs to change. He goes on to say that to empathise you must imagine—imagine, if you can, the suffering of others and only then take action.
These three sections combined helped me challenge my existing opinions, develop some new, and reinstated some of the existing beliefs.
Before I read the book, I strongly felt that I am where I am today because of the hard work and commitment towards my career and my family. I felt so strongly that I took pride in having overcome some of the challenges in my personal life. Also, it’s because of this struggle that I upheld perseverance as a strong value and didn’t respect anyone who may not operate from the value. Therefore, I had believed that poor are poor because they are lazy and lack perseverance to achieve their dreams.
After reading the book, I realised that it’s not necessarily the capabilities but the opportunities that determine the future of an individual. I am compelled to think, what if I were born in a family that did not consider girl education important or where I had no access to basic health or education. What if I were born in a slum ? Would have I still been able to achieve all that I have today if I had less opportunities than I do now? I probably know the answer but do not want to fully accept it. Accepting the answer also makes me realise how privileged I am. Being surrounded by like minded people, I had come to imagine that the reality that exists for us is the only reality. With that understanding I had completely overlooked that reality that exists for the less privileged—what they struggle with everyday such as basic livelihood, education, and health is what I had taken for granted. Now, I am willing to accept that opportunities plays a pivotal role in determining the future of an individual.
In continuation with the first belief, I was also against affirmative action because I believed that meritocracy can help you get where you want, so you don’t necessarily need reservation. I now believe that it is not fair to compare the merit of a student who has been born into a family with all privileges such as access to health, education and freedom of
choice to that of a student who was raised in a family where even the basic necessities were not met. It’s almost like comparing the capabilities of girl child of a Dalit born in one of the backward districts of UP to a male child born into a family of doctors in Delhi. The girl child in this example did not get enough nutrition while growing up which affected her learning outcome; she probably had to walk around 5kms to the school where the teachers didn’t show up most of the days; the girl already expects that she will get married before she turns 18. Given that the opportunities are not the same, how can we expect the outcome to be the same. Therefore, I have changed my perspective to believe that it is important to have equity till we reach equality.
The third and the last shift was reinstating my existing belief that the change must start with the individual. My original idea of development aimed at developing a more conscious individual and its interconnectedness to other players in the system including the government, business, markets, and the environment. I believe that a more responsible individual can make the state responsible by practising his rights, the business more responsible by asking for more environment friendly products or processes, and the markets by demanding work that meet his/her higher goal. Harsh Mander reinstates my belief by stating that the current government acts the way it does because the individuals of the society have accepted it to be so. He further suggests that a government that cares can exist only in a society that cares. We can imagine a better society only when the ones who are privileged start speaking up or taking action towards the betterment of those who aren’t.
June 19, 2015
There is enough scope to find faults with occasionally shoddy editing and the surfeit of statistics. But what shines throughout the 400 page tome is the noble vision and the compassionate underpinnings of the writing.
Harsh Mander writes on almost all social issues affecting India under the sun - from prejudice against minorities to the plight of the homeless in New Delhi ,from domestic workers to farmer suicides. He makes a strong case for social solidarity and believes sincerely that a caring and just state is meaningless if it is not set in a caring and just society.Free-market advocates have lots to disagree with the solutions given by the author but even they will be forced to accept that this is the work of noble intentions by a gentleman who walks the talk.
Harsh Mander writes on almost all social issues affecting India under the sun - from prejudice against minorities to the plight of the homeless in New Delhi ,from domestic workers to farmer suicides. He makes a strong case for social solidarity and believes sincerely that a caring and just state is meaningless if it is not set in a caring and just society.Free-market advocates have lots to disagree with the solutions given by the author but even they will be forced to accept that this is the work of noble intentions by a gentleman who walks the talk.
September 19, 2021
It is distressing that even as the book can be considered a bit dated, many of the fault lines running across the social fabric of India, described articulately by Mander, have widened since the book was published. This is an unfortunate testimony to Mander's elaborate attempt at describing the state of the poor and marginalized in India, and the various forms of prejudices, state's and citizens' indifference, and lack of empathy that they face. This act of "looking away" by the state as well as by the burgeoning Indian middle class confines generations of millions of Indians to a wretched life lacking in basic human dignities. The details in the book are as heart-wrenching as the cover picture, and it is sobering to be reminded of, and to accept, the harsh reality of the lives of millions of Indians.
Mander advocates for compassion by the middle classes towards those left behind, arguing that "a just and caring state can only be located ultimately in a just and caring society". While I completely agree with this thought, I am less optimistic about the collective ability of India's middle classes to become more just and caring. I hope my pessimism is misplaced.
Mander advocates for compassion by the middle classes towards those left behind, arguing that "a just and caring state can only be located ultimately in a just and caring society". While I completely agree with this thought, I am less optimistic about the collective ability of India's middle classes to become more just and caring. I hope my pessimism is misplaced.
September 27, 2015
Just remove the anti-modi bias (this diluted the impact of the book) and this is the book I wanted to write. This will change the way you look at the poverty and our response to poverty.
December 3, 2021
Chilling realities of India.... It's not against any Govt or Party or any such thing... It's about us, the middle class. Why we should awake and look around to find and prevent inequalities and prejudices .... In a world of sponsored books for propoganda, only a handful of contemporary Non-fictions remain truly loyal to the title of it... This book is one among them... Harsh Mander is truly a god to the victims of trafficking.... May God bless India with more such Brave persons .....
February 1, 2017
Beyond its panoramic scan of the key social and economic issues confronting India, Harsh Mander's un-academic, yet evidence rich, writing reminds us that compassion and dignity are as critical as justice and liberty in addressing them. His first-hand experience in tribal communities, amidst communal carnage, and in the worlds of the bureaucracy, policy-makers and civil society give this book immediacy, authenticity and humanity.
December 23, 2017
Grab a copy of it and just read it. I can't say more than this.
October 28, 2019
Looking Away is undoubtedly one of the most stirring books I’ve ever encountered. Every page was wrought with incidents and analysis of the same which managed to jolt my conscience as a reader and a spectator.
Harsh Mander has managed to pen down a book which is not only simplistic enough for anyone to comprehend, but oozes a call for action via compassion. He manages to urge his readers into waking up from their slumbers of apathy and to respond to the distress of the underprivileged, instead of merely looking away. He is a man who is not afraid of the State or the empowered. As it is stated in one of the accounts, “If you are doing the right thing, how can you be afraid ?”
The book is not only full of incidents recounting the utmost cruelties that can be inflicted by a human being, but also the capacity of the goodness that resides in a person. We are capable of invoking either; it is wholly up to us to choose, regardless of the society which ends up shaping us.
I would recommend this book to everyone out there. God knows we need a bit of goodness in this climate of hatred.
PS: Anyone countering the book saying that it’s anti-Modi propaganda, well, if that’s your sole takeaway from this, then it’s a real pity.
Harsh Mander has managed to pen down a book which is not only simplistic enough for anyone to comprehend, but oozes a call for action via compassion. He manages to urge his readers into waking up from their slumbers of apathy and to respond to the distress of the underprivileged, instead of merely looking away. He is a man who is not afraid of the State or the empowered. As it is stated in one of the accounts, “If you are doing the right thing, how can you be afraid ?”
The book is not only full of incidents recounting the utmost cruelties that can be inflicted by a human being, but also the capacity of the goodness that resides in a person. We are capable of invoking either; it is wholly up to us to choose, regardless of the society which ends up shaping us.
I would recommend this book to everyone out there. God knows we need a bit of goodness in this climate of hatred.
PS: Anyone countering the book saying that it’s anti-Modi propaganda, well, if that’s your sole takeaway from this, then it’s a real pity.
March 12, 2021
"The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference." (Elie Wiesel)
This book is going right up on the 'favorites' shelf. I would go so far as putting this in the vicinity of P. Sainath's 'Everybody Loves a Good Drought', a book that has shaped my thinking profusely.
In a society that continuously feels entitled to everything they have and has (more or less) comfortably adopted the rhetoric of 'I am where I am today because I have worked hard. You are where you are because you're lazy and didn't struggle enough. I therefore am entitled to all the benefits I reap and you just need to work harder,' this book presents itself like a ghastly mirror. You don't have to 100% agree with Mander's thoughts and ideas (I certainly didn't at times) to grasp and take away the greater message of the book which tries to throw light on society's indifference and intolerance, all while trying to explain the intricacies of inequality and the violence it exhibits on certain members of society. Every section of this book forces you to not only come to terms with your privilege, but acknowledge your indifference.
This book is going right up on the 'favorites' shelf. I would go so far as putting this in the vicinity of P. Sainath's 'Everybody Loves a Good Drought', a book that has shaped my thinking profusely.
In a society that continuously feels entitled to everything they have and has (more or less) comfortably adopted the rhetoric of 'I am where I am today because I have worked hard. You are where you are because you're lazy and didn't struggle enough. I therefore am entitled to all the benefits I reap and you just need to work harder,' this book presents itself like a ghastly mirror. You don't have to 100% agree with Mander's thoughts and ideas (I certainly didn't at times) to grasp and take away the greater message of the book which tries to throw light on society's indifference and intolerance, all while trying to explain the intricacies of inequality and the violence it exhibits on certain members of society. Every section of this book forces you to not only come to terms with your privilege, but acknowledge your indifference.
March 10, 2016
Amazing book
March 7, 2018
It is a must-read for every Indian. It is divided into 3 parts: Many exiles of India's poor, The legitimization of prejudice, The imperative for Public compassion.
In many exiles of India's poor the author describes how we take poverty for granted. There is a paragraph-"India's poor face many exiles. They are exiled from the consciences of people of privilege and wealth. They are exiled from media. They are exiled from priorities of public spending and government. They are exiled from debates in Parliament and offices. They are exiled from institutions that could offer some basic security through education, healthcare, and social security. And they are exiled from the hope that their children or grandchildren will one day escape this life of breaking toil and self-humiliation and this last is the most profound of their exiles", I think this sums it up.
In legitimization of prejudice, he talks about the prejudice against Muslims, Christians and about caste.
In the imperative for Public compassion, he talks about what can be should be done and from whom we can take inspiration to answer those socio-economic inequalities.
This book is an eye-opener for me. It made me ask myself why we ignore beggars, destitute though they are the ones who need us most. It made me ask why a small boy of four when asked to touch feet of elders knows he shouldn't touch feet of domestic help. It opened a new perspective for me while mooting about caste reservations. It gave me a new way to look at when I am presented with some Muslim brother accused as a terrorist. It made me feel that even though it takes some time, finally justice will triumph. Through this book, I came to know why we mustn't ignore poor if we see them on trains, pavements etc. It made me look at Modi's government from a different angle.
Leaving that part of Modi, this book is an excellent one and I would recommend this for every Indian.
In many exiles of India's poor the author describes how we take poverty for granted. There is a paragraph-"India's poor face many exiles. They are exiled from the consciences of people of privilege and wealth. They are exiled from media. They are exiled from priorities of public spending and government. They are exiled from debates in Parliament and offices. They are exiled from institutions that could offer some basic security through education, healthcare, and social security. And they are exiled from the hope that their children or grandchildren will one day escape this life of breaking toil and self-humiliation and this last is the most profound of their exiles", I think this sums it up.
In legitimization of prejudice, he talks about the prejudice against Muslims, Christians and about caste.
In the imperative for Public compassion, he talks about what can be should be done and from whom we can take inspiration to answer those socio-economic inequalities.
This book is an eye-opener for me. It made me ask myself why we ignore beggars, destitute though they are the ones who need us most. It made me ask why a small boy of four when asked to touch feet of elders knows he shouldn't touch feet of domestic help. It opened a new perspective for me while mooting about caste reservations. It gave me a new way to look at when I am presented with some Muslim brother accused as a terrorist. It made me feel that even though it takes some time, finally justice will triumph. Through this book, I came to know why we mustn't ignore poor if we see them on trains, pavements etc. It made me look at Modi's government from a different angle.
Leaving that part of Modi, this book is an excellent one and I would recommend this for every Indian.
May 22, 2019
The title of the book explains it all: Looking away. As we read the book we understand how we have internalised the looking away habit in our daily lives, when we choose to ignore the suffering endured by the poor, the homeless, the street children, tribals....... Author laments the emerging selfish materialistic culture in which many of us have forgotten the culture of giving. Sufferings of families affected by systemic violence questions the regressive path which our country has taken.
Author argues for a strong state which realises its duties to all citizens, even the most marginalised along with a change in the social values where we empathise with the disadvantaged and do justice with them.
Author argues for a strong state which realises its duties to all citizens, even the most marginalised along with a change in the social values where we empathise with the disadvantaged and do justice with them.
November 8, 2019
The most impactful and the difficult book I have read so far. Made me cry in public bus, probably a moment I will never forget.
Me being from a village where casteism is very prevalent, I had first/second hand knowledge of most incident mentioned in the book. So, its not the incidents themselves that are shocking to me. But its the fact that I have been so blind to most of these all my life and the remarkable empathy, integrity, humaneness & gratitude shown by some of the people mentioned in this book made me well up my eyes multiple times.
I hope this book gets a wider recognition and is read by more people, I definitely believe it has the power to at least make them think and question their behavior.
Me being from a village where casteism is very prevalent, I had first/second hand knowledge of most incident mentioned in the book. So, its not the incidents themselves that are shocking to me. But its the fact that I have been so blind to most of these all my life and the remarkable empathy, integrity, humaneness & gratitude shown by some of the people mentioned in this book made me well up my eyes multiple times.
I hope this book gets a wider recognition and is read by more people, I definitely believe it has the power to at least make them think and question their behavior.
March 22, 2022
Harsh Mander is an extraordinary writer, with this book he left me numb, speechless and in shock. This book is a very moving account of various problems and solutions that seems very difficult to achieve but doable with empathetic and compassionate approach.
This is a story about poverty and exclusion, how it leads into a vicious circle of inequality. Despite having ample resources, why we are unable to reduce these indifferences. Stories that will shock you, make you think about your own privileges. While few in India have accumulated wealth, millions are struggling to meet their ends. Looking away explores many different topics while shocking you with its style of expression. Must read!
This is a story about poverty and exclusion, how it leads into a vicious circle of inequality. Despite having ample resources, why we are unable to reduce these indifferences. Stories that will shock you, make you think about your own privileges. While few in India have accumulated wealth, millions are struggling to meet their ends. Looking away explores many different topics while shocking you with its style of expression. Must read!
August 28, 2023
I wasn't able to finish because it's a long book and I had to return it to my friend who it belonged to. But the parts I read were excellent. Harsh Mander shines a light on numerous systemic issues in the Indian nation that will hamper it going forward towards the prominent place it wants in the world.
The only reason that I couldn't give it 5 stars is because many of the statistics are presented a bit too haphazardly. Often he's quote from 5-6 different studies in order to highlight a major issue, and all of the numbers were will concerning, but because they're from different studies they're often different, sometimes contradict each other, and he just cites them and moves on without really discussing the numbers or resolving the discrepancies.
The only reason that I couldn't give it 5 stars is because many of the statistics are presented a bit too haphazardly. Often he's quote from 5-6 different studies in order to highlight a major issue, and all of the numbers were will concerning, but because they're from different studies they're often different, sometimes contradict each other, and he just cites them and moves on without really discussing the numbers or resolving the discrepancies.
May 23, 2020
A book that debunks what has been transpiring in the nation behind the veneer of nationalistic fervour.
Harsh Mander enamours you, enchants you with the facts, narratives and truth behind all the cacophony that is concocted systemically and systematically in our society, perpetuated often by the state machinery. A telling read for anybody who wants to nurture their awareness about the country they live in, the ills and brighspots of the democratic history and it's fight to persist and persevere through hate, bigotry, and injustice.
Harsh Mander enamours you, enchants you with the facts, narratives and truth behind all the cacophony that is concocted systemically and systematically in our society, perpetuated often by the state machinery. A telling read for anybody who wants to nurture their awareness about the country they live in, the ills and brighspots of the democratic history and it's fight to persist and persevere through hate, bigotry, and injustice.
March 17, 2022
A must read book for all the people who have an iota of compassion towards downtrodden. The author aptly highlights the plight of marginalized and apathy of middle class in the modern Indian society. The intrinsic goodness of human being is also highlighted in the book. Human may become biased, prejudiced, indifferent and filled with hatred towards others, but intrinsically he/she has goodness in his/her heart. If this love and compassion is rekindled through good leadership then society and country would be a far better place for all. I would highly recommend this book.
May 16, 2021
One of the most painful books I've read. However, it is also an important pilgrimage I believe, that every Indian ought to take, when ready to face the brunt reality of our country and one's conscience.
January 2, 2018
Easy read and lots of interesting parts to it. I don't agree with some of what he says, but overall it's thought provoking and worth reading.
February 27, 2020
Anyone who cares about the country and humanity at large should read this book.
May 10, 2021
A sharp look at inequality in India. Lots of data, some stories, some lessons. A book to open your eyes to the reality of inequality in the county. The last part of the book meanders a fair bit.
May 25, 2021
Written with empathy, this collections Mander's writings highlights the inequalities and injustice rampant in India to which the more fortunate turns a blind eye.
January 13, 2022
Compassion is the word that Mander revolves around
October 2, 2024
Bought it because I am a compulsive buyer. Felt disturbing in the initial few pages. But while flipping through the pages, opened the door to reality. Disturbing reality of India.
March 1, 2017
It's a good book with startling facts on the 'ignored' minorities of India. Be it religious, economic or sexual minority. Along with lots of facts the book also focuses on the soft aspects of human nature and bettering the man & society by developing compassion, empathy & forgiveness while striving for justice at the same time.
November 3, 2019
Often I find myself lost in convincing my (mostly) upper caste upper-class urban friends as to how reservation as policy is needed now the most then ever. Or, how it is imperative to analyse the facts before coming to a conclusion which is often based on prejudice. Such is the condition of the urban crowd that they have grown to become insensitive in this hyper-consumerist world, which is bad not just for the environment but also for human beings due to the psychological effects it has.
This book addresses these issues. Although this book could have been written in a more interesting manner. Since it mainly relies on facts and figures to build a case, it gets a bit monotonous. In a way it is boring, but when you read the fact that every second child in India is stunted or some other mind-blowing facts which has been hiding in the plain sight. It does put things in perspective and help us see through the Rosy picture that we middle-class Indians have made of our country by overlooking impoverished people and their misery.
This book addresses these issues. Although this book could have been written in a more interesting manner. Since it mainly relies on facts and figures to build a case, it gets a bit monotonous. In a way it is boring, but when you read the fact that every second child in India is stunted or some other mind-blowing facts which has been hiding in the plain sight. It does put things in perspective and help us see through the Rosy picture that we middle-class Indians have made of our country by overlooking impoverished people and their misery.
February 4, 2016
you cant look away anymore...harsh mander holds the mirror up close to you. It is not shocking or surprising, it's just that we have conveniently over the period of time chosen to look away from our own most dispossessed people. It's about injustice, inequality inflicted on the poorest people and our indifference to it. Harsh's right when is says the opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of hate is indifference.
September 12, 2016
A book on the ground realities of the current India. With compelling arguments, the author brings forward how the Indian middle class tend to look away from the glaring inequalities that we witness every day. The inequalities that many think has vanished after Independence, is still prevalent - and we have as much a part to do as the Government has. The book touches upon inequalities of various kinds and reminds us of the importance to wipe them out.
December 17, 2015
A must read for all those who want to come face to face with the real situation of inequalities and prejudice in India.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews