Superfast Primetime Ultimate Nation: The Relentless Invention of Modern India

by Adam Roberts

Who can foretell India's future? Mr. Joshi is a fortune teller in a slum in south Delhi who uses a soothsaying green parrot to make predictions. When Adam Roberts visited him in 2012, Joshi's parrot declared that India was destined to become the most powerful nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The parrot also foretold that India would win the soccer World Cup. Parrots may not be the preeminent political authority, but many Indians were just as confident. So Adam Roberts spent five years traveling the length and breadth of the country from Kerala to the Himalayas, Bengal to Gujarat. As he encountered the power brokers, gate keepers, and elaborate social dynamics of the world's largest democracy, he asked if -- and how -- India can become a truly great economic power, more influential abroad and stable at home. He met prime ministers, multimillionaires, traveling salesmen, pilgrims, eco-warriors, farmers, and tech innovators, each wrestling with the trials posed by the world's most conspicuously nearly great power. He experienced an immense country that, despite daunting challenges, is entering the most optimistic period in its modern history. Through vivid storytelling and insight, Superfast Primetime Ultimate Nation examines the problems and promises of fast-growing India to reveal how it might reach its full potential and become, as Mr. Joshi's parrot predicted, a truly powerful nation.

Genres: India, Nonfiction, History, Politics

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2017

About the author

Adam Roberts spent six years in India as the Economist's South East Asia correspondent based in Delhi. Previously the Southern Africa correspondent in Johannesburg and the News Editor of Economist.com, he is now the European business and finance correspondent in Paris. He is the author of the Economist's special report on India and of The Wonga Coup (PublicAffairs 2006).

Reviews

[Vandita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this one 3.5 stars as I, personally, did not get a lot more insight than I already had into the ‘relentless invention of modern India’ (the sub title of the India). However, for a reader who is not familiar with India and needs a sneak peek into understanding of this complex, and important country which faces the ‘will it break through the threshold of a Developing country or not and when’ zillion dollar question, this book is a good starting point.

The title is a tongue in cheek comment on how everything is a bit over-the-top when India is talked about (especially by the Indians themselves!), though if there is one nation whose potential can totally justify this hyperbolic stance, it is India! ‘Super fast’ covers the economic growth story till now and its threshold conditions to fully realise its potential to be the fastest growing economy in the world for next two decades or so. ‘Prime time’ covers the political system in India and how the trends of aspirational, demanding electorate may lead to (or not) to a political policy and culture response which can enable India to fully reap the ‘dividend’ of its unique strengths. The ‘Ultimate’ refers to the growing influence and role of India, abroad : with India shaping events beyond its immediate region. A massive diaspora, growing economy (market), nuclear capability and a distinct ‘soft power’ may make India count in ways it has not done before. The ‘Nation’ dimension covers the internal stability and the domestic and social aspects of the country.

So the question is not whether India will improve and grow but will it fully realise its ‘Superfast, prime time, ultimate nation’ aspirations and how far and how fast. Adam Roberts who was the SAsia bureau chief of the Economist tackles this admirably but perhaps for those who don’t know India much. More as an introductory 101 course on these issues rather than as someone who is interested in a deep dive at PhD level.

[Rohan Monteiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on India, the political climate and the challenges it faces as it strives to become a superpower. Written in a brilliant and engaging manner.

[Kushal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Summary of the state of the Nation in 2017 - good to read as a primer on India maybe for someone who just moved here but not much in here if you already are up to date with current affairs/economics/politics of the country.

[M M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick-paced run-through of issues facing India's ascent to power, prestige, health and economic weight. If politicians and business people cared more for improvement of human capital rather than crony enrichment, things might improve in time for India's independence centennial in 2047. On the other hand, most likely we'll continue to stagger along a random path, reel every now and then from religious and political violence, trash the environment, and continue to treat the poor and the minorities with contempt. Roberts is optimistic but I am not. Hopefully he's right.

[Vishal Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book when I went to my local library to pick up another book that I had reserved. The colorful cover of this book caught my eye and after reading a couple of pages I took it out. The book looks at the Gandhi family and how they came into politics to how it has been passed down the generations to the current affairs/economics/politics of the country under different prime ministers.

[Sheldon Chau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Roberts provides an easy-to-read, concise, informative and structured breakdown of India’s complex modern history as well as its potential to become one of the more powerful nations in the world. Especially found interesting the background of Narendra Modi and how he came to power, and also India’s relations with China and America.

[Debs]

Got bored halfway through, but only because of all the statistical facts which the text turned into after the first couple of chapters. Politically insightful, cheekily satirical of the title, would recommend to any foreigner wishing to understand modern India for the first time.

[Hizonfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer on the rise of India as one of the world’s most influential countries. The author managed to keep it readable, and every event or personality within context. A nit though is his seemingly consistently condescending description of people’s looks. Overall, worth the read.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to modern India. Author saved a lot of his Modi insights until the end of the book which is not to miss so keep reading!

[Dilip · Rating 3 out of 5]

incorrect portrayal of the kashmiri hindu genocide the author sides with factually questionable liberal tactics calling it intimdation.

[Edgar F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who wants to understand modern India.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read for foreigners to understand the modern social and political landscape of a future superpower that seems predisposed to exceptionalism.