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Chalta Hai India: When ‘It’s Ok!’ is Not Ok
India once commanded a massive 30 per cent share of the global GDP and led the world in most fields, but today the country sadly is a developing nation. People often attribute India's sluggish progress to the malaise called the Chalta Hai ('It's okay', 'Let it be') attitude, but not everyone agrees with that presupposition. Debates on the subject are often inconclusive and discomfiting questions remain unanswered. Are we really a Chalta Hai nation? Is Chalta Hai ingrained in our DNA or is it just a bad habit which can be easily exterminated? Will this attitude stop India from becoming a global power?Alpesh Patel delves into this quirky Indian approach and answers these questions by examining the country's pace of progress in fields such as education, infrastructure, films and sports since Independence. The book revisits our cultural, ideological and political history over three millennia to trace the roots of the Chalta Hai attitude of Indians. Interesting facts and unsettling inferences force the reader to introspect and awaken him to the need for an urgent action. Finally, the book charts out methods and suggestions on how to get rid of the Chalta Hai attitude and take India closer to the dream of becoming a developed nation.
- GenresIndia
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 29, 2019
Chalta Hai India: When ‘It’s Ok!’ is Not Ok by Alpesh Patel is a wonderful book that tells about the Chalta Hai attitude ingrained in our DNA or is it just a bad habit which can be easily exterminated?
The book is divided into four parts, exploring, measuring, reasoning and the solution for the chalta hai attitude. The author has briefly explained the concept of chalta hai, how Jugaad keeps us away from growing because of chalta hai attitude. It’s a book that every citizen must read to bring change in their lives, in our nation.
The book has 15 chapters talking about the chalta hai attitude that we have, how it does not help in developing the nation. It tells about the chalta hai attitude that we see in our surroundings. From the cause to resolutions of chalta hai, everything is well explained by the author.
The concept of the book is completely different and important. The language used by the author is simple and apt. The writing style of the author is gripping and upto the point. The author keeps the reader hooked throughout.
It’s a well-researched book. I loved the way the author selected the points to measure and find solutions for chalta hai. From sports to culture, from films and movies to transport the author left no stone unturned to explain the chalta hai attitude.
It has some interesting facts which we are unaware of. The author compared India with other countries showing the graph of growth. we all want India to be a developed nation but what’s stopping us to be one. There’s an answer in this book for the same.
The cover and the title of the book is impressive. It’s a detailed book, a bit heavy read. Take your time to read and understand every page. I would recommend each and everyone to read this book.
A Must read book.
The book is divided into four parts, exploring, measuring, reasoning and the solution for the chalta hai attitude. The author has briefly explained the concept of chalta hai, how Jugaad keeps us away from growing because of chalta hai attitude. It’s a book that every citizen must read to bring change in their lives, in our nation.
The book has 15 chapters talking about the chalta hai attitude that we have, how it does not help in developing the nation. It tells about the chalta hai attitude that we see in our surroundings. From the cause to resolutions of chalta hai, everything is well explained by the author.
The concept of the book is completely different and important. The language used by the author is simple and apt. The writing style of the author is gripping and upto the point. The author keeps the reader hooked throughout.
It’s a well-researched book. I loved the way the author selected the points to measure and find solutions for chalta hai. From sports to culture, from films and movies to transport the author left no stone unturned to explain the chalta hai attitude.
It has some interesting facts which we are unaware of. The author compared India with other countries showing the graph of growth. we all want India to be a developed nation but what’s stopping us to be one. There’s an answer in this book for the same.
The cover and the title of the book is impressive. It’s a detailed book, a bit heavy read. Take your time to read and understand every page. I would recommend each and everyone to read this book.
A Must read book.
January 22, 2019
I am very impressed by the extensive amount of research which has been put in this book!
If you are stereotyping that a non fiction books are boring after a point of time, let me tell you, this book is full of very interesting facts which we are unaware of.
Of course, today's generation who are looking forward to see India as a developed country and have seen India progressing will be very keep to read this book just like I was.
There is no preaching in this book but answers to unasked questions. Alpesh Patel, the author of this brilliant book has divided the book in 4 parts -
1. Exploring the 'It's Okay' Life
2. Measuring the 'Let It Be' Menace
3. Why This 'Take it Easy' Policy?
4. The Root Cause and Resolution of Chalta Hai
The presence of Chalta Hai has been noted right from assault cases to rail accidents which left me shook. Alpesh has also mentioned about how this menace is not just centric to India or Indians but is present in every country, be it developed or a developing nation.
Although, this book concentrates solely on India and the people of India.
The language is easy to understand and is free from grammatical errors. All aspects from politics to business firms have been taken into consideration. It is funny how I started to recognise the Chatla Hai attitude which I carried and which was always being spoken of around me but never really was aware it. It made me conscious of my thoughts and my surroundings motivating me to not let Chalta Hai be in my way of better version which can be possible otherwise.
This book is very much recommended by me. Read it. It is worth our time and money for value addition.
If you are stereotyping that a non fiction books are boring after a point of time, let me tell you, this book is full of very interesting facts which we are unaware of.
Of course, today's generation who are looking forward to see India as a developed country and have seen India progressing will be very keep to read this book just like I was.
There is no preaching in this book but answers to unasked questions. Alpesh Patel, the author of this brilliant book has divided the book in 4 parts -
1. Exploring the 'It's Okay' Life
2. Measuring the 'Let It Be' Menace
3. Why This 'Take it Easy' Policy?
4. The Root Cause and Resolution of Chalta Hai
The presence of Chalta Hai has been noted right from assault cases to rail accidents which left me shook. Alpesh has also mentioned about how this menace is not just centric to India or Indians but is present in every country, be it developed or a developing nation.
Although, this book concentrates solely on India and the people of India.
The language is easy to understand and is free from grammatical errors. All aspects from politics to business firms have been taken into consideration. It is funny how I started to recognise the Chatla Hai attitude which I carried and which was always being spoken of around me but never really was aware it. It made me conscious of my thoughts and my surroundings motivating me to not let Chalta Hai be in my way of better version which can be possible otherwise.
This book is very much recommended by me. Read it. It is worth our time and money for value addition.
February 20, 2019
⚫️The book is divided into four parts so I will be discussing the review according to the parts.
⚫️ Part one is all about exploring the ‘It’s okay’ life. Part one is basically introduction of the book. Basically CH that means “Chalta Hai” approach, what is it, why and what is it’s impact etc. I found that part quite generalised but it was necessary to understand the concept of the book.
⚫️ Part two is measuring the “Let it Be’ Menace. I like the writing style in that part and concepts chosen. That includes Road transport, sports, education etc. I like the points highlighted in table at the end of each chapter.
⚫️ Part three is Why this ‘Take it easy Policy? The big five reasons and I completely agree with the author about it.
⚫️ Part four is the root causes and resolution of CH and everyone should definitely try to implicate these points in our day to day activities and life.
⚫️ If we see overall reviews-
⚫️To write a non fiction and on such concept, authors has to be thorough with his research and knowledge and author has really done a great job, I must say that.
⚫️ To write regarding this subject, author has to choose language very carefully so readers don’t misinterpret what author is trying to convey. And author has definitely chosen good language and vocabulary. Very well written.
⚫️ It covers all major social issues and well presented with facts, data and good real life examples.
⚫️ Overall good one and worth reading.
Click the link below to read detailed review
https://drruchipatel.wordpress.com/20...
⚫️ Part one is all about exploring the ‘It’s okay’ life. Part one is basically introduction of the book. Basically CH that means “Chalta Hai” approach, what is it, why and what is it’s impact etc. I found that part quite generalised but it was necessary to understand the concept of the book.
⚫️ Part two is measuring the “Let it Be’ Menace. I like the writing style in that part and concepts chosen. That includes Road transport, sports, education etc. I like the points highlighted in table at the end of each chapter.
⚫️ Part three is Why this ‘Take it easy Policy? The big five reasons and I completely agree with the author about it.
⚫️ Part four is the root causes and resolution of CH and everyone should definitely try to implicate these points in our day to day activities and life.
⚫️ If we see overall reviews-
⚫️To write a non fiction and on such concept, authors has to be thorough with his research and knowledge and author has really done a great job, I must say that.
⚫️ To write regarding this subject, author has to choose language very carefully so readers don’t misinterpret what author is trying to convey. And author has definitely chosen good language and vocabulary. Very well written.
⚫️ It covers all major social issues and well presented with facts, data and good real life examples.
⚫️ Overall good one and worth reading.
Click the link below to read detailed review
https://drruchipatel.wordpress.com/20...
January 9, 2019
I read this book while i was staying in Goa, indulging in all the beaches and (cheap) booze it had to offer. That alone may indicate what a page turner this book ended up being such that i finished it in record time , in a midly inebriated state.
Chalta Ha is all about attitude- that attitude that makes us walk past a starving beggar on the street without so much as a glance towards him, that attitude that encourages us to accept the bad infrastructure, the frustatingly bureaucratic systems, the unhygenic conditions, the mind numbing poverty and the never ending communal violence of India. In short, the famous Indian Mentality. This attitude can best be summarised by the famous saying , "Chalta Hai" (It's alright, its always been this way) that indians often use in their daily lives and the author deep dives into this phenomena and why it exists. (Henceforth ill refer to this term as CH)
Alpesh Patel explains, that historically, our country has always been an inward looking nation.We've never invaded another country or been involved much in International affairs, even the very essence of Hindiusim is to find peace and one's true self from within, and not look at others for answers.
While this attitude has its merits, it has also made us non-competitive, in the sense that until recently(Globalism) we never really looked at other countries for setting a certain standard of Quality in different areas. We only looked inwards, at our country and without any kind of comparision to have, we were satisfied by our way of life and our standards.
Interestingly , the book mentions a historical example of how German products used to be extremely inferior in quality and the English(who produced the best goods in those days) passed a law that forced German companies to brand all their products with a "Made in Germany" trademark. The English did this to identify and avoid inferior German duplicates,but the Germans took this as a challenge and today this trademark invokes a completely different feeling...
It's only when indians travel and are exposed to first world countries and can actively compare their lifestlyes ,systems and standards with our own that the reality comes in shockingly...and this is why an outward , competitive approach is neccessary to tackle the problem of CH.
The author goes further into history and mentions how India in the past used to be major economic superpower, generating 30% of the worlds GDP around 500 years back. Yet, the prevalence of CH along with the advent of British rule led to our decline in power. The british forced us to stop exporting indian textiles and cash crops which lead to us being cut off from the global world trade and further contributed to the inward looking nation as we became their colony. Even after independence things have moved at a very slow pace thanks to the majority being content with the status quo and not imagining what could be...
While the book dosen't give clear solutions on how to tackle CH( mostly being vague things like increasing education, developing more open markets etc etc) it does by the end, acquaint the reader with a very comprehensive view of what CH is, why and how it is prevalent in india and what are the major areas on which it has its impact. This alone merits this book a full 5/5, not just for being an interesting read but also a very enlightening one.
It goes into depth on the Indian Mentality which unfortunately for us, this term today has a negative connotation. But hopefully one day,just like the "Made in Germany" trademark, it'll be mentioned as a term of pride and respect.
Chalta Ha is all about attitude- that attitude that makes us walk past a starving beggar on the street without so much as a glance towards him, that attitude that encourages us to accept the bad infrastructure, the frustatingly bureaucratic systems, the unhygenic conditions, the mind numbing poverty and the never ending communal violence of India. In short, the famous Indian Mentality. This attitude can best be summarised by the famous saying , "Chalta Hai" (It's alright, its always been this way) that indians often use in their daily lives and the author deep dives into this phenomena and why it exists. (Henceforth ill refer to this term as CH)
Alpesh Patel explains, that historically, our country has always been an inward looking nation.We've never invaded another country or been involved much in International affairs, even the very essence of Hindiusim is to find peace and one's true self from within, and not look at others for answers.
While this attitude has its merits, it has also made us non-competitive, in the sense that until recently(Globalism) we never really looked at other countries for setting a certain standard of Quality in different areas. We only looked inwards, at our country and without any kind of comparision to have, we were satisfied by our way of life and our standards.
Interestingly , the book mentions a historical example of how German products used to be extremely inferior in quality and the English(who produced the best goods in those days) passed a law that forced German companies to brand all their products with a "Made in Germany" trademark. The English did this to identify and avoid inferior German duplicates,but the Germans took this as a challenge and today this trademark invokes a completely different feeling...
It's only when indians travel and are exposed to first world countries and can actively compare their lifestlyes ,systems and standards with our own that the reality comes in shockingly...and this is why an outward , competitive approach is neccessary to tackle the problem of CH.
The author goes further into history and mentions how India in the past used to be major economic superpower, generating 30% of the worlds GDP around 500 years back. Yet, the prevalence of CH along with the advent of British rule led to our decline in power. The british forced us to stop exporting indian textiles and cash crops which lead to us being cut off from the global world trade and further contributed to the inward looking nation as we became their colony. Even after independence things have moved at a very slow pace thanks to the majority being content with the status quo and not imagining what could be...
While the book dosen't give clear solutions on how to tackle CH( mostly being vague things like increasing education, developing more open markets etc etc) it does by the end, acquaint the reader with a very comprehensive view of what CH is, why and how it is prevalent in india and what are the major areas on which it has its impact. This alone merits this book a full 5/5, not just for being an interesting read but also a very enlightening one.
It goes into depth on the Indian Mentality which unfortunately for us, this term today has a negative connotation. But hopefully one day,just like the "Made in Germany" trademark, it'll be mentioned as a term of pride and respect.
March 5, 2019
Sometimes we all have thoughts as we ponder - about the fact that though India is full of talented people, likes of while world has hardly ever witnessed before. And why is that it's still lagging behind, despite the stipulated talents in this country? It's basically because of generalised thinking that 'sab chalta hai/sab tikh hai (it's OK), 'Everything is fine', the lackadaisical attitude towards country with mindset 'it's not my problem or responsibility, so why should I be bothered about it! Though it's a sad fact, but this is the harsh reality that majority of people in our country, have this kind of selfish compassion towards our country. The sole reason why it's lagging behind. In a preemptive approach, the author has tried to point these issues, delve upon & discuss them. Also talking about why these things happen, how to rectify them - improve ourselves & contributing in a better way to make society - country developed.
The amount of research incorporated in this book is worth commendable. It's not the average nonfiction book which readers often judge at first glance. It teaches us many things & it becomes interesting bcoz the readers get to learn something new out of it. The facts, figures, representations extrapolated here are quite interesting & seemingly plausible to understand.
To ease things further, just for the convenience of the readers, the book has been subdivided into the following parts :
1 Exploring the 'It's Okay' Life
2. Measuring the 'Let It Be' Menace
3. Why This 'Take it Easy' Policy?
4. The Root Cause and Resolution of Chalta Hai.
Language is simple, easy & quick to read & understand Narration is okay. The book teaches us - not to be nonchalant towards the problems surrounding us, let it be for the country as a whole or anything in our near vicinity. As we all can make our lives, society & country better. Every single drop accounts for the ocean. So it's you & me who can make the nation better. This book motivates the readers to ponder upon things that are crucial to us. I recommend this to all. A good read, worth buying!
The amount of research incorporated in this book is worth commendable. It's not the average nonfiction book which readers often judge at first glance. It teaches us many things & it becomes interesting bcoz the readers get to learn something new out of it. The facts, figures, representations extrapolated here are quite interesting & seemingly plausible to understand.
To ease things further, just for the convenience of the readers, the book has been subdivided into the following parts :
1 Exploring the 'It's Okay' Life
2. Measuring the 'Let It Be' Menace
3. Why This 'Take it Easy' Policy?
4. The Root Cause and Resolution of Chalta Hai.
Language is simple, easy & quick to read & understand Narration is okay. The book teaches us - not to be nonchalant towards the problems surrounding us, let it be for the country as a whole or anything in our near vicinity. As we all can make our lives, society & country better. Every single drop accounts for the ocean. So it's you & me who can make the nation better. This book motivates the readers to ponder upon things that are crucial to us. I recommend this to all. A good read, worth buying!
January 18, 2019
Book Review-
Book Name - "Chalta Hai India"
Author - Alpesh Patel @author_alpesh
Publication - Bloomsbury @bloomsburyindia
Pages - 283
🔰
First of all I would like to thanks@author_alpesh for giving the book to review.
♎How often we have used the word "Chalta hai", "Theek hai", Jugaad" in our life. Even if we are not satisfied with something, we tend to say "Sab Chalta hai yaar".
♎ Is 'chalta hai' ingrained in our DNA or is it just a bad habit which can be easily exterminated?
❤️ Alpesh Patel brings out the book that charts out suggestions on how to get rid of the 'chalta hai' attitude and take India closet to becoming a developed nation.
📖 A well researched book that is imperative for India.
📖 The Book has been divided into 4 Parts-
1) Part 1- Exploring the 'It's okay' life.
2) Part 2- Measuring the 'Let it be' Menace.
3) Part 3- Why this 'Take it easy' Policy?
4) Part 4- The Root Causes and Revolution of Chalta Hai.
❤️Personally hats off to the author that he devoted 5 years of his life to write this knowledgeable book. On spending time in R&D. Various Case studies and facts have been mentioned in the book.
♎The Book revisits our cultural, ideological and political history over three millennia to trace the roots of chalta hai attitude of Indians.
🔰Interesting facts have been mentioned which provokes the reader to know the truth about chalta hai.
♎The author wants to spread the message that # Say No to Chalta Hai.
🔰The book has covered almost every topic such as Road Transport, Films & Music, Sports, Education etc.
❤️Some of the facts mentioned are really mind blowing.
🍒Just a simple message which I want to recommend is that "Life live in a way which u want, never gets satisfied with less".
❤️"Say no to chalta hai, say"sab badal Sakta hai".
A Highly Recommended book to everyone.
My Rating for this one is 5/5
Book Cover is good - 4.5/5
Research & Detailing - 4.5/5
❤️#Gograbyourcopiesnow
Available in Amazon, Flipkart, Goodreads.
Book Name - "Chalta Hai India"
Author - Alpesh Patel @author_alpesh
Publication - Bloomsbury @bloomsburyindia
Pages - 283
🔰
First of all I would like to thanks@author_alpesh for giving the book to review.
♎How often we have used the word "Chalta hai", "Theek hai", Jugaad" in our life. Even if we are not satisfied with something, we tend to say "Sab Chalta hai yaar".
♎ Is 'chalta hai' ingrained in our DNA or is it just a bad habit which can be easily exterminated?
❤️ Alpesh Patel brings out the book that charts out suggestions on how to get rid of the 'chalta hai' attitude and take India closet to becoming a developed nation.
📖 A well researched book that is imperative for India.
📖 The Book has been divided into 4 Parts-
1) Part 1- Exploring the 'It's okay' life.
2) Part 2- Measuring the 'Let it be' Menace.
3) Part 3- Why this 'Take it easy' Policy?
4) Part 4- The Root Causes and Revolution of Chalta Hai.
❤️Personally hats off to the author that he devoted 5 years of his life to write this knowledgeable book. On spending time in R&D. Various Case studies and facts have been mentioned in the book.
♎The Book revisits our cultural, ideological and political history over three millennia to trace the roots of chalta hai attitude of Indians.
🔰Interesting facts have been mentioned which provokes the reader to know the truth about chalta hai.
♎The author wants to spread the message that # Say No to Chalta Hai.
🔰The book has covered almost every topic such as Road Transport, Films & Music, Sports, Education etc.
❤️Some of the facts mentioned are really mind blowing.
🍒Just a simple message which I want to recommend is that "Life live in a way which u want, never gets satisfied with less".
❤️"Say no to chalta hai, say"sab badal Sakta hai".
A Highly Recommended book to everyone.
My Rating for this one is 5/5
Book Cover is good - 4.5/5
Research & Detailing - 4.5/5
❤️#Gograbyourcopiesnow
Available in Amazon, Flipkart, Goodreads.
January 23, 2019
This book is soo well written with all the facts that the author has tried to gather and put it in words. The amount of hard work and research that is behind this book coming out and we getting a chance to read is commendable. We should appreciate that atleast someone is trying to give us a close up of the on going scenario of our Indian attitude. The chapters are based on various different topics.
The book is divided into 4 parts.
1. Exploring the It's okay life.
2. Measuring the "Let it be" menace.
3. Why this "Take it easy" policy.
4. The root causes and revolution of chalta hai.
It is not just that it has facts about India you will come across facts from many other countries as well which will force you to think about our own Indian attitude. There is comparison between India and other countries from the past and present. This helps us to look at the graph of our achievements with the other countries. The language used will make you feel comfortable to read but just to bring to your notice it is a heavy read. So don't go through this book at fast pace. Take your time to grasp each and everything that the author is wanting the now a days Indians to understand.
Is it OK to keep going ahead with our chalta hai attitude? Please please read this book to check our chalta hai attitude is useful or useless for India to grow.
Where is India on the mark of 1 to 10 with the chalta hai attitude?
The book is divided into 4 parts.
1. Exploring the It's okay life.
2. Measuring the "Let it be" menace.
3. Why this "Take it easy" policy.
4. The root causes and revolution of chalta hai.
It is not just that it has facts about India you will come across facts from many other countries as well which will force you to think about our own Indian attitude. There is comparison between India and other countries from the past and present. This helps us to look at the graph of our achievements with the other countries. The language used will make you feel comfortable to read but just to bring to your notice it is a heavy read. So don't go through this book at fast pace. Take your time to grasp each and everything that the author is wanting the now a days Indians to understand.
Is it OK to keep going ahead with our chalta hai attitude? Please please read this book to check our chalta hai attitude is useful or useless for India to grow.
Where is India on the mark of 1 to 10 with the chalta hai attitude?
April 16, 2019
Chalta Hai India is a well researched book on India's Chalta Hai attitude. Author has highlighted about 'It's Ok' attitude which Indians possess. As a citizen, we are always habituated with taking things for granted but we don't even know how it hampers the progress and development of our country. The Author has written about that very fact in the book
This book will make you think. This book will make you question your actions. It will create a havoc of thoughts in your mind. A must read for anyone and everyone👍
Cover is designed accordingly to the book's content and it just looks perfect.
Coming to the content, it is well researched, detailed and written in a descriptive yet interesting manner.
Language is clear and convincing to the reader. Concept is also well defined and developed making this book a thoughtful one🌻
This book is a descriptive one, but once you are into it you'll really like reading it. It is detailed but not at all dragged. It has insights on our cultural, political and ideological history. Also it has some interesting facts and figures unknown to us till now. As a citizen we need to wake up! And try to bring about some changes, it's all in us, we can do, we should do it! And Author has also suggested some methods to bring that change
This book will make you think. This book will make you question your actions. It will create a havoc of thoughts in your mind. A must read for anyone and everyone👍
Cover is designed accordingly to the book's content and it just looks perfect.
Coming to the content, it is well researched, detailed and written in a descriptive yet interesting manner.
Language is clear and convincing to the reader. Concept is also well defined and developed making this book a thoughtful one🌻
This book is a descriptive one, but once you are into it you'll really like reading it. It is detailed but not at all dragged. It has insights on our cultural, political and ideological history. Also it has some interesting facts and figures unknown to us till now. As a citizen we need to wake up! And try to bring about some changes, it's all in us, we can do, we should do it! And Author has also suggested some methods to bring that change
December 28, 2018
Chalta Hai India: When ‘It’s Ok!’ is Not Ok
Alpesh Patel
Bloomsbury India.
2018. Pp – 310.
In an attempt to target the general ‘Everything is okay, sab chalta hai, let it be’ kind of attitude plaguing the country today, Patel questions our conscience and tries to shake us awake.
An unusual but a much needed read, it calls for our concern, yours and mine.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
63 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
Alpesh Patel
Bloomsbury India.
2018. Pp – 310.
In an attempt to target the general ‘Everything is okay, sab chalta hai, let it be’ kind of attitude plaguing the country today, Patel questions our conscience and tries to shake us awake.
An unusual but a much needed read, it calls for our concern, yours and mine.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
63 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
January 24, 2019
What I loved the most about this book is that it gives us a balanced view of the term Chalta Hai. It has multiple examples like the rise of Gulabi Gang, risk taking like Tata motors, quality awakening like Germany, which I found very inspiring. The author deftly convinces us how we, Indians, have had "low external awareness and very little outward aspirations," with respect to the development. We are caught up in the web of our culture because in India development is hampered because the government doesn't want to hurt the religious sentiments. We Indians resist change if it goes against our beliefs. For instance, the construction of wide roads is impossible if the temple in between isn't razed!
Detailed review on www.ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress.com
Detailed review on www.ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress.com
December 24, 2018
A brilliant and fun book to read with insights and wow factor in every page. Would recommend everyone to read it to understand where our chalta hai attitude stems from, how to tackle it, where is does not exist and we think it does and vice versa, etc. I was enthralled to know about India's achievements in education, films, sports and roads which we have ignored but also appalled at our chalta hai attitude in the same sector in different areas. The cherry on the cake are the chapters on risk taking, perseverance, the root cause of chalta hain.
January 3, 2019
In this book, ex-consultant Alpesh Patel delves into the past and present to analyze why Chalta Hai is prevalent in India. There are interesting perspectives across dharma, sports, culture and business. Worth a read if you are looking to get inspired to break the mould and start being world class
March 7, 2020
A must read
This is a must read book to know the root cause of our "Chalta Hai" attitude, how it affects us. Must praise the author for doing a good research on the topic and explaining ot thoroughly.
This is a must read book to know the root cause of our "Chalta Hai" attitude, how it affects us. Must praise the author for doing a good research on the topic and explaining ot thoroughly.
December 9, 2020
Worth 3 🌟 for ch- attitude but gave 5 🌟 because it's more worth than reading a chethan Bhagat book.
I picked this book after viewing the discussion between "Rajiv Malhotra" and "Alpesh Patel" in Infinity foundation YouTube channel. Detailed analysis on the plight of "Chalta hai " attitude of indians have got my attention , eventually convinced me to explore the book.
Half of the book is worth a read, Author have dig into the familiar and vital fields of india to explore the draining "chalta hai " attitude of Indian psyche. But after that author used the same argument and repetitive statement throughout the book which seems amateurish.
Contents in the book is not something we already not aware of , author tried to justify the loop hole in our attitude by comparing the growth rate among BRICS nation in education, construction, sports and industries. Reference used to support his argument are media outlet article. It's not a well researched book in my opinion ,which can be used to understand the chalta hai psyche.
Alphesh ji do know the subject , however he failed to deliver justice to the subject in a book.
Maybe he should take guidance from " Rajiv Malhotra" while writing about the subtle subjects which require immediate attention.
After 50% of the book , it felt like reading a self development book. So I stopped at 80% since I can't read the repeated arguments.
It's worth a read , but if you are familiar with Rajiv ji depth analysis ,you might not like this book.
I picked this book after viewing the discussion between "Rajiv Malhotra" and "Alpesh Patel" in Infinity foundation YouTube channel. Detailed analysis on the plight of "Chalta hai " attitude of indians have got my attention , eventually convinced me to explore the book.
Half of the book is worth a read, Author have dig into the familiar and vital fields of india to explore the draining "chalta hai " attitude of Indian psyche. But after that author used the same argument and repetitive statement throughout the book which seems amateurish.
Contents in the book is not something we already not aware of , author tried to justify the loop hole in our attitude by comparing the growth rate among BRICS nation in education, construction, sports and industries. Reference used to support his argument are media outlet article. It's not a well researched book in my opinion ,which can be used to understand the chalta hai psyche.
Alphesh ji do know the subject , however he failed to deliver justice to the subject in a book.
Maybe he should take guidance from " Rajiv Malhotra" while writing about the subtle subjects which require immediate attention.
After 50% of the book , it felt like reading a self development book. So I stopped at 80% since I can't read the repeated arguments.
It's worth a read , but if you are familiar with Rajiv ji depth analysis ,you might not like this book.
June 17, 2024
Chalta Hai India by Alpesh Patel
When I grabbed a copy of this thesis (why I am not calling it a novel/book?, read on), I was like what is this “Chalta Hai Attitude” ?? And why I am not aware about it? Is it really that big a problem that somebody had written a thesis on it! And that too after research of almost 5yrs!! Really!!
As I engaged myself into reading this thorough research, I realised that my own “Chalta Hai”(CH) attitude is the reason of me not knowing about this big issue.
Alpesh stirs strong emotions in the reader’s heart & mind with his comprehensive research & simple words. You desperately feel the need to do something about this problem but soon the “what can I do “attitude takes over and you just continue reading.
To explore this concept & measure it, he has chosen 4 sectors/fields i.e. Education, films, sports & road transport. Trust me, I don’t think there could have any better choice. As Indians, these are the fields/topics we deal in our daily life & love to talk about. He has dwelled upon many issues related to CH & his findings are to the point. Issues like being creative Vs innovative, Indians being thinker vs doers, Constructive approach vs reactive approach & Value Vs result oriented actions are very well touched upon.
His take on practical issues make you think a lot & hence make this a slow read. He has done really good job in addressing issues like everybody wanting a good educations system but nobody being ready to become good teachers, film industry looking out for global recognition & awards but not ready to alter their content for global acceptance. There are many more such topics but it I include them here, it will make this article really prolonged like the book.
The facts, quotes, instances & events are revealing & as well shocking. He has included so many of them in this book that you feel like reading a thesis on these topics for mastering your general knowledge sometimes. Also, there are times when you are really enjoying the flow and suddenly got bombard with facts & lose the flow completely feeling lost. Few of the facts & topics are repetitive too, giving it a feel of a text book from our university days. Even the format of this book, (I would rather call it a thesis) is similar to our text books with sections like Definition, Measures, Nature, Reasons, Root Cause & finally the Resolution. The summary table given at the end of every chapter is very interesting but takes you back to your school books.
In short, this book is really a good work of research but would have been better if presented in a more concise format. Language is really easy & makes the complex topic less complex to understands. I would give this book 4 star out of 5 for the tremendous effort taken by the author to address this issue and hold one star for the length & test bookish format.
PS-I have written this review for someone else and never posted on my profile. Now Compiling all the reviews on my personal page.
When I grabbed a copy of this thesis (why I am not calling it a novel/book?, read on), I was like what is this “Chalta Hai Attitude” ?? And why I am not aware about it? Is it really that big a problem that somebody had written a thesis on it! And that too after research of almost 5yrs!! Really!!
As I engaged myself into reading this thorough research, I realised that my own “Chalta Hai”(CH) attitude is the reason of me not knowing about this big issue.
Alpesh stirs strong emotions in the reader’s heart & mind with his comprehensive research & simple words. You desperately feel the need to do something about this problem but soon the “what can I do “attitude takes over and you just continue reading.
To explore this concept & measure it, he has chosen 4 sectors/fields i.e. Education, films, sports & road transport. Trust me, I don’t think there could have any better choice. As Indians, these are the fields/topics we deal in our daily life & love to talk about. He has dwelled upon many issues related to CH & his findings are to the point. Issues like being creative Vs innovative, Indians being thinker vs doers, Constructive approach vs reactive approach & Value Vs result oriented actions are very well touched upon.
His take on practical issues make you think a lot & hence make this a slow read. He has done really good job in addressing issues like everybody wanting a good educations system but nobody being ready to become good teachers, film industry looking out for global recognition & awards but not ready to alter their content for global acceptance. There are many more such topics but it I include them here, it will make this article really prolonged like the book.
The facts, quotes, instances & events are revealing & as well shocking. He has included so many of them in this book that you feel like reading a thesis on these topics for mastering your general knowledge sometimes. Also, there are times when you are really enjoying the flow and suddenly got bombard with facts & lose the flow completely feeling lost. Few of the facts & topics are repetitive too, giving it a feel of a text book from our university days. Even the format of this book, (I would rather call it a thesis) is similar to our text books with sections like Definition, Measures, Nature, Reasons, Root Cause & finally the Resolution. The summary table given at the end of every chapter is very interesting but takes you back to your school books.
In short, this book is really a good work of research but would have been better if presented in a more concise format. Language is really easy & makes the complex topic less complex to understands. I would give this book 4 star out of 5 for the tremendous effort taken by the author to address this issue and hold one star for the length & test bookish format.
PS-I have written this review for someone else and never posted on my profile. Now Compiling all the reviews on my personal page.
August 6, 2022
Highly Recommended
‘Chalta Hai India’ is a book by author Alpesh Patel which is a very well researched commentary on India’s ‘Chalta hai’ and ‘Jugaad’ attitude. This a thought provoking and important book on so far untouched topic. ‘Chalta hai’ and ‘Jugaad’ is a shortcoming which we Indians have encountered or practiced countless times in their lives. If you think it isn’t a thing and doesn’t affect you or your country, you must read this book to get a revelation.
The book itself isn’t long or heavy read. I was able to finish the book in two sittings. But make no mistake about the importance and value of this book or its subject matter. The author goes in depth and breadth of the topic to present a solid case. Starting from establishing the presence of this attitude in the first part, the book goes in-depth about why and how of it. The last part is dedicated to provide solutions of the problem. The author presents the example of various fields like education, sports, media and road infrastructure to outline the problem and then goes deep into the topic to find reasons for ‘Chalta hai’ attitude in these areas. Not only author did an apt comparison with other nations but also did a detailed analysis of reasons for the problem at historic, social and cultural level. Although, I felt a feeling of disagreement with some to the points made in the book but I myself couldn’t come up with logical counter to those points. After reading the book, I myself started wondering whether we were always like this or we lost the way somewhere in the journey.
The book is definitely a must read for Indians. Just like me, most of the Indians always had an inkling of this problem in their minds. This books helps put that in words by some solid research and lucid language. Highly recommended.
‘Chalta Hai India’ is a book by author Alpesh Patel which is a very well researched commentary on India’s ‘Chalta hai’ and ‘Jugaad’ attitude. This a thought provoking and important book on so far untouched topic. ‘Chalta hai’ and ‘Jugaad’ is a shortcoming which we Indians have encountered or practiced countless times in their lives. If you think it isn’t a thing and doesn’t affect you or your country, you must read this book to get a revelation.
The book itself isn’t long or heavy read. I was able to finish the book in two sittings. But make no mistake about the importance and value of this book or its subject matter. The author goes in depth and breadth of the topic to present a solid case. Starting from establishing the presence of this attitude in the first part, the book goes in-depth about why and how of it. The last part is dedicated to provide solutions of the problem. The author presents the example of various fields like education, sports, media and road infrastructure to outline the problem and then goes deep into the topic to find reasons for ‘Chalta hai’ attitude in these areas. Not only author did an apt comparison with other nations but also did a detailed analysis of reasons for the problem at historic, social and cultural level. Although, I felt a feeling of disagreement with some to the points made in the book but I myself couldn’t come up with logical counter to those points. After reading the book, I myself started wondering whether we were always like this or we lost the way somewhere in the journey.
The book is definitely a must read for Indians. Just like me, most of the Indians always had an inkling of this problem in their minds. This books helps put that in words by some solid research and lucid language. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2019
Chalta Hai India 🇮🇳
Author- Alpesh Patel
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre- nonfiction
The book is a combination of three parts and with a major portion divided into 6 major topics of discussion, ranging from roads, entertainment (movies) , education, trade etc. the details provided related to each topic are well researched and presented in easy and readable language. The topics are wide spread and displayed in both positive and negative light 💡
The book is an eye opener in various aspects, will surely help in changing our attitude towards the various difficulties we face, and the fortunate we reap.
♥️ the summary format after each chapter
♥️ the comparison between all nations makes the book more acceptable
♥️ the content is well researched
💔 no pointers provided on ways of improvement
Author- Alpesh Patel
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre- nonfiction
The book is a combination of three parts and with a major portion divided into 6 major topics of discussion, ranging from roads, entertainment (movies) , education, trade etc. the details provided related to each topic are well researched and presented in easy and readable language. The topics are wide spread and displayed in both positive and negative light 💡
The book is an eye opener in various aspects, will surely help in changing our attitude towards the various difficulties we face, and the fortunate we reap.
♥️ the summary format after each chapter
♥️ the comparison between all nations makes the book more acceptable
♥️ the content is well researched
💔 no pointers provided on ways of improvement
July 9, 2025
Very relevant
May 4, 2021
I found the book from suggestions in newspaper.
The book is written in a structured format with lucid language, filled with anecdotes and data-pinnings to prove a point. It's evident that Author has done extensive research.
It demystifies the phenomenon 'Chalta Hai (CH)' in basic terms and relates with day to day life to the India as a country. Alpesh Patel's arguments are persuasive and are always presented with backing of logic and fact. Defining CH attitude and it's manifestations, Finding Root causes and reasons behind it explore various aspects of Indian living and society. In later part, Author concludes by giving possible solutions to tackle and also warns against shifting toward other extreme as well.
However, Part where Author engages in Sectoral Analysis by taking five sectors such as Sports, Highways etc, can be skipped for the ones acquainted with Indian Economy and it's sectors. Although, it was refreshing to have alternate views and hitherto unknown dimensions. The examples used by author sometimes come as a hindrance to the discussion, as being overdone.
The range of examples show wider perspective, and shows that both the sides have presented. It would have been more engaging discussion of Author had given extensive view of the later part of the book.
The book is written in a structured format with lucid language, filled with anecdotes and data-pinnings to prove a point. It's evident that Author has done extensive research.
It demystifies the phenomenon 'Chalta Hai (CH)' in basic terms and relates with day to day life to the India as a country. Alpesh Patel's arguments are persuasive and are always presented with backing of logic and fact. Defining CH attitude and it's manifestations, Finding Root causes and reasons behind it explore various aspects of Indian living and society. In later part, Author concludes by giving possible solutions to tackle and also warns against shifting toward other extreme as well.
However, Part where Author engages in Sectoral Analysis by taking five sectors such as Sports, Highways etc, can be skipped for the ones acquainted with Indian Economy and it's sectors. Although, it was refreshing to have alternate views and hitherto unknown dimensions. The examples used by author sometimes come as a hindrance to the discussion, as being overdone.
The range of examples show wider perspective, and shows that both the sides have presented. It would have been more engaging discussion of Author had given extensive view of the later part of the book.
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