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The Anarchist Cookbook
We live in times when large numbers of people are participating in democracy in deeper and more meaningful ways. From India to the United States to Hong Kong, democratic societies have seen movements that have brought about change. They have one thing in common: large scale participation by civil society and individuals and the absence of organized political parties. How can individuals make their participation more effective? This book talks about ways in which the best campaigning organizations in the world effect change in democratic societies, how a citizen can engage with others who are likeminded, and how vibrant and participative action by citizens makes democracy better and more responsive. Featuring political cartoons that have the power to inspire, outrage or amuse, The Anarchist Cookbook is a book for our times.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2021
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117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 22, 2024
As one expects from Aakar Patel, this book is meticulously researched and data rich. It urges citizens to play a more active role in defending our democratic rights and freedoms beyond merely voting in elections. It describes in plain English the many threats to these rights, especially for the poor, minority communities and those from oppressed castes and tribal communities. As the title promises, it lays out the options for activism available to citizens. Beyond all these however, it is the examples of highly successful citizen movements from the recent past in India help remedy the cynicism and apathy that reduce so many of us to inertia.
January 29, 2023
“Activism is your right. It is one of your freedoms. It gives you agency and the power to influence authority.”
Growing up, how many of you had "Political Science" as your favorite subject?
I read the subject wholeheartedly (to fare well in the exams). I had the Constitution printed on my mind, the Fundamental Rights all memorised, the Political parties, their ideologies, the rules & principles of Indian & world politics all saved in the circuit of the brain & yet I was indifferent to the subject altogether.
Growing up in an Indian household that consumes prime time debates, it's impossible to not be aware of the changing trends & yet I was indifferent, till 2014 came. Then 2019.
We as a generation witnessed free speech facing the brunt to hate speech being celebrated. The media houses from gagged to finally being traded to become Godi media.
There remain only a handful of platforms striving to bring news unfiltered but lo behold, new laws are being cooked to mute those voices too.
And that is why Aakar Patel's "The Anarchist Cookbook: A Toolkit to Peaceful Protest and Resistance" is the book of our times, which everyone must read.
Divided into 5 sections—Shrinking spaces, How to cook, Successful Protests of Our Time and what you can learn from them, Lawless Laws, Understand Your Privileges and Use It For Change—Patel maneuvers us through the changing dynamics of India's socio political sphere, it's Laws & how Activism works.
Our Constitution guarantees us the utmost Rights & yet the reality of it is being played at the hands of the State, who continue to rob us of our Rights & their increasingly aggravating behavior against the minorities.
The book shines light on how Activism works & what efforts the Activists put to make their voices heard, and how each one of us can learn to embark & contribute to that journey in our own ways.
Patel further paints of the harsh realities of this New India uncovering in depth the amendments & additions of new laws that renders State with more power than its citizens, the scrutiny NGOs have been put under leading to their decreasing numbers & the constant threat individuals opposing the power are living in.
The "Acche Din" that was promised seems way too distant in the midst of the crumbling Pillars of Democracy & India's slipping ranks in the major indices, maybe seen by some as "Foreign conspiracy" but it also reflects on the degressions we're facing as a society.
With its simple language & vast research material, accompanied by witty illustrations from PenPencilDraw, I cannot emphasise how important this book is & you'll be doing yourselves a favor by reading it.
It's time we learn our Rights & fight for it against any powers of Tyranny & Authority.
“India is a strange place where group of people who are discriminated against by the society and the State are still accused of being appeased.”
Thank you publishers for sending across the review copy in exchange of honest reviews.
Growing up, how many of you had "Political Science" as your favorite subject?
I read the subject wholeheartedly (to fare well in the exams). I had the Constitution printed on my mind, the Fundamental Rights all memorised, the Political parties, their ideologies, the rules & principles of Indian & world politics all saved in the circuit of the brain & yet I was indifferent to the subject altogether.
Growing up in an Indian household that consumes prime time debates, it's impossible to not be aware of the changing trends & yet I was indifferent, till 2014 came. Then 2019.
We as a generation witnessed free speech facing the brunt to hate speech being celebrated. The media houses from gagged to finally being traded to become Godi media.
There remain only a handful of platforms striving to bring news unfiltered but lo behold, new laws are being cooked to mute those voices too.
And that is why Aakar Patel's "The Anarchist Cookbook: A Toolkit to Peaceful Protest and Resistance" is the book of our times, which everyone must read.
Divided into 5 sections—Shrinking spaces, How to cook, Successful Protests of Our Time and what you can learn from them, Lawless Laws, Understand Your Privileges and Use It For Change—Patel maneuvers us through the changing dynamics of India's socio political sphere, it's Laws & how Activism works.
Our Constitution guarantees us the utmost Rights & yet the reality of it is being played at the hands of the State, who continue to rob us of our Rights & their increasingly aggravating behavior against the minorities.
The book shines light on how Activism works & what efforts the Activists put to make their voices heard, and how each one of us can learn to embark & contribute to that journey in our own ways.
Patel further paints of the harsh realities of this New India uncovering in depth the amendments & additions of new laws that renders State with more power than its citizens, the scrutiny NGOs have been put under leading to their decreasing numbers & the constant threat individuals opposing the power are living in.
The "Acche Din" that was promised seems way too distant in the midst of the crumbling Pillars of Democracy & India's slipping ranks in the major indices, maybe seen by some as "Foreign conspiracy" but it also reflects on the degressions we're facing as a society.
With its simple language & vast research material, accompanied by witty illustrations from PenPencilDraw, I cannot emphasise how important this book is & you'll be doing yourselves a favor by reading it.
It's time we learn our Rights & fight for it against any powers of Tyranny & Authority.
“India is a strange place where group of people who are discriminated against by the society and the State are still accused of being appeased.”
Thank you publishers for sending across the review copy in exchange of honest reviews.
January 10, 2023
We all are aware of the fact that each one of us have some major and essential fundamental rights; however, how often do we exercise them?
As when it comes to fundamental rights, most of it is only on paper; the application of which is many a times almost zero!
The element that is required in our society is the one that most mature democracies have but what is missing to a large extent in ours – the participation of individuals in democracy beyond the electoral process.
This book talks about why you should dissent and protest against the injustices of the State (State as addressed in the book collectively w.r.t. the Local & Central Govt.) against individuals and how. The book addresses on how you could be an Activist yourself and bring about change for which the author first explains Activism in grave detail.
To be honest, the book is quite unapologetic about the Indian politics, leaving just a little breathing gap from being rude; it is more like a mirror into the world of politics and is indeed immensely practical.
The author, through this book, teaches you how to be an activist in a practical manner such that it can rightly be called a ‘Cookbook’ because it gives you the ingredients and the recipe to bake your own campaign for change – a series of options to choose from, depending on the objectives you want to achieve.
As the author says and I agree - ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’
The book is factual and realistic and includes case studies like ‘Me too’, ‘CAA’, ‘NPR’, ‘NRC’, ‘Black Lives Matter along with a follow up paragraph that expounds on what we can learn from these campaigns /protests.
The only thing that I found to be unsettling when it comes to me was that the book clearly is ‘Anti-BJP’ and ‘Anti-MODI’ because everything that’s been discussed starts from 2014 when Modi came into power and many-a-times the author did not shy away from directly pointing a finger on him. It’s absolutely necessary to bring into light the matters that the author has bought but when you are doing that, then I believe one should bring all matters into light as there were many mishaps and riots and terrorist activities when the Indian National Congress was in power but none of that is stated in the book which I found to be a bit unfair.
Other than that, if you want to learn about activism or want to be an activist yourself, then I don’t think there is a better book out there than this one!
P.S. The illustrations in the book are absolutely lovely!
As when it comes to fundamental rights, most of it is only on paper; the application of which is many a times almost zero!
The element that is required in our society is the one that most mature democracies have but what is missing to a large extent in ours – the participation of individuals in democracy beyond the electoral process.
This book talks about why you should dissent and protest against the injustices of the State (State as addressed in the book collectively w.r.t. the Local & Central Govt.) against individuals and how. The book addresses on how you could be an Activist yourself and bring about change for which the author first explains Activism in grave detail.
To be honest, the book is quite unapologetic about the Indian politics, leaving just a little breathing gap from being rude; it is more like a mirror into the world of politics and is indeed immensely practical.
The author, through this book, teaches you how to be an activist in a practical manner such that it can rightly be called a ‘Cookbook’ because it gives you the ingredients and the recipe to bake your own campaign for change – a series of options to choose from, depending on the objectives you want to achieve.
As the author says and I agree - ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’
The book is factual and realistic and includes case studies like ‘Me too’, ‘CAA’, ‘NPR’, ‘NRC’, ‘Black Lives Matter along with a follow up paragraph that expounds on what we can learn from these campaigns /protests.
The only thing that I found to be unsettling when it comes to me was that the book clearly is ‘Anti-BJP’ and ‘Anti-MODI’ because everything that’s been discussed starts from 2014 when Modi came into power and many-a-times the author did not shy away from directly pointing a finger on him. It’s absolutely necessary to bring into light the matters that the author has bought but when you are doing that, then I believe one should bring all matters into light as there were many mishaps and riots and terrorist activities when the Indian National Congress was in power but none of that is stated in the book which I found to be a bit unfair.
Other than that, if you want to learn about activism or want to be an activist yourself, then I don’t think there is a better book out there than this one!
P.S. The illustrations in the book are absolutely lovely!
January 6, 2023
Activism. A word that has varied meanings in varied parts of the world. A word that has shaped Governments and revolutionized the way pressure groups work. As a citizen of the world's largest democracy, the importance of protest and dissent cannot be over emphasized.
In this book, the author cooks the perfect recipe of activism, one that entails the various spheres in the participative process. As a background he also enlists why activism is pertinent in the development of a healthy democracy and how our laws are grossly insufficient to protect our treasured rights.
Through the examples of activism led changes across the world, he points out the ingredients required to convert a mere activity into a positive protest. Then ones mentioned in the book include the #metoo protests, #Blm protest in America, the No CAA-NRC-NPR and the Farm law protests in India.
The one that I would like to add has to be the protests post the Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi that led to to the Justice Verma Committee recommendations which changed the dimensions of the criminal justice system in India.
He mentions the 'lawless laws' that are created and amended restricting the already limited scope of our rights as citizens. The author also speaks of his personal setbacks ( ban from Twitter and endless FIRs being filed) that bring out the true state of affairs of protest in our country.
He says, 'It was not the content of the tweets that was problematic for the State, it was, to a large extent, the person.' Sadly this holds true, even to this day, as we celebrate the 75th year of Independence. A country that is glorified across the world for its diverse culture and a vibrant democracy surely has to have a more active citizen that engages and participates to keep the golden standards of constitutional morality flying high.
In this book, the author cooks the perfect recipe of activism, one that entails the various spheres in the participative process. As a background he also enlists why activism is pertinent in the development of a healthy democracy and how our laws are grossly insufficient to protect our treasured rights.
Through the examples of activism led changes across the world, he points out the ingredients required to convert a mere activity into a positive protest. Then ones mentioned in the book include the #metoo protests, #Blm protest in America, the No CAA-NRC-NPR and the Farm law protests in India.
The one that I would like to add has to be the protests post the Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi that led to to the Justice Verma Committee recommendations which changed the dimensions of the criminal justice system in India.
He mentions the 'lawless laws' that are created and amended restricting the already limited scope of our rights as citizens. The author also speaks of his personal setbacks ( ban from Twitter and endless FIRs being filed) that bring out the true state of affairs of protest in our country.
He says, 'It was not the content of the tweets that was problematic for the State, it was, to a large extent, the person.' Sadly this holds true, even to this day, as we celebrate the 75th year of Independence. A country that is glorified across the world for its diverse culture and a vibrant democracy surely has to have a more active citizen that engages and participates to keep the golden standards of constitutional morality flying high.
December 6, 2022
I don’t think it’s hidden from anyone that not just in our country but all over the world, we are going through a difficult time with regards to safeguarding civil liberties and human rights. Though there might be many reasons for it including the economic aspect, the rise of religious fundamentalism is another supporting factor. The same goes for India as well where it is being perpetrated that the state curbing human rights of the citizens especially that of the minorities is actually a good thing. In lieu of this narrative, suppressing peaceful protests is also an important part. State sponsored demonization of human rights activists, organizations and rationalists is quite a normal thing now. That’s where Aakar Patel’s The Anarchist Cookbook comes in handy as it lays down several plans on how to execute a peaceful protest. Divided into five sections, each with several chapters it helps to first build up the understanding of the reader about the present political situation and then shows a way forward. Using witty narrative along with PenPencilDraw’s amazing illustrations, this book keeps the reader engaged while educating them about an important part of democracy itself. I believe every Indian should pick it up especially the younger generations as it would help them to think independently and not fall for extremist propaganda.
January 12, 2025
A "dumbed down" {and illustrated, (that is fun!)} book for "lay audience".
But at least they would learn to identify several ways of how the state has been systematically creating an environment that stifles dissent and democratic principles, and those affected still ‘choose’ to stay ‘apolitical’ in ways of their lives, choice-making, and in what is known as ‘giving back to the society’.
But.
Is it only the people who need a textbookish- know-how guide to act like active citizens? In what seems urgent more radical (‘anarchist’) is pointing out how the state and the industrialists’ nexus is here to stay and no amount of RTI activism, “identifying your MLA” campaigns, or voting (I said it) would get us to an egalitarian society. If and if only, doing all these ‘active’ citizen to-dos put you under the ‘anarchist’ hitlist made by dear government, then the title truly speaks of AP’s cooking. Overall, a good, simple, and informed reply to sanghis at a family gathering.
But at least they would learn to identify several ways of how the state has been systematically creating an environment that stifles dissent and democratic principles, and those affected still ‘choose’ to stay ‘apolitical’ in ways of their lives, choice-making, and in what is known as ‘giving back to the society’.
But.
Is it only the people who need a textbookish- know-how guide to act like active citizens? In what seems urgent more radical (‘anarchist’) is pointing out how the state and the industrialists’ nexus is here to stay and no amount of RTI activism, “identifying your MLA” campaigns, or voting (I said it) would get us to an egalitarian society. If and if only, doing all these ‘active’ citizen to-dos put you under the ‘anarchist’ hitlist made by dear government, then the title truly speaks of AP’s cooking. Overall, a good, simple, and informed reply to sanghis at a family gathering.
December 9, 2022
I'd say this book is much-needed in the times we live in today. But you already knew that since it's a book by Aakar Patel. As with his other books, the language is easy to understand and he simplifies the difficult language of law and the concepts to make them comprehensible enough for a layperson to understand. If you're frustrated with the current situation in our nation and want to make a difference, read this one. While it won't answer all your questions, it will make you smart enough to start looking at things more critically and do something about it.
October 29, 2022
Excellent work from Aakar Patel, as always
Dislike for Aakar Patel and his work is usually rooted in bias. His work is objective and evidence-backed almost always. This one is no different. More than a cookbook for protest, it is an eye-opener in terms of why protest is needed. We have been numbed into tolerating poverty and discrimination and work like this is intended to open our eyes to reality by removing the "middle-class" blinkers we have on.
Dislike for Aakar Patel and his work is usually rooted in bias. His work is objective and evidence-backed almost always. This one is no different. More than a cookbook for protest, it is an eye-opener in terms of why protest is needed. We have been numbed into tolerating poverty and discrimination and work like this is intended to open our eyes to reality by removing the "middle-class" blinkers we have on.
November 5, 2022
This is a much needed book at present circumstances in India. Thanks Aakar Sir.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews