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The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cell Phone: Reflections on India, the Emerging 21st-Century Power
Interest in India has never been greater. Here Shashi Tharoor, one of the subcontinent's most respected writers and diplomats, offers precious insights into this complex, multifaceted land, which despite its dazzling diversity of languages, customs, and cultures remains more than 60 years after its founding the world's largest democracy. He describes the vast changes that have transformed this once sleeping giant into a world leader in science and technology, a nation once poverty-stricken that now boasts a middle class of over 300 million people, as large as the entire population of the United States! Artfully combining hard facts and statistics with opinion and observation, Tharoor discusses the strengths and weaknesses of his rapidly evolving homeland in five areas: politics, economics, culture, society, and sports and takes a fresh look at the world's second most populous country.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
184 people are currently reading
2120 people want to read
About the author
Shashi Tharoor
77 books3,072 followersShashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 29, 2012
Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy) and Midnight's Children (Salman Rushdie). Although these are technically fictional works, there are always so many historical events and elements intertwined in the pages of Indian literature. Wanting to learn more about Indian political history and the 1947 partition, I decided to read a non-fiction account, and Tharoor's book was perfect.
The book has six sections (Ideas of Indianness, India at Work and at Play, Indians Who Made My India, Experiences of India, The Transformation of India, and An A to Z of Being Indian) and numerous articles within each, and I believe Tharoor recycled several writings used from other journals for this book. Although this is a personal account of his experience living in and outside of India and therefore subjective, I felt he was fair in sharing the many different voices that have made and represent Indian pluralism. Not only did I learn more about Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, but also about cricket players, Bollywood, M.F. Husain, the other Mother Theresa, and lesser known but just as influential politicians.
One of the overarching statements in the book is that secularism in India does not signify the absence of religion but rather the acceptance and celebration of a diversity of religions coexisting simultaneously. Tharoor is a Hindu, but he says India does not belong more to him than it does to a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, or an Atheist. He opposes the tragedies that have taken place in the name of religion and that Hindus in Pakistan and Muslims in India often face discrimination when in fact, historically, both religions (in additiion to many others) contributed to the history of the land.
In the secition about Indian politicians, rather than putting names as titles of sections, they are "The Man who Wanted More," "The Man Who Stayed Behind," "The Man Who Saved India," etc. With political history, everyone can find biographies on presidents and prime ministers of nations, but what about the people in the subcurrent who supported or resisted them and therefore changed the course of a nation for the better? Some of these politicians and celebrities he includes came from untouchable backgrounds.
Tharoor also discusses womens' rights and says the key to increasing Indian literacy is to focus on educating women as they are traditionally the nurturing voice in a household. Perhaps paradoxically, he also argues that the sari is a beautiful female garment that is slowly decreasing in everyday life. As he writes, it is one the most flattering and stylic garments in the world because it is enveloped gracefully around all shapes and sizes.
There is a lot more in this book I am not discussing: call centers and work that is outsourced to India, the dying yet still present caste system, the renaming of cities (Bombay or Mumbai?). In this time of partisanship in politics and increased immigration and cultural displacement worldwide, reading more about India helps me to view my own country of origin and of residence in new ways. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more not only about India's past but also about its growth in the world today.
The book has six sections (Ideas of Indianness, India at Work and at Play, Indians Who Made My India, Experiences of India, The Transformation of India, and An A to Z of Being Indian) and numerous articles within each, and I believe Tharoor recycled several writings used from other journals for this book. Although this is a personal account of his experience living in and outside of India and therefore subjective, I felt he was fair in sharing the many different voices that have made and represent Indian pluralism. Not only did I learn more about Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, but also about cricket players, Bollywood, M.F. Husain, the other Mother Theresa, and lesser known but just as influential politicians.
One of the overarching statements in the book is that secularism in India does not signify the absence of religion but rather the acceptance and celebration of a diversity of religions coexisting simultaneously. Tharoor is a Hindu, but he says India does not belong more to him than it does to a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, or an Atheist. He opposes the tragedies that have taken place in the name of religion and that Hindus in Pakistan and Muslims in India often face discrimination when in fact, historically, both religions (in additiion to many others) contributed to the history of the land.
In the secition about Indian politicians, rather than putting names as titles of sections, they are "The Man who Wanted More," "The Man Who Stayed Behind," "The Man Who Saved India," etc. With political history, everyone can find biographies on presidents and prime ministers of nations, but what about the people in the subcurrent who supported or resisted them and therefore changed the course of a nation for the better? Some of these politicians and celebrities he includes came from untouchable backgrounds.
Tharoor also discusses womens' rights and says the key to increasing Indian literacy is to focus on educating women as they are traditionally the nurturing voice in a household. Perhaps paradoxically, he also argues that the sari is a beautiful female garment that is slowly decreasing in everyday life. As he writes, it is one the most flattering and stylic garments in the world because it is enveloped gracefully around all shapes and sizes.
There is a lot more in this book I am not discussing: call centers and work that is outsourced to India, the dying yet still present caste system, the renaming of cities (Bombay or Mumbai?). In this time of partisanship in politics and increased immigration and cultural displacement worldwide, reading more about India helps me to view my own country of origin and of residence in new ways. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more not only about India's past but also about its growth in the world today.
April 29, 2008
Since I recently visited India I wanted a good guide giving a history of Indian culture. I know that English is taught in a very old fashioned way in India but I'm afraid I couldn't get through the terribly long winded sentences of this book. Good content but presented like someone suffering from verbal diarrhoea:
Nehru was a moody, idealist intellectual who felt an almost mystical empathy with the toiling peasant masses; an aristocrat, accustomed to privilege, who had passionate socialist convictions; an Anglicized product of Harrow and Cambridge who spent over ten years in British jails; an agnostic radical who became an unlikely protege of the saintly Mahatma....etc
Just rambles on I'm afraid.
Nehru was a moody, idealist intellectual who felt an almost mystical empathy with the toiling peasant masses; an aristocrat, accustomed to privilege, who had passionate socialist convictions; an Anglicized product of Harrow and Cambridge who spent over ten years in British jails; an agnostic radical who became an unlikely protege of the saintly Mahatma....etc
Just rambles on I'm afraid.
September 12, 2010
Variations on a Theme of "Three Cheers for India!"
Shashi Tharoor's book reads like a long and often repetitive series of newspaper columns – which, in fact, is precisely what it is. The copyright page notes that "Earlier versions of the essays in this book have appeared, in somewhat different forms, in the author’s columns in the Hindu, the India Express, the Times of India, and in the following publications: the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, India Today Plus, Time, and Global Asia."
That's an impressive list of publications, but note that it's for both internal and external consumption, which means that at times a non-Indian reader is bound to be confused, while, I suspect, at times an Indian reader might well be bored. The author has grouped the essays under six general themes, such as "The Idea of Indianness," "Indians at Work and Play," and "Experiences of India." However, there's considerable overlapping in the essays, and a tendency towards repetition of favored themes. At times the reader longs for an idea to be developed in more depth than can be done in three to five pages (the average length of each “chapter”).
The book is not so much a coherent exploration into the causes of India’s emerging status as it is a series of rhetorical questions the author asks -- then answers -- in confident flourishes. There's not much of a narrative thread, but he wields an impressive arsenal of statistics and trots out any number of old saws by way of illustration (e.g. “An Indian without a horoscope is like an American without a charge card" or “Two Indians equals an argument and three Indians equals two political parties.”)
This is a man who likes the sound of his own voice, clearly, and he gets a bit carried away at times with diplomatic posturing. (Of course, that's probably to be expected of someone who became the UN's youngest ever Undersecretary General. I had to chuckle when he wrote, “I am normally allergic, both as a reader and as a reviewer, to collections of official speeches,” as in some ways that is precisely how this book comes across.)
Moreover, there are undertones (actually overtones) of boosterism in Tharoor's writing that I found grating. This is particularly true in the essays that discuss his ancestral state, Kerala, which he gushingly describes as "a state that has practiced openness and tolerance from time immemorial; which has made religious and ethnic diversity part of its daily life rather than a source of division; which has overcome caste discrimination and class oppression through education, land reforms, and political democracy; which has honored its women and enabled them to lead productive, fulfilling, and empowered lives." Indeed, Tharoor returns so often to this idea of the enlightenment of the South (in contrast to the bigotry of the North), that one wonders just how these essays went over in, say, Calcutta.
Nonetheless, the book does reward selective skimming, for there are some interesting ideas and articles within the 68 “chapters” (read: former newspaper and magazine articles). Frankly, I skipped chapters on cricket players and film stars altogether, but on the other hand found his piece “Becoming Bengaloorued,” which discusses India’s penchant for renaming its cities, very entertaining. He gleefully points out, for example, that renaming Bombay "Mumbai" makes little sense given that the original name of the colonial city sprang from the Portuguese "Bom Bahia" or "good bay." He puts his finger on the probable cause of this renaming: “Nothing but a petty chauvinism, a reassertion of pride in the right to label rather than the capacity to build.”
In the section entitled, "Indians Who Made My India," (the title of which made me wonder about the use of the possessive), Tharoor provides some interesting sketches of seminal figures. I found this part of the book the most absorbing, particularly the pieces on Maulana Azad, Indira Gandhi, and mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Another essay which I found especially informative was “The Prehistory of Indian Science,” which examined deep roots of Indian science and technology. Here, again, the boosterism was at work, but nevertheless I was intrigued to read of the breathtaking range of India's early scientific advances. As he mentioned in another essay, “The Rig Veda asserted that gravitation held the universe together twenty-four centuries before the apple fell on Newton’s head. The Vedic civilization subscribed to the idea of a spherical earth at a time when everyone else, even the Greeks, assumed the earth was flat.”
In the catchily-entitled "India, Jones, the Template of Doom,” he slams Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom as full of inaccurate and hateful stereotypes, a “grotesque depiction of India.” He correctly posits that this film could never be made today, for now India is "a land that foreigners can no longer afford to be ignorant about."
Indeed, we can no longer afford to be ignorant about India. That was my motivation for reading Tharoor's book. I only wish he'd undertaken the task of informing us in a more orderly and impartial fashion.
Shashi Tharoor's book reads like a long and often repetitive series of newspaper columns – which, in fact, is precisely what it is. The copyright page notes that "Earlier versions of the essays in this book have appeared, in somewhat different forms, in the author’s columns in the Hindu, the India Express, the Times of India, and in the following publications: the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, India Today Plus, Time, and Global Asia."
That's an impressive list of publications, but note that it's for both internal and external consumption, which means that at times a non-Indian reader is bound to be confused, while, I suspect, at times an Indian reader might well be bored. The author has grouped the essays under six general themes, such as "The Idea of Indianness," "Indians at Work and Play," and "Experiences of India." However, there's considerable overlapping in the essays, and a tendency towards repetition of favored themes. At times the reader longs for an idea to be developed in more depth than can be done in three to five pages (the average length of each “chapter”).
The book is not so much a coherent exploration into the causes of India’s emerging status as it is a series of rhetorical questions the author asks -- then answers -- in confident flourishes. There's not much of a narrative thread, but he wields an impressive arsenal of statistics and trots out any number of old saws by way of illustration (e.g. “An Indian without a horoscope is like an American without a charge card" or “Two Indians equals an argument and three Indians equals two political parties.”)
This is a man who likes the sound of his own voice, clearly, and he gets a bit carried away at times with diplomatic posturing. (Of course, that's probably to be expected of someone who became the UN's youngest ever Undersecretary General. I had to chuckle when he wrote, “I am normally allergic, both as a reader and as a reviewer, to collections of official speeches,” as in some ways that is precisely how this book comes across.)
Moreover, there are undertones (actually overtones) of boosterism in Tharoor's writing that I found grating. This is particularly true in the essays that discuss his ancestral state, Kerala, which he gushingly describes as "a state that has practiced openness and tolerance from time immemorial; which has made religious and ethnic diversity part of its daily life rather than a source of division; which has overcome caste discrimination and class oppression through education, land reforms, and political democracy; which has honored its women and enabled them to lead productive, fulfilling, and empowered lives." Indeed, Tharoor returns so often to this idea of the enlightenment of the South (in contrast to the bigotry of the North), that one wonders just how these essays went over in, say, Calcutta.
Nonetheless, the book does reward selective skimming, for there are some interesting ideas and articles within the 68 “chapters” (read: former newspaper and magazine articles). Frankly, I skipped chapters on cricket players and film stars altogether, but on the other hand found his piece “Becoming Bengaloorued,” which discusses India’s penchant for renaming its cities, very entertaining. He gleefully points out, for example, that renaming Bombay "Mumbai" makes little sense given that the original name of the colonial city sprang from the Portuguese "Bom Bahia" or "good bay." He puts his finger on the probable cause of this renaming: “Nothing but a petty chauvinism, a reassertion of pride in the right to label rather than the capacity to build.”
In the section entitled, "Indians Who Made My India," (the title of which made me wonder about the use of the possessive), Tharoor provides some interesting sketches of seminal figures. I found this part of the book the most absorbing, particularly the pieces on Maulana Azad, Indira Gandhi, and mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Another essay which I found especially informative was “The Prehistory of Indian Science,” which examined deep roots of Indian science and technology. Here, again, the boosterism was at work, but nevertheless I was intrigued to read of the breathtaking range of India's early scientific advances. As he mentioned in another essay, “The Rig Veda asserted that gravitation held the universe together twenty-four centuries before the apple fell on Newton’s head. The Vedic civilization subscribed to the idea of a spherical earth at a time when everyone else, even the Greeks, assumed the earth was flat.”
In the catchily-entitled "India, Jones, the Template of Doom,” he slams Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom as full of inaccurate and hateful stereotypes, a “grotesque depiction of India.” He correctly posits that this film could never be made today, for now India is "a land that foreigners can no longer afford to be ignorant about."
Indeed, we can no longer afford to be ignorant about India. That was my motivation for reading Tharoor's book. I only wish he'd undertaken the task of informing us in a more orderly and impartial fashion.
October 3, 2012
What one of the other reviewers said was spot on; the author writes, and his prose reads--as though he really likes to hear his own voice. Granted, in a series of editorials where opining is what the author is there to do, some talking for talking's sake may be unavoidable as the author ruminates on what being Indian means to him. Sometimes he mixes in statistics and endeavors to give his favorite numbers context with a little history lesson (which I personally found the best aspect of the book, IMHO). Ultimately, however, there was just a bit too much "You'd have to be Indian to understand!" for my taste.
I'd think to myself, 'Doubtless, but's that's why I'm reading and trying to educate myself, you know??'
Two stars.
I'd think to myself, 'Doubtless, but's that's why I'm reading and trying to educate myself, you know??'
Two stars.
June 6, 2014
Meh. At best two and a half stars. Tharoor writes well and often amusingly, but this book is just a compilation of several dozen newspaper articles. I picked it off the shelf of the library to round out my History Book Club India reading challenge with something a bit more contemporary. Tharoor's book sort of did the job, since most of the chapters seem to have been written between about 2000-2007. It was fun to dip into now and then and Tharoor's cheery India boosterism and charming little family vignettes made a nice change from V.S. Naipaul's rather grim India: A Million Mutinies Now.
July 21, 2019
This book by Shashi Tharoor with its curious name and more curious cover is an essay on the many faces of India. He encapsulated the idea of India into 500 pages. It is a dense read. I found my attention wandering on in many places, rather to its repetitive nature. It was like a collection of articles on the various spheres of India - society, politics, economics, culture, sports, history & technology. It is not a deep exploration rather he just skims of the various topics. He wrote this book in 6 general chapters. The last chapter seems kinda unnecessary.
However, I enjoyed the chapter - Indians who made India. It was rather engaging and endearing. I also liked the way he described India as a "Developed country in an advanced state of decay". Further the way he thrashes Steven Spielberg also made my day. He echoed the same thoughts I had when I saw the movie. The "Prehistory of Indian Science" will make any Indian proud of his nation's achievements in the past ( at the same time, also makes him wonder, what happened since then). The book carries the witty remarks of Tharoor. His remarks on religious fanatism, corruption and the practice of changing names of the cities are quite fun and enlightening to read.
Not his best work. Those who want to know India in a nutshell can read this book.
However, I enjoyed the chapter - Indians who made India. It was rather engaging and endearing. I also liked the way he described India as a "Developed country in an advanced state of decay". Further the way he thrashes Steven Spielberg also made my day. He echoed the same thoughts I had when I saw the movie. The "Prehistory of Indian Science" will make any Indian proud of his nation's achievements in the past ( at the same time, also makes him wonder, what happened since then). The book carries the witty remarks of Tharoor. His remarks on religious fanatism, corruption and the practice of changing names of the cities are quite fun and enlightening to read.
Not his best work. Those who want to know India in a nutshell can read this book.
January 13, 2014
This book is only worth a read if you know little about India and are fine with a very biased view of the country.
More than anything I felt this book was a way for Mr. Tharoor to comment on the happenings of India and add his own personal view to absolutely everything. It certainly was not very objective. You'll also find a very lopsided amount of information on certain Indian States such as Kerala, which is where Mr. Tharoor is from. Mr. Tharoor also repeats the same facts throughout the book to make different points which is initially fine but gets old rather quickly. Fresh information please?
The one thing I did like was that each chapter was short and concise. But the actual context was quite poor. You would get a much better idea of India by reading the Economist and recent Foreign Affairs articles.
More than anything I felt this book was a way for Mr. Tharoor to comment on the happenings of India and add his own personal view to absolutely everything. It certainly was not very objective. You'll also find a very lopsided amount of information on certain Indian States such as Kerala, which is where Mr. Tharoor is from. Mr. Tharoor also repeats the same facts throughout the book to make different points which is initially fine but gets old rather quickly. Fresh information please?
The one thing I did like was that each chapter was short and concise. But the actual context was quite poor. You would get a much better idea of India by reading the Economist and recent Foreign Affairs articles.
July 30, 2008
Practically unreadable dense in some parts and repetitive in others, but has interesting insight into Indian culture, history, people, and politics
April 18, 2020
The book is a collections of essays (published in leading English dailies) laid out thematically, it doesnt address the main theme - so what does the 21st Century hold for India?
The ideas of Indianess laid out in the book are rather shallow and doesnt resonate with the skin deep virtues that permeate Indianess. The authors arguments are with a heavy dose of prejudice - He praises all thing that have a Kerala touch and is very acerbic when it comes to other things especially Bihar. One reader even had to point this out to him.
Essentailly all the essays highlight the incongrous landscape of the large culture and junta of India. I think it was a "bundle of contradictions bound into a book".
The ideas of Indianess laid out in the book are rather shallow and doesnt resonate with the skin deep virtues that permeate Indianess. The authors arguments are with a heavy dose of prejudice - He praises all thing that have a Kerala touch and is very acerbic when it comes to other things especially Bihar. One reader even had to point this out to him.
Essentailly all the essays highlight the incongrous landscape of the large culture and junta of India. I think it was a "bundle of contradictions bound into a book".
August 20, 2008
Poignant illustrations and suggestions abound as Shashi Tharoor writes about India and his idea of Indianness. A collection of his essays, the book shows early signs of being repetitive and ratifies the feeling!
There are some ideas that do pique the curiosity as one reads and sparks off wonderful debates in one's head about religion, prosperity, the Indian economy, the glorious and pressing past but ultimately its a book of diplomacy and thats about it!
The portion where he spews praise for Ashutosh Varshney and his work sounded the death knell for me.
There are some ideas that do pique the curiosity as one reads and sparks off wonderful debates in one's head about religion, prosperity, the Indian economy, the glorious and pressing past but ultimately its a book of diplomacy and thats about it!
The portion where he spews praise for Ashutosh Varshney and his work sounded the death knell for me.
April 10, 2017
Chapter after chapter and book after book, Tharoor repeats himself. The anecdotes and facts used by him are cliched now. Even if one forgives the factual errors the ideas and inferences are ludicrous; Fardeen Khan is a Heartthrob, highly skilled and articulate professionals work at the call centers etc. And no, I am not saying Tharoor is patronizing. St. Stephen is indeed treated at par with IIT KGP. Amartya Sen and Tharoor belong to the same minority intellectual club. 0.5/5. Sigh!
September 9, 2012
This book is simply a collection of short op ed pieces which do not delve into any explored topic with serious research or thought. Definitely not an important book covering modern India but an entertaining and humorous read at times. Reading India After Gandhi and In Spite of the Gods is time better spent.
September 18, 2014
I started reading the book because of the personality of Shashi tharoor.
The first essay was good where he compare the elephant, tiger and mentioned dragon. It was written in Orwellian style.
However after reading several chapters, there is recurrent theme in which he prophesied capitalism for every ill in Indian society.
The first essay was good where he compare the elephant, tiger and mentioned dragon. It was written in Orwellian style.
However after reading several chapters, there is recurrent theme in which he prophesied capitalism for every ill in Indian society.
May 23, 2011
bla bla bla..
March 17, 2019
Didnt read the book thoroughly. Just had some ideas of indian culture as the book is already outdated.
May 2, 2018
I was enjoying the book until I reached Chapter 18 entitled the Sari Sagas. In this chapter, Tharoor questions why Indian women do not wear saris anymore and bemoans the lack of traditional wear (which according to Tharoor is one of the few appropriate pieces of attire for women of all sizes, shapes and physical flaws) as one of the causes of India’s cultural degradation. And I nearly threw the book across the room.
February 17, 2014
Book talks about India's transformation from elephant to a tiger. But almost all the Indians are aware about it.
My recommendation would be that there are many other books if you want to read about India's transformation.
My recommendation would be that there are many other books if you want to read about India's transformation.
August 5, 2008
This book by Shashi Tharoor is not an exposition or analysis of India in the 21st century. Nor is it a book detailing India's long and varied history. What it is, however, is a collection of his articles and essays about India and what its rising global position means for the world. He starts the book by detailing the concept of "Indianness" and then delves into its culture, history, achievements and problems, all in the context of the 21st century. He writes eloquently about a variety of topics ranging from India's communal problems and religion to Bollywood and call centers. I especially liked the section on eminent (but often overlooked) personalities India has produced, such as Ramanujan and Sardar Patel.
The range of articles vary widely and don't seem like a chore to read due to the clear writing and interesting topics they represent. To give examples: an article on Sunil Gavaskar (and what makes him so great), an essay on his nostalgic longing for the Sari and a criticism of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and its stereotypical (if not disdainful) take on Indian culture.
The only criticism I have is that most of the stuff he writes about have been written before by others and he doesn't necessarily provide any "interesting" analysis on the subjects, some of which have already been expounded upon in other books. Regardless, it's an enjoyable book to read and should provide a glimpse of India to those who are unfamiliar with her history and culture. For others, I would recommend Temptations of the West by Pankaj Mishra and India after Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha.
The range of articles vary widely and don't seem like a chore to read due to the clear writing and interesting topics they represent. To give examples: an article on Sunil Gavaskar (and what makes him so great), an essay on his nostalgic longing for the Sari and a criticism of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and its stereotypical (if not disdainful) take on Indian culture.
The only criticism I have is that most of the stuff he writes about have been written before by others and he doesn't necessarily provide any "interesting" analysis on the subjects, some of which have already been expounded upon in other books. Regardless, it's an enjoyable book to read and should provide a glimpse of India to those who are unfamiliar with her history and culture. For others, I would recommend Temptations of the West by Pankaj Mishra and India after Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha.
April 6, 2015
This is very insightful, witty and sensible book. I felt the opinions of the author was not clouded by his political party association and all topics were very unbiased. It covers varieties of topic and so one never feels dull or bored. I immensely enjoyed reading it.
February 18, 2016
Probably one of the best books on India in 21st century with an overdose of secularism and Mallu chauvinism . Tharoor comes out as a textbook idealist and a liberal (which I find unreasonable when I look at the ground realities)
June 10, 2019
Tharoor at his best💓
Read
May 21, 2022one million dollars for a toothpick
October 30, 2020
The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone by Shashi Tharoor is collection of essays on topics shaping modern India. This book is best as a coffee table piece, turning the pages, one essay at a time, while sipping on your favourite cup of 'chai'!
What worked:
1. The coherence and the flow of the essays, forming the chapters. The fluidity of the language, a trademark of Shashi Tharoor, simplifies some of the most difficult concepts for the common Reader.
2. The topics, the thoughts, although sometimes marred with some colours of politics, are mostly true their undertaking.
What didn't work:
1. It isn't really to be read as a book.
What worked:
1. The coherence and the flow of the essays, forming the chapters. The fluidity of the language, a trademark of Shashi Tharoor, simplifies some of the most difficult concepts for the common Reader.
2. The topics, the thoughts, although sometimes marred with some colours of politics, are mostly true their undertaking.
What didn't work:
1. It isn't really to be read as a book.
February 27, 2013
The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cellphone: Reflections on India – The Emerging 21st-Century Power is a collection of 69 essays authored by Shashi Tharoor, which have previously appeared in his own columns in The Hindu, The Indian Express & the Times of India, & in many other publications which include the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, India Today Plus, Time & Global Asia.
The book consists of 6 sections:
1. The Transformation of India
2. Ideas of Indianness
3. India at Work & Play
4. Indians Who Helped My India
5. Experiences of India
6. The A to Z of Being Indian
Most of the Essay topics are wisely chosen in keeping with the ‘Reflections on India’ theme. But the problem is the fact that the average length of each chapter/article is 4-5 pages, which is a desirable length & depth for a magazine article or an op-ed column but not enough for a book which promises to explore what India means in the 21st century. That Shashi Tharoor comes across as a knowledgeable, well-informed, intelligent & an insightful man most of the time shouldn’t be a surprise given his diplomatic & politic career & the fact that he remains the youngest ever Under-Secretory General at the UN.
I particularly loved reading ‘Being Bangaloorued’, an essay about the Indian phenomenon of renaming our cities. The story about the goof-up around the renaming of Madras was fun to read. Here’s an excerpt tat I particularly liked.
In some parts of India it is customary for a bride, upon marriage, to take on a new name- not just a surname, but a first name-chosen by her husband’s family. It’s a signal that her old life is over, & that she now belongs completely to another. This is the kind of thinking that underlies India’s renaming mania. It is if the rulers of Bombay & Madras, men of dubious credentials & modest achievement, wanted to show that they are now the lords and masters of these cities- and to demonstrate the change by conferring a new name upon them. For what these aggressive nativists are doing is to demonstrate that they are now in charge, that the old days are now over. They are asserting their power, the power to decide what a thing will be, the power to name-for if one does not have the ability to create, one must at least claim the right to define.
I was glad that I came across the articles such as ‘Hinduism and Hindutva: Caste and credo’ & ‘Of Secularisms and Conversions’ because I am glad to know that there is at least one man in the Parliament who agrees that religion/spiritual life should not be mixed with public & absolutletly never with political life. It is also good to know that he calls Babri Mosque demolition & the Gujarat riots of 2002 wrong not because of the reason that another party was responsible allegedly, but because it was-wrong.
Mr. Tharoor also brilliantly uses some anecdotes which show India as it is- a mosaic of many cultures, religions, languages & practices. He compares India’s ‘thali’ to the American ‘melting pot’:
‘If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali – a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.’
‘No one identity can ever triumph in India; both the country’s chronic plurality and the logic of the electoral market place make this impossible. India is never truer to itself than while celebrating its own diversity.’
He writes in an essay he writes ‘I am normally allergic, both as a reader and as a reviewer, to collections of official speeches.’ Ironic, because that is exactly what the book starts to feel like at times: A collection of Official Speeches. The essays sometimes get emotionless, & start reading like a collection of statistics to prove India Shining/Not-shining or sometimes highlighting the paradoxical nature of things. Also because it is a collection of articles published in different publications over a period of time, some of the points feel repetitive & so very irritating. But the worst thing about the book is that in many essays the author gets into a South India vs. North India comparisons, which I felt was a little hypocritical when the author makes himself mentions(boasts) about his cosmopolitan nature of growing up- in Bombay, Calcutta & Delhi.
Overall, the book makes for a good read, but isn’t as interesting as you’d expect after looking at the brilliant cover page. It becomes monotonous at times. Found, the book a little over-hyped. Now I am trying to get my hands on one of Shashi Tharoor’s novels before I say something about him as an author.
Full Review on : http://desipsycho.wordpress.com/2013/...
The book consists of 6 sections:
1. The Transformation of India
2. Ideas of Indianness
3. India at Work & Play
4. Indians Who Helped My India
5. Experiences of India
6. The A to Z of Being Indian
Most of the Essay topics are wisely chosen in keeping with the ‘Reflections on India’ theme. But the problem is the fact that the average length of each chapter/article is 4-5 pages, which is a desirable length & depth for a magazine article or an op-ed column but not enough for a book which promises to explore what India means in the 21st century. That Shashi Tharoor comes across as a knowledgeable, well-informed, intelligent & an insightful man most of the time shouldn’t be a surprise given his diplomatic & politic career & the fact that he remains the youngest ever Under-Secretory General at the UN.
I particularly loved reading ‘Being Bangaloorued’, an essay about the Indian phenomenon of renaming our cities. The story about the goof-up around the renaming of Madras was fun to read. Here’s an excerpt tat I particularly liked.
In some parts of India it is customary for a bride, upon marriage, to take on a new name- not just a surname, but a first name-chosen by her husband’s family. It’s a signal that her old life is over, & that she now belongs completely to another. This is the kind of thinking that underlies India’s renaming mania. It is if the rulers of Bombay & Madras, men of dubious credentials & modest achievement, wanted to show that they are now the lords and masters of these cities- and to demonstrate the change by conferring a new name upon them. For what these aggressive nativists are doing is to demonstrate that they are now in charge, that the old days are now over. They are asserting their power, the power to decide what a thing will be, the power to name-for if one does not have the ability to create, one must at least claim the right to define.
I was glad that I came across the articles such as ‘Hinduism and Hindutva: Caste and credo’ & ‘Of Secularisms and Conversions’ because I am glad to know that there is at least one man in the Parliament who agrees that religion/spiritual life should not be mixed with public & absolutletly never with political life. It is also good to know that he calls Babri Mosque demolition & the Gujarat riots of 2002 wrong not because of the reason that another party was responsible allegedly, but because it was-wrong.
Mr. Tharoor also brilliantly uses some anecdotes which show India as it is- a mosaic of many cultures, religions, languages & practices. He compares India’s ‘thali’ to the American ‘melting pot’:
‘If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali – a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.’
‘No one identity can ever triumph in India; both the country’s chronic plurality and the logic of the electoral market place make this impossible. India is never truer to itself than while celebrating its own diversity.’
He writes in an essay he writes ‘I am normally allergic, both as a reader and as a reviewer, to collections of official speeches.’ Ironic, because that is exactly what the book starts to feel like at times: A collection of Official Speeches. The essays sometimes get emotionless, & start reading like a collection of statistics to prove India Shining/Not-shining or sometimes highlighting the paradoxical nature of things. Also because it is a collection of articles published in different publications over a period of time, some of the points feel repetitive & so very irritating. But the worst thing about the book is that in many essays the author gets into a South India vs. North India comparisons, which I felt was a little hypocritical when the author makes himself mentions(boasts) about his cosmopolitan nature of growing up- in Bombay, Calcutta & Delhi.
Overall, the book makes for a good read, but isn’t as interesting as you’d expect after looking at the brilliant cover page. It becomes monotonous at times. Found, the book a little over-hyped. Now I am trying to get my hands on one of Shashi Tharoor’s novels before I say something about him as an author.
Full Review on : http://desipsycho.wordpress.com/2013/...
December 16, 2017
Dr Shashi Tharoor one the most respected writers, columnist ,diplomats and politician offers precious insights into this complex, multifaceted land, which despite its diversity of language, customs ,castes and religions in 21 century. This is very insightful, witty and sensible book. I felt all topics were much unbiased. It covers variety of topics.
The book begins with the story from Panchtantra Elephant lives in glory of past better to what we say in Hindi “ kua ka madak” finally realize importance of king size life from Tiger and open up doors to merge into sea from well. As Page 5 unfolds “There was no doubt about it. The Elephant was becoming Tiger. Miracles of Miracles! All the animals came to look, and admire. Some were afraid: imagine the strength of a Tiger within the size of an Elephant? This is an important question author raised through this small story. Will India come out of old orthodox and superficial things ever and stand with the rest of the world in upcoming years. The Elephant I believe stands for all orthodox, conventional Indian Individuals with the wealthy past, educated but to be the Tiger they need worldwide vision. India is still fighting between orthodox, conventional thought of school and modern school of living.
The Myth of the Indian Middle Class Page 8 “ The conventional wisdom is that this middle class is some 300 million strong-larger than the entire domestic market of US, says market gurus- and together with a rich upper class, has both the purchasing power and the inclinations of the American middle class. Author has recently launched JOIN PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS to involve middle class professionals into politics which clearly prove truthfulness of him as MAHATAM GANDHI SAID BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD. The Branding India author mentioned in Transformation of India we heard as slogan of BJP‘s political vendetta Make in India .Author neatly connects and summarizes through the web of time and generation. The character of Sadhu is reflection of 21 century Sadhu with Moh and Maya.
Bollywood or Tollywood and worshipping Heroes Indian society is incomplete without it whether Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh & Siddhartha Malhotra or Tollywood Mahesh Babu, Vishal and Surriya nowadays. According to Author “In India the film world has proved a perfectly adequate stepping stone to higher office”.
Friends who left void, Friends and Family The Dear Departed, Experiences of India,NRIs (Now Required Indians), Of cows Sacred and Profane, India’s Lost Urban Heritage and Of Vows and Vowels shows Dr Shashi Tharoor’s passionate involvement in India. As his Facebook cover Page quotes” India Matters to me and I would like to matter to India”.
At the end of the book efforts done to write A-Z of Being Indian .How can one define a country that has 2000 castes and sub castes, 22000 languages and dialects and 300 different ways of cooking the potato? Instead of a phrase, therefore, one need an entire glossary, an A- Z of Indianess. Author’s spirit and motive to analyze and depict facts to bring India at a Universal platform is remarkable.
Rajni Vashist
The book begins with the story from Panchtantra Elephant lives in glory of past better to what we say in Hindi “ kua ka madak” finally realize importance of king size life from Tiger and open up doors to merge into sea from well. As Page 5 unfolds “There was no doubt about it. The Elephant was becoming Tiger. Miracles of Miracles! All the animals came to look, and admire. Some were afraid: imagine the strength of a Tiger within the size of an Elephant? This is an important question author raised through this small story. Will India come out of old orthodox and superficial things ever and stand with the rest of the world in upcoming years. The Elephant I believe stands for all orthodox, conventional Indian Individuals with the wealthy past, educated but to be the Tiger they need worldwide vision. India is still fighting between orthodox, conventional thought of school and modern school of living.
The Myth of the Indian Middle Class Page 8 “ The conventional wisdom is that this middle class is some 300 million strong-larger than the entire domestic market of US, says market gurus- and together with a rich upper class, has both the purchasing power and the inclinations of the American middle class. Author has recently launched JOIN PROFESSIONAL CONGRESS to involve middle class professionals into politics which clearly prove truthfulness of him as MAHATAM GANDHI SAID BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD. The Branding India author mentioned in Transformation of India we heard as slogan of BJP‘s political vendetta Make in India .Author neatly connects and summarizes through the web of time and generation. The character of Sadhu is reflection of 21 century Sadhu with Moh and Maya.
Bollywood or Tollywood and worshipping Heroes Indian society is incomplete without it whether Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh & Siddhartha Malhotra or Tollywood Mahesh Babu, Vishal and Surriya nowadays. According to Author “In India the film world has proved a perfectly adequate stepping stone to higher office”.
Friends who left void, Friends and Family The Dear Departed, Experiences of India,NRIs (Now Required Indians), Of cows Sacred and Profane, India’s Lost Urban Heritage and Of Vows and Vowels shows Dr Shashi Tharoor’s passionate involvement in India. As his Facebook cover Page quotes” India Matters to me and I would like to matter to India”.
At the end of the book efforts done to write A-Z of Being Indian .How can one define a country that has 2000 castes and sub castes, 22000 languages and dialects and 300 different ways of cooking the potato? Instead of a phrase, therefore, one need an entire glossary, an A- Z of Indianess. Author’s spirit and motive to analyze and depict facts to bring India at a Universal platform is remarkable.
Rajni Vashist
February 12, 2022
Nice coverage and perspective of varied topics on India
January 29, 2008
This is an excellent collection of essays and columns about the changing Indian sub-continent, and what the future holds for the largest democracy in the world. [I was torn between 4 and 5 stars only because I don't COMPLETELY agree with him on some points. But thats my opinion]
Tharoor's essays talk about India's flags of pride - the software hubs, the call centers, the coveted IITs and IIT-ians, largest number of millionaires, etc. But he also takes a critical look at issues that most have brushed aside in the age of IT, such as grave poverty, communalism, the lack of developmental infrastructural past the 70s and 80s, and my favorite term - the guns v. butter debate (which basically asks, where should India spend its resources - national security, or in development and to combat poverty)
An excellent book for anyone interested in South Asia
Tharoor's essays talk about India's flags of pride - the software hubs, the call centers, the coveted IITs and IIT-ians, largest number of millionaires, etc. But he also takes a critical look at issues that most have brushed aside in the age of IT, such as grave poverty, communalism, the lack of developmental infrastructural past the 70s and 80s, and my favorite term - the guns v. butter debate (which basically asks, where should India spend its resources - national security, or in development and to combat poverty)
An excellent book for anyone interested in South Asia
June 6, 2016
A very good insightful read of contemporary India while keeping the glorious(and inglorious too) past in retrospective. The book traverses us through the upcoming challenges to have India win the race with China.
The book has also been successful in relating thoughts to actions of a common Indian. There are also numerous instances of comparisons which makes us think how far we have to tread to reach an envied economic stance. However this does not leave us with desperation that we are far but share us light on how we can attain them through simple actions and carrying an open and truthful hearts.
The book also throws its attention on the secularist society of India and how this has been responsible in shaping its current socio-economic face.
The book has also been successful in relating thoughts to actions of a common Indian. There are also numerous instances of comparisons which makes us think how far we have to tread to reach an envied economic stance. However this does not leave us with desperation that we are far but share us light on how we can attain them through simple actions and carrying an open and truthful hearts.
The book also throws its attention on the secularist society of India and how this has been responsible in shaping its current socio-economic face.
March 13, 2008
Amazing. Tharoor is viewed as "Pro-Indian" but that doesn't necessarily make this a biased view. By acknowledging India's shortcomings (especially, in religious tolerance, birth control, the caste system, and women's rights), he is able to present options and solutions for India's growing future. Clearly, he was a worthy choice for the UN Secretary General. I did find the repeated references annoying at times; he continuously references the game of cricket to draw similarities with it and India's growing national spirit. Overall, this book presents even the most un-knowledgeable reader of India's history with a great introduction.
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