Imagining India: A good read

Hi all,

I recently finished reading the book called Imagining India, written by Nandan Nilekani. To be frank, i took a couple of months to read it and moreover i was "two-timing" the book with my favourite English fiction authors..:) But at the end of it all, i must say the book made for a compelling read.

As Tom Friedman rightly points out, Nandan is a great explainer. Arcane issues are discussed threadbare and in a manner that even lay men can understand. Issues have been separated into broad categories and solutions have been suggested both at the macro and micro level. The ideas are fresh, innovative & even sometimes revolutionary. So revolutionary that,as Nandan himself agrees, it is going to take quite a bit of political will to implement the tough measures that this country so needs. It must be noted here that he has also dealt with the most thorniest of topics and given recommendations on how to go about solving them.

Something bizarre struck me after reading this book. We should make all our politicians read this book to make them realize the dire straits our country is in now and how to work towards making our society more progressive and peaceful. In fact we must have a test based on this book and many others of this ilk. Only if they ace the tests, should they be allowed into Parliament!

Coming back to the book, i certainly recommend this book for anyone regardless of your exposure to issues affecting Indian society. I also sincerely hope that the predictions Nandan has made in favour of India come true ASAP.