About the Book -Features a foreword by Sunil Khilnani -Includes contributions from 37 leading thinkers such as Ramachandra Guha, Sashi Tharoor, Robin Jeffrey, Jayati Ghosh, Vinod Rai and T.S.R. Subramaniam -Analyzes the way ahead for India in the fields of politics and governance, economics and development, security and foreign policy, society and culture, and language and literature India is the world's largest democracy with nearly 70 years of independent existence. Its unique and ever-changing nature has sparked a great degree of academic debate, both before and since Independence. The beauty of India is that there are many kinds of Indias. Understanding the fundamentals that have given birth to such multiplicity across various segments is especially imperative in the present day, when the 'Idea of India' is keenly contested. This nation has the world's largest youth population and is undergoing tectonic social and political changes at present; therefore, understanding what directions India may take in the future is essential. India Now and in Transition is an enquiry into possible futures, based on current happenings. Featuring contributions from leading thinkers and scholars in diverse fields, each essay in this volume critically analyzes a major theme of India's present, to propose the likely way ahead for this emergent nation. Covering the fields of politics and governance, economics and development, security and foreign policy, society and culture, and language and literature, the book shows that while beset with both internal and external challenges on many fronts, India isn't waiting for its moment. It is making its moment happen. Contents Foreword by Sunil Khilnani, Introduction, Politics and Governance, Economics and Development, Security and Foreign Policy, Society and Culture, Language and Literature, About the Contributors, Acknowledgements, Praise for the previous book in the series
Atul K. Thakur is a public policy professional, management consultant, journalist, and writer who specializes in the interface of politics and economics. His research and writing interests extend to macroeconomic policies and international affairs, with a special focus on South Asia. He is an alumnus, inter alia, of Banaras Hindu University and has worked across sectors spanning policy research, management consultancy, publishing and media. India Now and In Transition is his second book as an editor. He has previously edited India Since 1947: Looking Back at a Modern Nation (Niyogi Books, 2013), a significant work on modern India. He is currently working on a book about Nepal's complex political-economic transitions and ethnicity issues. As a journalist and columnist he has written extensively for many prominent newspapers and websites. He is also a literary critic, having reviewed hundreds of books for leading publications in India and abroad. He can be reached at: summertickets@gmail.com.
