Shashi Tharoor, an influential Indian politician and writer, joins Joe Johnson, a former British minister, to discuss the evolving friendship between Britain and India 75 years after independence. They dive into the lingering effects of colonialism, exploring how historical events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shape present-day relations. The duo also tackles contemporary challenges, including India's foreign policy amid the Ukraine conflict and the troubling rise of communal politics in the UK, raising vital questions about multiculturalism and collective memory.
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Nehru's Forgiveness
Winston Churchill asked Nehru how he could be friendly after British colonialism.
Nehru replied he was taught by Gandhi to never fear or hate.
insights INSIGHT
Potential for Friendship
India and Britain can be better friends.
Their friendship could be based on values, interests, and interdependence, but they fall short.
insights INSIGHT
Underperforming Relationship
The UK-India relationship has potential but underperforms economically.
The UK has slipped in trade importance for India, partly due to India's economic opening.
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In this book, Shashi Tharoor provides a detailed and incisive reassessment of British colonialism in India. He argues that Britain's rise was built on the plunder and exploitation of India, leading to significant economic and social decline in the country. Tharoor demolishes the myths of British imperialism as enlightened despotism, showing how every supposed imperial 'gift'—from railways to the rule of law—was designed to serve British interests. He highlights the destruction of India's textile industry, the entrenchment of institutionalized racism, and the massive human suffering caused by British rule, including millions of deaths from starvation. The book is a passionate and well-researched critique of colonialism and its lasting impact on India.
The Struggle for India's Soul
Nationalism and the Fate of Democracy
Shashi Tharoor
In 'The Struggle for India's Soul', Shashi Tharoor delves into the contrasting ideas of ethno-religious nationalism and civic nationalism, highlighting how these visions impact India's democratic future. The book critiques the current political landscape, emphasizing the threats to India's pluralism and secularism. Tharoor argues for preserving the inclusive ideals of India's founding.
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This Sunday Debate is the first of our India at 75 series, asking can Britain and India be friends? Across three episodes, we will be examining the future of India 75 years after its independence. In this instalment we’re joined by Shashi Tharoor, politician, writer and former diplomat who has been a member of the Indian Parliament since 2009. Plus, Jo Johnson, British politician and former Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. Our host for this series is journalist, broadcaster and author, Kavita Puri.
When this conversation was recorded Shashi Tharoor was campaigning for India’s Congress Presidential election.
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