The Sunday Debate: How is Modi shaping the future of India?
Nov 20, 2022
The discussion dives into Prime Minister Modi's transformative influence on India's trajectory since independence. Experts explore the rise of Hindu nationalism and its impact on democracy. Insights on India's economic growth reveal both achievements and challenges under Modi's leadership. The podcast also examines evolving foreign policies amid geopolitical shifts, especially regarding relationships with the US and China. Additionally, it addresses the complexities of secularism in modern India, raised by government promotion of Hindu temples.
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insights INSIGHT
Modi's Historical Positioning
Narendra Modi, aware of his historical role, positioned himself against Nehru's vision.
His politics are unprecedented, drawing inspiration from Indira Gandhi's populism.
insights INSIGHT
Modi's Unprecedented Approach
Modi prioritizes elections, unlike Nehru's emphasis on counter-majoritarian institutions.
Modi's approach to secularism is unprecedented, reflecting Hindu majority mores.
insights INSIGHT
Modi's Political Strategy
Modi's anti-establishment persona and direct engagement with people via social media predate Trump's similar tactics.
His Hindu-first agenda marks a significant shift in Indian politics.
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This book provides the backstory to Narendra Modi's current dominance in Indian politics by tracing the history of Hindu nationalism and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It focuses on the six-decade-long partnership between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, exploring how their relationship shaped the BJP's success. The narrative is supported by private papers, party documents, newspapers, and over 200 interviews.
Violent Fraternity
Shruti Kapila
Violent Fraternity explores the political thought that laid the foundations of modern India, from the early twentieth century to the independence of India and the formation of Pakistan in 1947. The book examines influential figures like Gandhi, Iqbal, Ambedkar, and Savarkar, highlighting how they remade modern political languages in the shadow of imperialism. It demonstrates how India redefined political violence in the global era.
Age of the Strongman
Gideon Rachman
In 'The Age of the Strongman', Gideon Rachman explores the global phenomenon of authoritarian leaders, examining how they have risen to power in diverse countries and the common tactics they use to maintain control. The book provides a comprehensive look at the challenges these leaders pose to liberal democracy and the implications for global stability.
Partition Voices
Kavita Puri
Partition Voices: Untold British Stories by Kavita Puri is a non-fiction book that captures the experiences of South Asians who lived through the partition of India in 1947 and later settled in Britain. The book includes interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a nuanced perspective on the trauma and legacy of partition. It explores how these events continue to shape the identities and family dynamics of those affected, providing a powerful insight into a pivotal moment in history.
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This week on The Sunday Debate we're asking, how is Prime Minister Modi shaping the future of India? This is the third episode of our India at 75 series exploring the biggest questions facing India 75 years after its independence. Our host for the series is Kavita Puri, journalist and author of the critically acclaimed book Partition Voices, which explores the experiences of British people originating from the subcontinent, who witnessed the 1947 partition of India. Joining Kavita on this episode is Shruti Kapila, associate professor in the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge, and Vinay Sitapati, associate professor of political science and legal studies at Ashoka University.
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