Ideas of India

Narayani Basu, a historian and author of 'A Man for All Seasons: The Life of K. M. Panikkar', dives deep into the life of this fascinating figure. She discusses Panikkar's role in the Indian nationalist movement and his intricate relationship with China in the 1950s. The conversation touches on his ideological complexities, including his views on Zionism and communism. Basu also examines the impact of historical traumas on India's identity and the challenges of integrating princely states into a unified nation.

Yamini Aiyar, a Visiting Senior Fellow at Brown University and author of 'Lessons in State Capacity from Delhi’s Schools', discusses the multifaceted challenges in India's education policy. She delves into the effects of local governance on school autonomy and the impact of Delhi’s education reforms. The conversation also addresses the complexities of decentralization, the gaps in learning outcomes, and the urgent need for portable benefits and school vouchers. Aiyar emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and the role of community in driving meaningful change.

Rathin Roy, a Distinguished Fellow at the Kautilya School of Public Policy, dives into India's complex fiscal landscape. He discusses the intricacies of fiscal federalism, showcasing how resource allocation affects rich and poor states differently. The conversation highlights challenges surrounding the Goods and Services Tax and critiques current fiscal policies for their regressive impacts. Roy emphasizes the need for transformative approaches to public finance, focusing on equity and inclusive growth to address systemic disparities.

Join legal scholars Chitrakshi Jain and Prashant Reddy T., co-authors of 'Tareekh pe Justice,' as they delve into the dysfunction within India's district courts. They discuss the opacity in judge evaluations and the challenges of judicial data. The duo critiques the integrity and accountability issues in the system, particularly the controversial practice of compulsory retirement for judges. They also highlight the flaws in judicial statistics and explore the pressing need for transparency and reform, underscoring the vital role of district courts in upholding justice.

M. R. Sharan, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland and author of "Last Among Equals," dives deep into the dynamics of local governance in India. He discusses the critical role of local political actors and the effects of decentralization on public service delivery. The conversation also covers the challenges of caste and gender representation, the evolution of the Panchayati Raj system, and the interplay between migration and welfare. Sharan highlights the potential for local leadership to empower marginalized communities amid the complexities of corruption and governance.

In this conversation, Rakesh Mohan, a prominent economist and former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, shares insights from his extensive experience with India’s economic reforms. He discusses the challenges and complexities of dismantling the License Permit Raj and its impact on growth since the 1991 reforms. Mohan also delves into the historical context of India’s industrial regulations and emphasizes the structural transformations still needed to bolster the economy. His reflections on urbanization and infrastructure highlight the ongoing journey towards a more efficient system.

Ramachandra Guha, an esteemed environmental scholar and biographer, dives into the roots of Indian environmentalism. He discusses the contrast between grassroots movements like the Chipko and centralized governmental practices. Guha also contrasts the visions of Patrick Geddes and JC Kumarappa on sustainable development. He emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge into ecological strategies and critiques the tension between technology and environmentalism. The conversation further highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in this critical discourse.

Rajmohan Gandhi, a historian and biographer dedicated to trust-building, reflects on the complexities of revenge and reconciliation in South Asia. He delves into the historical narratives that have shaped communal relationships, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, and discusses the need for contemporary thinkers to foster unity. Gandhi emphasizes the importance of constitutional values and the role of nonviolent movements in promoting social change. He also highlights the significance of diverse communities collaborating for harmony amidst past grievances.

Rajmohan Gandhi, a historian and biographer, offers rich insights into India's founding fathers, including Vallabhai Patel and Mohandas Gandhi. He discusses their contrasting visions for unity and governance, and their pivotal debates with figures like Ambedkar and Nehru. The conversation dives into the legacies of nonviolence, the role of civil rights, and the importance of non-coercion in a pluralistic society. Gandhi also reflects on the nature of hope and the evolving dynamics of India's democracy, tying historical narratives to contemporary challenges.

Prachi Mishra is a Professor of Economics and Director at the Isaac Center for Public Policy at Ashoka University, previously serving at the IMF. She discusses the current state of the Indian economy, focusing on growth trajectories and the potential overvaluation of the rupee. The conversation delves into trade policies, the stagnant manufacturing sector, and the vital role of services in addressing trade deficits. Prachi emphasizes the need for structural changes to align economic growth with India's development goals for 2047.