INDIA IN SLOW MOTION
In this book ‘India in Slow Motion’ the author (Mark Tully co-authored with Gillian Wright) tells that the fundamental problems of India are Indian form of bad governance. The stories in this book tell not just of bad governance, but of the reason for it and also of those who are battling against it. Bad governance is the root of all India’s problems but, unlike so many of the more exotic diagnoses, there can be no doubt that it’s a brake slowing down a country with enormous but unrealized potential.
"The British administrative system was exploitative as it was designed for a colonial government. It was not suited for a democracy. Unfortunately, when India got independence it started with British style of colonial administration where bureaucrats and other public officials treat people as if they are governing them rather then serving them." Says Tully.
The exposure of corruption at the highest level of Indian Politics by the Delhi based Tehelka – a dot com company was one of the major journalistic coup in India in the recent history.
The Chapter ‘Corruption from Top to Tail’ is based on the interview of Mathew Samuel by Mark Tully, a young journalist engaged by the Tehelka for an investigation of corrupt defence deals. By using a hidden camera and claiming to be a representative of a fictious company called West End International, he filmed ‘hi-fi’ people of Indian politics accepting bribes. This exposure created a ‘Tehelka’ – sensation. Defence Minister George Fernandance had to resign. Bangaru Laxman was thrown out from the Presidentship of BJP (he was the first Dalit President of the party).
The second portion of the chapter tells the story of Aruna Roy and her forum Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). Aruna Roy was an IAS officer. After seven years of service she resigned and joined her husband to help villagers to help themselves. Her fight against corruption with the support of villagers lead to legislation of Right to Information Act in her State.
In 1950 the people of India gave themselves a constitution which resolved to secure for all citizens, among other things, ‘justice social, economic, and political’ and equality of status and opportunity. But in reality it is a different story.
In India in Slow Motion Mark Tully undertakes a journey that has no true beginning or end, seeking to unravel the mysteries lying at the heart of the country of his birth. Exploring Hindu extremism, child labour, Sufi mysticism, the crisis in agriculture, political corruption and Kashmir, he challenges our preconceptions of India – as well as those India has about itself – to create a thoughtful, humorous and deeply profound portrait of a country at odds with itself. Like no other writer, Mark Tully brings modern India and its people vibrantly to life.
‘Slow Motion India’ by Mark Tully & Gillian Wright (pages 302 – Price Rs.450 – Published by Penguin India
"The British administrative system was exploitative as it was designed for a colonial government. It was not suited for a democracy. Unfortunately, when India got independence it started with British style of colonial administration where bureaucrats and other public officials treat people as if they are governing them rather then serving them." Says Tully.
The exposure of corruption at the highest level of Indian Politics by the Delhi based Tehelka – a dot com company was one of the major journalistic coup in India in the recent history.
The Chapter ‘Corruption from Top to Tail’ is based on the interview of Mathew Samuel by Mark Tully, a young journalist engaged by the Tehelka for an investigation of corrupt defence deals. By using a hidden camera and claiming to be a representative of a fictious company called West End International, he filmed ‘hi-fi’ people of Indian politics accepting bribes. This exposure created a ‘Tehelka’ – sensation. Defence Minister George Fernandance had to resign. Bangaru Laxman was thrown out from the Presidentship of BJP (he was the first Dalit President of the party).
The second portion of the chapter tells the story of Aruna Roy and her forum Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). Aruna Roy was an IAS officer. After seven years of service she resigned and joined her husband to help villagers to help themselves. Her fight against corruption with the support of villagers lead to legislation of Right to Information Act in her State.
In 1950 the people of India gave themselves a constitution which resolved to secure for all citizens, among other things, ‘justice social, economic, and political’ and equality of status and opportunity. But in reality it is a different story.
In India in Slow Motion Mark Tully undertakes a journey that has no true beginning or end, seeking to unravel the mysteries lying at the heart of the country of his birth. Exploring Hindu extremism, child labour, Sufi mysticism, the crisis in agriculture, political corruption and Kashmir, he challenges our preconceptions of India – as well as those India has about itself – to create a thoughtful, humorous and deeply profound portrait of a country at odds with itself. Like no other writer, Mark Tully brings modern India and its people vibrantly to life.
‘Slow Motion India’ by Mark Tully & Gillian Wright (pages 302 – Price Rs.450 – Published by Penguin India
posted by NUJUM MAYYANAD @ 10:59 AM
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