Shashi Tharoor Book order

A short, digestible biography of this important Indian statesman, whose compassion and devotion to public standards should serve as a model for the politicians of our day. -- .

Dissects how competing, increasingly strident visions of India will shape its destiny for decades to come. Over a billion Indians are alive today. But are some more Indian than others? To answer this question, central to the identity of all who belong to modern India, Shashi Tharoor explores hotly contested notions of nationalism, patriotism, citizenship and belonging. Two opposing ideas of India have emerged: ethno-religious nationalism, versus civic nationalism. This struggle for India's soul now threatens to hollow out and destroy the remarkable concepts bestowed upon the nation at Independence: pluralism, secularism, inclusive nationhood. The Constitution is under siege; institutions are being undermined; mythical pasts propagated; universities assailed; minorities demonised, and worse. Tharoor shows how these new attacks threaten the ideals India has long been admired for, as authoritarian leaders and their supporters push the country towards illiberalism and intolerance. If they succeed, millions will be stripped of their identity, and bogus theories of Indianness will take root in the soil of the subcontinent. However, all is not yet lost. This erudite, lucid book, taking a long view of India's existential crisis, shows what needs to be done to save everything that is unique and valuable about India.

Focusing on India's evolving diplomacy, this book delves into the nation's foreign policies and their impact on everyday citizens. Shashi Tharoor critiques the shift from Nehru's "Non-alignment" to a contemporary "Multi-alignment" approach, emphasizing the significance of international relations in domestic transformation. The text provides a thorough examination of India's global responsibilities and the workings of its political institutions since Independence. Tharoor's insights present an inspiring vision of India's readiness to assert itself on the world stage in the 21st century.

The book explores the complexities of Indian identity, questioning the nuances of what it means to be "Indian." It delves into the social, cultural, and political layers that differentiate individuals within the vast tapestry of Indian society. Through various perspectives, it examines the criteria and experiences that shape one's sense of belonging and authenticity in a diverse nation. The narrative challenges readers to reflect on the implications of identity and the often contentious nature of belonging in contemporary India.

Exploring the essence of Hinduism, this introduction delves into its rich traditions, philosophies, and practices. The author presents a comprehensive overview of key concepts, rituals, and the diverse beliefs that shape Hindu identity. By addressing historical contexts and contemporary relevance, the book aims to demystify Hinduism for readers of all backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding of this ancient faith. Engagingly written, it serves as both an informative guide and a reflection on the spiritual paths within Hinduism.

The book explores the dynamics of a cooperative living arrangement, highlighting the interactions and relationships among residents. It delves into themes of community, shared responsibilities, and the challenges of collaboration. Through various perspectives, it examines how individuals navigate personal differences while fostering a sense of belonging. The narrative captures both the joys and conflicts that arise in a co-op setting, ultimately revealing the complexities of human connection and the importance of cooperation in creating a harmonious living environment.

Why I Am a Hindu offers a profound reexamination of Hinduism, and cautions against its politicisation.

The Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller on India's experience of British colonialism, by the internationally-acclaimed author and diplomat Shashi Tharoor 'Tharoor's impassioned polemic slices straight to the heart of the darkness that drives all empires ... laying bare the grim, and high, cost of the British Empire for its former subjects. An essential read' Financial Times In the eighteenth century, India's share of the world economy was as large as Europe's. By 1947, after two centuries of British rule, it had decreased six-fold. The Empire blew rebels from cannon, massacred unarmed protesters, entrenched institutionalised racism, and caused millions to die from starvation. British imperialism justified itself as enlightened despotism for the benefit of the governed, but Shashi Tharoor takes demolishes this position, demonstrating how every supposed imperial 'gift' - from the railways to the rule of law - was designed in Britain's interests alone. He goes on to show how Britain's Industrial Revolution was founded on India's deindustrialisation, and the destruction of its textile industry. In this bold and incisive reassessment of colonialism, Tharoor exposes to devastating effect the inglorious reality of Britain's stained Indian legacy.

The book delves into the devastating impact of British colonial rule in India, highlighting the extensive loss of life and economic decline during this period. It emphasizes the staggering death toll of approximately thirty-five million Indians due to famines, epidemics, and violent reprisals, including notable events like the 1857 War of Independence and the Amritsar massacre. Additionally, the narrative underscores the drastic reduction in India's share of global GDP from 23 percent to just above 3 percent, illustrating the profound and lasting consequences of colonial exploitation.