Our Hindu Rashtra, Aakar Patel
Our Hindu Rashtra, Aakar Patel
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Our Hindu Rashtra

Author: Aakar Patel

Narrator: Aakar Patel

Unabridged: 10 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/09/2024

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included

Synopsis

India has taken so sharp a turn in recent years that the very centre has shifted considerably. What led to this swing? Is it possible to trace the path to this point? Is there a way back to the just, secular, inclusive vision of our Constitution-makers?This country has long been an outlier in its South Asian neighbourhood, with its inclusive Constitution and functioning democracy. The growth of Hindutva, in some sense, brings India in line with the other polities here. In Our Hindu Rashtra, writer and activist Aakar Patel peels back layer after layer of cause and effect through independent India’s history to understand how Hindutva came to gain such a hold on the country. He examines what it means for India that its laws and judiciary have been permeated by prejudice and bigotry, what the breach of fundamental rights portends in these circumstances, and what the all-round institutional collapse signifies for the future of Indians.Most importantly, Patel asks and answers that most important of questions: What possibilities exist for a return? Thought-provoking and pulling no punches, this book is an essential read for anyone who wishes to understand the nature of politics in India and, indeed, South Asia.

About The Author

Aakar Patel is a syndicated columnist who has edited English and Gujarati newspapers. His translation of Saadat Hasan Manto’s Urdu non-fiction, Why I Write, was published in 2014. His study of majoritarianism in India, Our Hindu Rashtra: What It Is. How We Got Here, was published in 2020. And his analysis of India’s performance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Price of the Modi Years, was published in 2021. He is chair of Amnesty International India.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Ujval on January 14, 2021

Aakar Patel is a known critic of the BJP and his editorials are considered "rants" by his critics. This book though is a statement of fact rather than a rant. It leans on one side, as would be expected but is backed by undeniable facts. Neatly split into chapters that symbolize the bigotry and preju......more

Goodreads review by Brian on June 26, 2024

Rather than just refuting the claims of Hindu nationalists, Patel does a deep dive into the history and evolution of "majoritarian" democracy in South Asia. And rather than just critiquing Hindu majoritarian rule in India, he also explores the equally oppressive rise of Muslim majoritarianism in Pak......more

Goodreads review by Sashi on January 07, 2021

Must read for every democracy loving Indian. Crisp, easy to read & extremely enlightening. Buy it & read NOW before the regime bans it. Thank me later.......more

Goodreads review by Ubah on March 04, 2021

I really enjoyed this book - it speaks to what I already see going on in BJP lead India. Patel lays out exactly what is happening to minorities and the secular nature of the country under the rule of the Majoritarian BJP rule. The book is laid out very methodically - I particularly liked how he show......more

Goodreads review by E.T. on May 22, 2021

This Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde book can be only be reviewed in 2 parts :- The criticism of Hindutva and Sangh Parivar - 5/5 The apologism for Islamism - 0/5 It surprises me how "secular" people who have a problem with Hindutva politics for being majoritarian/communal are so idiotic and blind when it comes......more

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