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starlitstorm's review
3.0
Incredibly insightful, although occasionally repetitive with its information. Provides a good jumping off point for those interested in the trials and difficulties of rural Indians.
yossarian221's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book in the wake of ongoing former protests to understand past works on lines of the condition of Indian farmers/ workers and approaches made by governments and their impact on the general population.
This book starts with an example of what to expect and guides the reader through a story where everyone is working, The government, Officials, Villagers only to end up in a disastrous result! Following stories take darker turns, that makes you understand what India was in 1995.
Writing of this book is easy to approach and understandable. Stories are witty and the author makes great effort to keep the tone light. This is a book about development, schemes, and their true impact on the poorest of citizens. The effort put in by the writer is evident in the quality of work. There is no romanticisation of the characters or subversions in the stories. The book focuses on the pitfalls of Government regulations and development schemes that are directed towards the people whom they have not even contacted once! The good (those who work hard to provide better service to the people) The bad (corrupt, abusive, and lazy) and the ridiculous (working to complete a quota) types of government officials.
The topics covered in this book include Coal mining, Schooling, Basic transportation facilities, Electricity, Water (dams) and deforestation to name a few. The ingenuity of the writer lies in showcasing the common life of migrating workers and law that is outdated. To make the reader realise that it does not take cholera or famine to make poorest of the people’s life miserable.
The book is special in a way because it not only showcases the issues but also simple solutions. A must-read for everyone who loves to understand the working of the governments, contractors, politicians and Media that make a living on poor people’s misery. An eye-opener and a true example of journalism at its best.
Focus on the process, not the final event! A midday meal can same the nation! Listen to the poor and many problems can be solved at the marginal cost of actual money allotted for the same. Women empowerment can change the landscape of the nation starting at the grassroots level!
This book starts with an example of what to expect and guides the reader through a story where everyone is working, The government, Officials, Villagers only to end up in a disastrous result! Following stories take darker turns, that makes you understand what India was in 1995.
Writing of this book is easy to approach and understandable. Stories are witty and the author makes great effort to keep the tone light. This is a book about development, schemes, and their true impact on the poorest of citizens. The effort put in by the writer is evident in the quality of work. There is no romanticisation of the characters or subversions in the stories. The book focuses on the pitfalls of Government regulations and development schemes that are directed towards the people whom they have not even contacted once! The good (those who work hard to provide better service to the people) The bad (corrupt, abusive, and lazy) and the ridiculous (working to complete a quota) types of government officials.
The topics covered in this book include Coal mining, Schooling, Basic transportation facilities, Electricity, Water (dams) and deforestation to name a few. The ingenuity of the writer lies in showcasing the common life of migrating workers and law that is outdated. To make the reader realise that it does not take cholera or famine to make poorest of the people’s life miserable.
The book is special in a way because it not only showcases the issues but also simple solutions. A must-read for everyone who loves to understand the working of the governments, contractors, politicians and Media that make a living on poor people’s misery. An eye-opener and a true example of journalism at its best.
Focus on the process, not the final event! A midday meal can same the nation! Listen to the poor and many problems can be solved at the marginal cost of actual money allotted for the same. Women empowerment can change the landscape of the nation starting at the grassroots level!
arcoftym's review
This book is a great source material for conditions in India during 1990s. However in 2018, the data seems redundant. Nonetheless it is a great book to compare progress that India has made within the span of 30 years. Unfortunately, I left it midway because I just could not relate to it.
katethekitcat's review
3.0
Content: 5 out of 5 stars. Organizational structure: 2 out of 5 stars.
Would recommend for anyone interested in global health or developmental economics, as this book serves to highlight how impossible it is to separate a single problem or intervention from a far more complicated context. Speaks to the frequent contradictions and infuriating frustrations that can often be found in the government, private sector, and NGOs alike.
You'll get more out of this if you already have at least a passing knowledge of Indian history and politics.
Would recommend for anyone interested in global health or developmental economics, as this book serves to highlight how impossible it is to separate a single problem or intervention from a far more complicated context. Speaks to the frequent contradictions and infuriating frustrations that can often be found in the government, private sector, and NGOs alike.
You'll get more out of this if you already have at least a passing knowledge of Indian history and politics.
sookieskipper's review
5.0
In this country:
To read this book is a privilege.
To read this book written in English, is a privilege.
To buy this book is a privilege.
To read this book at night under lights, is a privilege.
To read this book in my home, is a privilege.
To read this book in my own room, is a privilege.
To discuss this book on an online forum, is a privilege.
To express angry opinions regarding some articles in this book, is a privilege.
To drink water after, is a privilege.
To snack while reading, is a privilege.
And it goes on.
The extent to which us urban dwellers are privileged is something those who lack basic resources and infrastructures, cannot fathom.
To read this book is a privilege.
To read this book written in English, is a privilege.
To buy this book is a privilege.
To read this book at night under lights, is a privilege.
To read this book in my home, is a privilege.
To read this book in my own room, is a privilege.
To discuss this book on an online forum, is a privilege.
To express angry opinions regarding some articles in this book, is a privilege.
To drink water after, is a privilege.
To snack while reading, is a privilege.
And it goes on.
The extent to which us urban dwellers are privileged is something those who lack basic resources and infrastructures, cannot fathom.