It took me a month to finish this book. This is probably the longest. While a busy schedule can be one of the reasons, I have had even more of a reading pace in much more busy schedules. The reason why JNU by Makarand R Paranjape took me so long is that I read it and imbibed the idea, and came back again, to develop another ideology.
While the eponymous institute and the controversial Tukde slogans are the base of the book, the author has topped it up with his historical aspects of the ideology of nationalism especially a different perspective of nationalism by Tagore and Gandhiji.
The author has shown commendable courage to stand up against the leftist hegemony, especially at a time when someone showing right-wing ideology in JNU was unofficially ostracised. The author stood up against the Tukde gang and exposed the hypocrisy of their humanitarian cry for a terrorist. As expected the author became a target.
While in several instances the author’s right-wing ideology comes out, the fact that he backed up his arguments with solid information which are facts in themselves cannot be ignored.
After reading his essay on Tagore’s nationalism that I reviewed before, I went back and read it again. I was surprised to see that there have been evident instances to believe that Tagore did not believe in the concept of nation. But somehow I missed the point till I read JNU by Makarand R Paranjape. The series of open letters written to character assassinate the professor followed. The author has left no stone unturned to address each of those.
Further, the shameful incident of the missing Biotechnology student and the further downfall of the historic institute are narrated to the laymen. The author lays bare the loss of the competitive edge of the institute uncharacteristically influenced by separatists. With some ideas to revive the institute, the author closes the narration. You might agree or disagree with the author’s ideology but you cannot deny the fact that what he said is true.
I absolutely abstain from discussing politics because it involves nothing but mud-slinging and arm twisting of those who dare to tell the truth. I find it amusing that those who are the most vocal about democracy and human rights are the ones who turn a blind eye to the plight of others. They're the ones who preach equality, but only when it suits them. I sincerely believe that if we all took a step back, we would see that what we're doing is not working.
This is one subject I always prefer to stay away. Politics is not my cup of tea and on this topic I never write or wish to write. But I would love to appreciate the author for writing on this subject. Tagore is my soft corner. I grew up reading his books, singing his written songs, reviting his poets and knowing about his contribution towards Indian freedom. Crisp review of the book penned beautifully by you.
The book seems really interesting and addresses a contemporary issue. It is always good to look at these kind of issues objectively and without prejudice or emotion, and that is what the author tries to do.
I never loved politics as well like most of the commenters. It's interesting though to learn that even in other countries, politics always seems to be a point of people to do good and serve yet always end up doing something else in the process that isn't always what they intend to. This book is in a way interesting with all the twists and maybe because its about a different political country for me.
I am not a big fan of politics but it is an inevitable part of our lives. Sometimes I doubt whether student politics is at all needed or not. But this sounds like a good read.
I always stay away from politics. It's not my thing, and I never write nor wish to write about it. It's an inevitable part of our lives, though. Still, the book seems interesting and addresses a contemporary issue. Thanks for sharing.
This book sounds like a must-read for those who are interested in politics. I will share about it to those in my family who take a deep interest in such topics.
I absolutely abstain from commenting on politics or politics related topics because of the backlash you can face when you comment something that is a very sensitive topic
Loved your review