The book explores the rise of a burgeoning middle class in the Indian Ocean segment of the Indo-Pacific, driven by consistently high economic growth across the region. It examines the implications of this demographic shift on social structures, economic opportunities, and regional dynamics, highlighting the transformative effects on both local and global scales.
Focusing on the challenges faced by tribal artisans in Jharkhand, the book examines the inefficiencies in their production system, which results in low-quality artifacts and revenue. Through various case studies of rural metal artifact manufacturing units, it highlights issues related to technology, marketing, and workplace conditions. The author offers suggestions for improvement, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to enhance productivity and quality, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of unproductive manufacturing.
Though Jha asks tough questions of the government and his former party, he has not lost faith in Mahatma Gandhi's India. He writes of renewal, of hope. And the Congress, he firmly believes, is central to that revival of India.
Compelling and important, this is a must-read for anyone concerned about the nation's future and their own.