Gurcharan Das Livres

The author describes the transformation of India in the 1990's as she moved into the Information Age and the growing prosperity that has resulted.

Why be good? What exactly is Dharma? How does one practise it, and to what effect? Gurcharan Das s superb exposition of the dilemmas and ambiguities inherent in the Mahabharata shows us how we can come to terms with the uncertain ethics of the world today, a world that is uncannily similar to that of the great epic.

The book presents a sweeping economic history of India, tracing its evolution from independence to the new millennium. Gurcharan Das, an acclaimed columnist, explores the transformation of India into a vibrant free-market democracy, highlighting the significant strides made in overcoming poverty. This narrative captures the essence of India's remarkable journey and its position as a compelling international story of the late twentieth century.

Why should we be good? What exactly is dharma? With the flair, wit, and effortless erudition that have made him a bestselling author around the world, Gurcharan Das talks about his own personal search for a more meaningful life. On this journey, he turns to the epic Mahabharata and sheds light on the central problem of how to live our lives in an examined way and reclaim a meaningful ideal of civic virtue

India's is a tale of private success and public failure. Prosperity is, indeed, spreading across the country even as governance failure pervades public life. But how could a nation become one of the world's fastest-growing economies when it's governed by a weak, ineffective state? And wouldn't it be wonderful if India also grew during the day - in other words, if public policy supported private enterprise? What India needs, Gurcharan Das argues, is a strong liberal state.

Set across different historical contexts, these three plays by Gurcharan Das delve into complex themes. "Larins Sahib" captures the tumultuous post-Ranjit Singh era in the Punjab during the 1840s, while "Mira" tells the transformative journey of Mirabai, a Rajput princess who becomes a saint. "9 Jakhoo Hill" reflects on the social shifts in 1962 Simla, addressing the emergence of a new middle class, maternal influence, and themes of betrayal. Together, they offer a rich exploration of identity and societal change, appealing to both readers and theatre enthusiasts.

The Elephant India Wrestles with Change is, quite simply, about an ancient civilization's reawakening to the spirit and potential of its youth. Following up on the success of India Unbound, which took up the process of India s transformation in the 1990s from a closed to an open economy, The Elephant Paradigm ranges over a vast area covering subjects as varied as panchayati raj, national competitiveness, and the sacred and philosophical concerns of the average Indian consequent to India's entry into what the author calls the age of liberation. While India may never roar ahead like the Asian tigers, Das argues, it will advance like a wise elephant, moving steadily and surely, pausing occasionally to reflect on its past and to enjoy the journey.Gurcharan Das employs the essay form to sew together varied facets of this remarkable transition. Divided into three sections, the book first establishes a context for the changes that have occurred, and then assesses how we have changed or not changed in our public and private lives. As he sweeps over the major political, social and economic developments, he does not forget to examine the individual beliefs and aspirations that underpin the process. Crisp, insightful and witty, these essays capture both the disappointments and the joys that resulted from the 90s revolution and serve as an essential guide to the new India

The author reflects on their journey to liberalism, emphasizing the importance of openness and mutual respect in fostering a more inclusive society. They explore the challenges and complexities of maintaining these values in a polarized world, advocating for dialogue and understanding as essential tools for progress. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, the book examines the interplay between individual beliefs and collective societal norms, urging readers to embrace a more compassionate approach to differing perspectives.

A riveting account of love and desireIndia is the only civilization to elevate kama-desire and pleasure-to a goal of life. Kama is both cosmic and human energy, which animates life and holds it in place. Gurcharan Das weaves a compelling narrative soaked in philosophical, historical and literary ideas in the third volume of his trilogy on life's goals: India Unbound was the first, on artha, 'material well-being'; and The Difficulty of Being Good was the second, on dharma, 'moral well-being'. Here, in his magnificent prose, he examines how to cherish desire in order to live a rich, flourishing life, arguing that if dharma is a duty to another, kama is a duty to oneself. It sheds new light on love, marriage, family, adultery and jealousy as it wrestles with questions such as these: How to nurture desire without harming others or oneself? Are the erotic and the ascetic two aspects of our same human nature? What is the relationship between romantic love and bhakti, the love of god