How Democracies Die

I present a synopsis of the book How Democracies Die. The authors argue that death does not come in a spectacular or sudden way, it comes stealthily, taking baby steps, and is often with the approval of the people who are most likely to be affected by it.

The book is bleak but essential to read. Only so that we know where we are and how we got there. No real and quick-fire solutions, I am afraid. It takes a long time to restore life in democracies that are dead or dying. … Read More How Democracies Die

Makarand1 Comment

Life imitates Art

There is magic, fantasy, and a healthy dose of satire. The film was made in 1980 and was meant to be exhibiting a dystopian world. Little did Ray know that what could happen could surpass the world that he could imagine. If you are able to, go watch the film. It is worth your while. It is possible that the country you call your own is actually Hirak Rajar Deshe! … Read More Life imitates Art

Makarand3 Comments

Caste: The origins of our discontent

This book would be a good read for folk who want to understand the roots of discrimination and injustice that we see all around us. While the focus is on racism in the USA, the framework is applicable in every culture that sees systemic discrimination.

If you are one of those who do not see inequity around you, then you MUST read this book. You need it most. … Read More Caste: The origins of our discontent

MakarandLeave a comment

निर्भय स्वातंत्र्य (Fearless Freedom)

निर्भय स्वतंत्र्य (Fearless Freedom) ह्या कविता कृष्णनच्या अप्रतिम पुस्तकाचा हा सारांश आहे. मूळ पुस्तक इंग्रजीत आहे. ते सर्वांना वाचता येईलच असे नाहीं. पूर्ण पुस्तक वाचायला कदाचित वेळ नसेल, आवड नसेल. त्या सर्वांकरिता मी हे पुस्तक थोडक्यात मांडतो आहे. कारण सोप्पे आहे. महिलांच्या प्रश्नांचा आपण कसा विचार करतो, मुळात विचार करतो का, हे आपण स्वतःच तपासायला हवे. पुरुषांनी तर विचार करायलाच पाहिजे. महिलांनीही विचार करायला हरकत नाहीं; आपण सर्वच पितृसत्ताक पद्धतीत राहातो, त्याच पद्धतीतून निर्माण झालेल्या संकल्पना बाळगतो.

तुम्हाला जरका हा सारांश आवडला, आणि शक्य असेल तर पुस्तक जरूर वाचा. इतरांना वाचायला प्रोत्साहित करा. पुस्तकाच्या ह्या सारांशामुळे तुम्हाला वेगळ्या प्रकारे विचार करण्यासाठी खुराक मिळाला असेल अशी माझी आशा आहे.  पुस्तक ह्या सर्व बाबींमध्ये खोलवर जाते. जमल्यास अवश्य वाचा. इतरांना वाचण्यासाठी प्रोत्साहित करा. खासकरून पुरुषांना. महिलांना निर्भयी स्वातंत्र्य मिळण्यासाठी लढ्याची जरुरत आहे आणि त्या लढ्यात आपण सर्व सहभागी होऊ शकतो, किंबहुना आपण व्हायलाच पाहिजे.… Read More निर्भय स्वातंत्र्य (Fearless Freedom)

Makarand3 Comments

बेख़ौफ़ आज़ादी (Fearless Freedom)

This is a synopsis of Kavita Krishnan’s brilliant book Fearless Freedom.

I decided to develop this synopsis for those who may not read the whole book, for whatever reason; they have no access, do not read books, etc. I am doing it because I think that many of us need to challenge ourselves in the way we look at women’s rights and autonomy. Men need to absolutely do this and so do many women; we are all victims of patriarchal thinking after all.

If you liked the ideas that Kavita presents, head over and buy the book. Read it. Share it. Let’s become allies in women’s fight for Fearless Freedom. … Read More बेख़ौफ़ आज़ादी (Fearless Freedom)

Makarand5 Comments