Being Indian: Why the 21st Century will be India's

Being Indian: Why the 21st Century will be India's

by Pavan K.Varma

William Heinemann, $270

The Indian the world knows is a myth, says diplomat and author Pavan K.Varma, 'created by a quantum leap of logic, an ideological sleight of hand that derives an untenable ought from an undeniable is'. Traits often attributed to the world's 1.2billion Indians - democratic temperament, spirituality, tolerance, a non-violent nature and a lack of materialism - are illusions created by other nationalities but now accepted as true on the subcontinent.

Varma's controversial book sets about deconstructing the 'myths' and recasting the real Indian. He cites historical Indian literature and contemporary sociological theory, newspaper columns and social meetings, old proverbs and new jokes.

Being Indian depicts a nation of people who lust after and respect power and the pursuit of wealth. Corruption is rampant and accepted without compunction. Democracy prevails in India not because Indians are democratic, but because 'democracy has proved to be the most effective instrument for the cherished pursuit of power'. Varma writes of a 'natural amorality' where private beliefs can never come in the way of personal benefits, a slavery to authority and the propensity of Indians to accept the status quo and thereby breed mediocrity.