Harsh ManderCritiques

The book is well written and talks of sufferings of the common masses.

My criticism would be: the exclusion of 2002 Godhra Train Burning, 2010 Deganga Riots and 2013 Canning Riots.

Their inclusion is necessary for a holistic perspective of sufferings in the country.

I appreciate the writing of this book.
My only criticism is that it doesn't provide a holistic view of the scenarios it speaks of.

An insightful read!

A searing account of the extent of malnutrition and sheer hunger in India, with both statistics and personal stories alternating to bring home the message. The book brings up a detailed analysis of the required policy and administrative measures, including food security legislation, which culminated in the new Food Security Act shortly after the publication of this book. The author, who resigned from the administrative service to devote himself to policy change, and was a member of the National Advisory Council under the Congress-led UPA government before 2014.½

A hard-hitting indictment of the campaign of hate that has been unleashed in our society. It provides a grim picture of the extent to which these forces are prepared to go, and makes a heart-felt plea that we do not remain indifferent. One cn only hope that things will get better rather than worse - but it will weaken us as a country.

This is an excellent book in many ways. I have worked in the field of nutrition, have travelled in villages, have walked the streets with my camera, and have seen hunger on the streets of India. However, I have not experienced hunger.

What Harsh Mander does very well, is that he clearly highlights the issues, and he gives voice to the stories of those who experience hunger every day. This is something that most of us cannot imagine. I have seen cruelty on the streets, I have seen a little girl who's eye was put out because she was not bringing in enough money for her master, and she did not have a voice.

The sadness, as Harsh points out, is that in our rush to gain wealth, we have also gained indifference to the plight of the starving millions of India. The statistics are revealing in themselves, but his stories really bring the statistics to life.

A bit more detail on his personal recommendations would have been very nice. However, I think that this book is essential reading in India's schools, so that we can sensitize our young at an early stage to what we need to do to really move our country forward.