Book Review by Bhaskar Parichha
Title: The Dilemma of an Indian Liberal
Author: Gurcharan Das
Publisher: Speaking Tiger Books
One predicament faced by a liberal individual from India is the challenge of navigating a society deeply rooted in traditional values and conservative ideologies. India, with its diverse cultural and religious landscape, often presents a clash between progressive ideas and age-old customs.
In The Dilemma of an Indian Liberal, the author, Gurcharan Das, recounts his own professional and intellectual journey: how and why he became a liberal. While telling his story, he also narrates the story of a nation struggling—still— to become a successful liberal democracy—the late promise and its seeming betrayal, but also the possibility of course correction.
Das has dedicated his entire life to advocating for economic and political freedom. In his writings, he emphasises that liberal democracies and free markets have become the most logical and effective way to organise public life over the past two centuries. Having witnessed India’s transition from a stifling “license raj” to a liberal order in the 1990s, Das celebrated the country’s progress as market reforms and a maturing democratic process brought prosperity and dignity to millions who had been deprived of both for many years. He documented this remarkable transformation in his renowned book, India Unbound (2012) However, after three decades, it appears that the once bright light of progress is dimming.
The foremost pickle for liberals is the resistance and backlash they face while advocating for social change. Traditional norms and beliefs, deeply ingrained in Indian society, can be resistant to progressive ideas such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression. Liberals often battle continuously to challenge these norms and push for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Another quandary faced by open-minded individuals in India is the threat to their personal safety and freedom of expression. Speaking out against societal injustices, criticising the government, or advocating for marginalised communities can often lead to harassment, threats, or even violence. The rise of online trolling and hate speech further exacerbates this predicament, making it difficult for liberals to express their opinions without fear of reprisal.
Furthermore, it is a challenge to find like-minded communities and support networks. In a society where conservative ideologies dominate, liberals can find themselves isolated when looking for shared values and beliefs. This lack of support can make it challenging to sustain their activism and maintain their motivation in the face of adversity.
Then there is the dilemma of balancing their personal beliefs with the need to respect and understand the cultural and religious diversity of the country. While advocating for progressive ideas, they must also navigate the delicate balance of not offending or disrespecting deeply held beliefs and traditions. This predicament requires a nuanced approach to ensure that their advocacy is effective without alienating the very communities they seek to empower.
In recent years, liberalism in India has been experiencing a decline, reflecting a broader global trend. The society has become increasingly polarised, with different factions holding divergent views on various social, economic, and political issues. This growing division has created fertile ground for the rise of populism, which has gained significant momentum in the country. One of the key debates that currently dominates the Indian discourse revolves around the perceived conflict between economic freedom and political freedom.
There are differing opinions on the matter, with some asserting that giving priority to economic freedom, such as advocating for free markets and deregulation, is crucial for a nation’s growth and success. They maintain that a thriving economy will ultimately result in political stability and individual liberties. Conversely, advocates for political freedom argue that without strong democratic institutions and safeguards, economic advancement can be superficial and unfair. They stress the significance of safeguarding civil rights, promoting social justice, and empowering marginalized groups. They firmly believe that political freedom is a fundamental requirement for a fair and inclusive society.
In the current polarised climate, the liberal perspective is often marginalised or dismissed as being indecisive or weak. Liberal individuals may find it difficult to navigate the political landscape, as they strive to uphold their principles while also engaging with the diverse viewpoints prevalent in society.
This book covers it all from resistance to personal safety concerns, finding support networks, navigating cultural sensitivities and also navigating a complex landscape to bring about the desired transformation from within the cultural milieu. Addressing urgent needs, this enlightening narrative is written with strong conviction, deep insight, and scholarly expertise, all presented with remarkable clarity. It is a must-read for every person who is concerned about the future of democracy.
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Bhaskar Parichha is a journalist and author of Unbiased, No Strings Attached: Writings on Odisha and Biju Patnaik – A Political Biography. He lives in Bhubaneswar and writes bilingually. Besides writing for newspapers, he also reviews books on various media platforms.
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