non fiction category archive

India’s Politics – A view from the Backbench is an insider’s account of the functioning of India’s democracy. Though the Indian constitution has some of the most idealistic regulations to protect an individuals rights and the growth of the country, the reality in India is very different.Fighting elections is very expensive, and is one of the major causes of corruption. The elected representatives ultimately have the most decision making power, and sometimes misuse the power to accumulate funds for future elections as well as personal gain. Though large amounts are allocated to different poverty alleviation programs, only a fraction reaches the intended beneficiary due to the leakages in the system, and a large amount is cornered by middlemen and officials incharge of implementing the program. Unfortunately, there is little incentive for honest and competent officials who implement the programs efficiently. For elected representatives, the perks are multiplied manifold when they are promoted to a position in the council of ministers. To avoid the loss of power, many MLA’s are willing to make any kind of compromise. In an era of coalition politics, many small political parties hold the balance of power, despite controlling only a small number of MPs or MLAs.
Also many bills which have a far reaching effect on India’s economy and social life are often passed without adequate discussion.
A good read which provides a realistic glimpse of India’s politics.

India’s Politics
A view from the Backbench
By Bimal Jalan
First published in Viking by Penguin Books India 2007
Pages 248

Healing through Natural Foods is an informative book containing details of the various natural foods that can be eaten to prevent and cure various common ailments and health problems. Some of the health concerns covered include bacterial infection, coagulation (blood clots), depression, diabetes, diarrohea, inflammation, blood pressure, cancer, cholesterol, immunity, ulcers and pain.
Every chapter contains a brief description of the health problem, its cause, and the foods that can prevent or alleviate it. Each food is then described in great detail. Some foods like garlic and ginger are used to cure multiple ailments and are described separately in each chapter with respect to the problem they seek to solve. The book also contains description of foods that will boost immunity, improve memory , a person’s life span.
A useful book, especially for Indians, as most foreign books available do not list foods which are available in India

Healing through Natural Foods
Dr. H.K Bakhru
Published by Jaico Publishing House
Twelfth impression : 2010

Nine Lives in search of the sacred in modern India has stories of individuals who renounced a conventional upbringing and lifestyle to do what they were interested in. The author has spent some time with each of the protagonists,observing their lifestyle and trying to understand the mind of each of the protagonists of his stories. The Nun’s tale is the story of a nun born into a well to do Jain family, who decided to renounce the world and take Diksha against the wishes of her family. Her lifestyle is described in great detail including her travels and diet. Though the nun is supposed to have no attachments, she misses her friend who died some time ago. Other stories include that of dancer, singer, monk, a lady who gives up her family life to live on a cremation ground. Often, it is better to do whatever makes a person happy, instead of bothering what other people say and trying to please them.

Nine Lives in search of the sacred in modern India

by William Dalrymple

Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing Plc , 2009

Pages : 284