title: Planet India: The Turbulent Rise of the Largest Democracy and the Future of Our World
author:  Mira Kamdar 
description: ""Planet India" could become one of the most discussed books of the year. Kamdar's book is differenct from other similar themed books--it throws a challenge to the government, business leaders, voluntary organizations and ordinary citizens, and non-resident Indians, to make the Indian Success story meaningful even to the poorest of its citizens." -- "India Abroad"<br /><br />"Mira Kamdar takes the seemingly endless historical and cultural cross currents of India and weaves them together into a story that bears on the whole world. She combines her admiration and affection for India and its people with a keen eye for its contradictory impulses, taking readers deep inside an India that is fighting for modernity on its own terms, but also changing, for good and ill, in response to dynamics beyond its control. Indians, both within and outside their country, are changing the fates of people everywhere. "Planet India" is our planet." -- Ted Fishman, author of "China Inc."<br /><br />""Planet India" is a worthy addition to the burgeoning shelf of serious books about 21st century India." -- Shashi Tharoor, "Times of India"<br /><br />"This briskly written, vivid account shows how that subcontinental country's films, technology, and service industries have made India an ever-growing presence on the American scene." -- "Atlantic Monthly"<br /><br />"This book is an absolute MUST read. It's by far the best book on India and globalization to date and on top of that it's a fun read." -- Clyde Prestowitz, author of "Rogue Nation" and "Three Billion New Capitalists"
zlib_text: **A thorough and incisive introduction to contemporary India**
  
  The story of the forging of India, the world’s largest democracy, is a rich
  and inspiring one. This volume, sequel to the best-selling _India’s Struggle
  for Independence_ , analyses the challenges India has faced and the successes
  it has achieved, in the light of its colonial legacy and century-long struggle
  for freedom.
  
  The book describes how the Constitution was framed, and also how the Nehruvian
  political and economic agenda and basics of foreign policy were evolved and
  developed. It dwells on the consolidation of the nation, examining contentious
  issues like party politics at the Centre and the states, the Punjab problem,
  and anti-caste politics and untouchability.
  
  This revised edition offers a scathing analysis of the growth of communalism
  in India and the use of state power in furthering its cause. It also documents
  the fall of the National Democratic Alliance in the 2004 General Elections,
  the United Progressive A