Sketchy Portrait

I just concluded reading Patrick French's "India: A Portrait". I was drawn to the book by reviews in prestigious publications (and at least one famed prior work by the author albeit unread by Yours Truly). While none of them were particularly appreciative, my assumption was only serious substance could merit such prolific attention.

To give the author his due, this book serves as a rather informative cheat-sheet for those with an interest in post-independence India but bereft of the patience to read more detailed writings. The writer manages to capture and narrate several interesting nuggets on important political figures over the last few decades. These are peppered with candid opinions that are bound to foster the desired controversy should the book ever face a media debate. Besides, there are wide ranging facets of Indian society that are reflected upon, often forcing introspection into our easy tolerance of primitive and irrational practices. Patrick French manages to communicate these successfully without ever conveying prejudice that many of us would associate with a"white" author.

The book's principal failing lies in the absence of a common thread through chapters or any central message(s). It comes across as a series of disjointed essays put together by travel for interviews and sessions at the India International Centre Bar. Further, while narrating incidents of topical interest, the author has failed to keep his personal bias aside. A classic example is the description of the Arushi murder and subsequent events. It is apparent that the author is well-acquainted with the Talwars (or their lawyer) and is attempting a spirited defence which is far from objective.

The former is disappointing because there was a clear opportunity for an important message. There are sketchy but informative biographies of several important contemporary Indians like Sunil Mittal, L K Advani and even Manmohan Singh. While media reviews have focussed on the book's research on dynastic representation in Indian Parliament, these sketches actually communicate a very important facet of our country that is deprived of its due. While America is universally seen to be a "land of opportunity" the same holds true for India in most sections of civil society. If we were to keep a few high-profile dynasties out of the ambit, every dimension of accomplishment has several self-made, first generation achievers ruling the roost. The author has profiled many such people without communicating this important message powerfully.

As an aside, this book has effectively shelved an intended blog post on The Doon School. I had planned to write about this prestigious boarding school that breeds several people with enviable social skills and little else. Their achievement seemed rather limited outside the comfort zone of established family hegemony. I now stand enlightened with information that the prodigious London-based sculptor Anish Kapoor went to Doon. Ditto for the "famed" Maoist Kobad Ghandy. While I may not be a fan of his ideology, he has excelled in his chosen line of work (without any known ancestral tail-winds).