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Source: The post is based on the article “Between two books, a revelatory social history” published in “The Hindu” on 30th June 2023.
Syllabus: GS 1 – Indian society
News: When read together, two notable books by journalists can offer insights into various aspects of socio-cultural change in rural and urban India
What are the two books?
The first one is “Blossoms in the Dust” by Kusum Nair, published in 1965. It explores the human factor in Indian development through Nair’s journey to villages across 14 states.
The second one is “Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World” by Snigdha Poonam, published in 2018. It documents Poonam’s experiences in provincial towns in eight northern Indian states.
Academic studies of social change in India have been constrained by methodological constraints.
On the other hand, journalists have attempted to document social change by interacting with ordinary people and observing the effects of economic, technological, and political changes on their lives.
They provide a different perspective from academia and a broader understanding of social change in India.
Kusum Nair’s book was written when rural poverty was a pressing issue in India. It explores how villagers responded to the state’s efforts to alleviate poverty through economic and social planning.
She discovered signs of change in old attitudes in different regions, ranging from significant progress to resistance.
In Snigdha Poonam’s book, she explores the complex social landscape of young people from ordinary backgrounds in provincial towns of northern India. These youth feel disappointed or disillusioned but are determined to fight for themselves.
They display an entrepreneurial spirit with a relentless pursuit of wealth and power, disregarding social and moral obstacles. Despite facing challenging circumstances, they continue to move forward with determination and without hesitation. But many lack a clear distinction between right and wrong.
The two books, when read together, depict a materialistic culture that has significantly impacted traditional beliefs and values in India.
Kusum Nair’s journey through rural India in the 20th century reveals that the village held great significance as a place of belonging with emotional and cultural value attached to it.
In Snigdha Poonam’s memoir, she highlights the diminishing ethical framework that belonging to a village might give.
Economic and social changes have overlooked the significance of meaningful education and work. The growth of the market and infrastructure are not accompanied by an educated mind and the prospect of employment. This undermines the social fabric’s ability to uphold its cherished norms and morality.
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