Book: Narendra Modi: Issues & Concerns
Author: Jayaram Shriyan
Publication: Prowess
Price: Rs 450
Pages: 166
In the recent past umpteen number of books are been written on and about Narendra Damodar Modi. From a face in the crowd, to be the face of the crowd is no meek achievement for any individual. Once an RSS pracharak to Gujarat Chief Minster to currently being the Prime Minster of the largest democracy in the world, Narendra Modi has seen it all if not yet done it all.
Narendra Modi (Issues & Concerns) by Jayaram Shriyan certainly stands out among those books I have read or reviewed since Modi got himself placed on the hot seat. I categorically used the term ‘got himself placed’ because prior to the last general elections he along with the team of party workers turned every news be it good or bad, which had a mention to Modi into is electoral interest. Internal party swings can me left aside at this moment. This book helps one glance at those informative sentiments that were doing rounds during Modi’s rise. More so, because it is a creation of several diverse mind-sets, who during the course of expressing their sentiments through writing, did not even have an iota of inclination that it would find its place in the book.
Author himself mentions in the introduction, that In India there is no dearth of issues, but surely, there is dearth of concerns. Compilation of so many write-ups on one single individual yet highlighting varied issues and concerns towards nation building is the strongest readability value of this book. There are several small bits and pieces about Modi in this book, and there are those, which hold sudden relevance or little special attention keeping the forthcoming general elections in mind.
For example, under ‘Modi as PM Candidate’, dated May 2013, the writer raises a valid question which holds true even today in the minds of several voters. Is Modi really the savior of India? He appears to be rigid with own set of ideas then and continues to be the same even today. What is the alternative to Modi? Is there any if we may ask and someone does scream a loud Rahul Gandhi’s name, the book through another piece of write-up makes an attempt to answer that as well.
Under ‘NaMo & RG’, the book highlights a glaring difference between the two. At the top Modi has no friend or relation, to either help or someone who would misuse his position. It cannot be said about Rahul Gandhi when there are characters like Robert Vadra and his family coming under scrutiny from time to time for questionable transactions.
All such sentiments expressed over a period of time finds suitable placements in the book. Easy to read and most importantly quick to connect, this book is undoubtedly a good reading material for students of political science or someone who loves to read about ‘politics’ within politics. Lastly for every single voter who is heading towards EVM to make it or break for Modi and more importantly for himself or herself.
