BOOK: South Vs North

Compare two children – one born in north India, the other in the south. The child from south India is far less likely to die in the first year of her life or lose her mother during childbirth.She will also receive better nutrition, go to school and stay in school longer; she is more likely to attend college and secure employment that pays her more. This child will also go on to have fewer children, who in turn will be healthier and more educated than her. In a nutshell, the average child born in south India will live a healthier, wealthier, more secure life than one born in north India.

*Why is south India doing so much better than the north? And what does that mean?

In this superbly argued book, data scientist Nilakantan RS shows us how and why the southern states are outperforming the rest of the country and its consequences in an increasingly centralized India. He reveals how south India deals with a particularly tough set of issues – its triumphs in areas of health, education and economic growth are met with a policy regime that penalizes it; its success in population control will be met with a possible loss of political representation. How will the region manage such an assault?

Hard-hitting, troubling and full of fascinating data points, South vs North is an essential book about one of the biggest challenges that India faces today.

Comments

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself.......

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there's absolutely no point. Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you. There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side. Maturity is...

EXPLAINING THE PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Thanks Hari Singh Shekhawat for EXPLAINING THE PREAMBLE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION: Given the detailed nature of the Constitution of India, the Preamble serves a vital role in capturing the essence of the Constitution. Let’s revisit its core values on the 76th Republic Day. As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress), the day also marks a historic moment to reflect on the core values of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. On this day, let’s reflect on the core values enshrined in the Preamble — Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic — which constitute the foundation of India’s democratic framework, promoting justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity among all its citizens. The Preamble’s invocation of “We, the people of India” The preamble begins with the famous and stirring words, “We, the people of India”. This invocation of t...

Why BJP is opposing the Telangana caste census?

The BJP opposes the Telangana caste census primarily due to concerns about its political motivations, alleging that the Congress party is using it for electoral gain rather than genuine welfare of Backward Classes (BCs) 1 3 . BJP leaders argue that the census distracts from Congress's unfulfilled promises to BCs and could exacerbate social divisions 2 4 . Additionally, there are fears within the BJP that a detailed caste enumeration might reveal ongoing upper-caste dominance in politics and society, which could challenge their support base 7 8 . The BJP's main arguments against the caste census include: Political Manipulation : BJP leaders assert that the Congress party is using the caste census for political advantage rather than for the welfare of Backward Classes (BCs), claiming it distracts from unfulfilled promises made to these communities 2 4 . Threat to Hindutva Agenda : The party views the census as a potential challenge to its support base a...

Notes of Nagesh

Search This Blog