India, cinerama

This coffee-table offering is a well-timed reminder of the country’s diversity.

I recall meeting Amit Dasgupta, the editor of India for a Billion Reasons, during a visit to Berlin to represent India at the International Tourism Bourse. Amit was a knowledgeable guide, crafty phrasemaker and passionate both in prose and in pursuit of success in the challenging tasks assigned to a foreign service officer of a dynamic and transforming India in a complex world. Amit’s passion is reflected in India for a Billion Reasons.

It is often said that India’s size, diversity and countless cultures make a journey through the country a continuous cinerama. Writers have described India as an expression of joy, freedom, colour, innovation, and of life itself. Much of India’s charm has been in the fact that it is at once a young nation and an ancient civilisation. The winds of change have never led to radical rupture in India — traditions have adapted to technology and continuity has blended with change.

India for a Billion Reasons is targeted at young Indians — especially the non-resident professionals about whom Adam Osborne, co-founder of Apple Computers, once said, “Indians represent the most affluent minority in America, ahead of Jewish-Americans and Japanese-Americans. Indians swarm all over Silicon Valley. They are recognised throughout America as technology-superior.” On account of the economic slowdown many of these expatriate Indians are now relocating to India. They are exploring the new India and its implications for the old India they loved. The book release is perfectly timed, coming before the Commonwealth Games — when, for good or bad, India will have a visible presence.

Full review here Business Standard