Title: Newsman: Tracking India in the Modi Era
Author: Rajdeep Sardesai
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Publishing Date: 6th August 2018
My Rating: 4 stars
Links: Amazon
Discussions and debates are already in the news on who is going to win the big battle in the Indian general elections to be held in 2019 and what strategy and approach they might look forward to and how things will work in favour or against them.
I’ve always been keen on keeping track of all the political news in the country and tittle-tattle of people bringing in their views about Narendra Modi and his tactics. Many articles or write-ups have already been written or more to come on the dominance of Narendra Modi and his leadership skills and yet this book has its significance.
Newsman is a book written by a reputed Indian Journalist, Rajdeep Sardesai putting forth his views and interpretation of dynamic Indian politics recounting the rise of the political career of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and analyzing his actions and strategies promising the picture of ‘New India’. The book is a collection of articles written by the author trailing from the year 2014 when BJP won the general elections almost after a decade and the country got its great political leader, Narendra Modi to the present times where the country is witnessing the reforms executed under his leadership.
The articles in the book have been segregated on the basis of five broad categories accounting the rise of Narendra Modi, analysis of Indian political alliances and opposition strategies, interpretation of being anti-nationals or nationals, challenges in making of New India and state of media in our democracy. At the end of every article, there is an author’s note revealing the after information that later followed related to that particular topic. The author has extensively written his opinion on the substance of challenges which lay ahead in making of New India, Rahul Gandhi’s less productive role in active politics, strong views on anti-nationalism and questioning adequacy of reforms implemented.
Having all the articles of the author at one place is surely a sheer delight and so reading his perspective of looking at things in the Indian political scenario. Besides, his notably written opinion pieces are thought-provoking, engaging and constructive.
What wasn’t Good
Honestly, I haven’t expected this book to be a collection of already published articles by the author but more than that. If new write-ups or not yet published information have been included in the book, I would have admired this book more.
I would recommend this book to those who love reading about Indian politics and would like to read views of the author on the significant concerns of Indian politics.
Have you happened to read this book? or thinking of it lately?
Do share your thoughts in the comments below.
-Harshita
THE MYSTIQUE BOOKS 
Nice review Harshita. This book sounds interesting but I also agree that when we read a collection of already published articles, it may be a tad-bit disappointing at some point. I myself recently read a book, related to Evolution of Humans; bought with great expectations. However, later realised that the book was just a collection of essays, technical papers and discussions from the author. Though disappointed, I still loved the book – it was full of facts and ‘often-ignored’ information. Nice post. Keep reviewing!
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Absolutely! It is disappointing when the book in hype turned out to be completely different! but somehow, they do have quite relevant information.
And Thank you so much for the appreciation!
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