BEING INDIAN: INSIDE THE REAL INDIA

the long version

"In Being Indian, Pavan Varma demolishes the myths and generalisations as he turns his sharply observant gaze on his fellow countrymen. His insightful analysis reaches some startling new conclusions on the paradoxes and contradictions that characterise Indian attitudes to such issues as power, wealth and spirituality." "Drawing on sources as diverse as ancient Sanskrit treatises and Bollywood lyrics, and illuminating his examples with a wealth of telling anecdotes, Pavan Varma creates a vivid and compelling portrait of Indians. Being Indian is an essential book for foreigners who wish to understand Indians, and for Indians who wish to understand themselves."--Jacket.