Indian Nationalism and Economic Development
 

Speaker: Dr. Amit Bhaduri, well-known Economist

 

Introduction: Suhas Borker, Convener, Working Group on Alternative Strategies

 

Indian nationalism, never a unified stream, assumed greater coherence through the anti-colonial struggle. Independence required redefining it as a ‘nation-building’ state-led project of economic development through industrialization which started changing course gradually as the anti-colonial nationalism began losing steam. A distinct break came with economic liberalization and globalization. The private corporations became increasingly important in this process. Output growth increased dramatically and then slowed, while employment growth went down equally dramatically. Indian democracy began shifting its centre of gravity.  The way out is being sought increasingly in the attempt at redefining nationalism in majoritarian cultural terms. While the control of the corporations over the economy continues to increase and there is rising economic, political and social inequality, popular resistance is also getting greater coherence. The jury is still out, but early signs indicate that cultural majoritarianism itself is undergoing mutation

 

The talk marks the 28th Anniversary of the Working on Alternative Strategies

 

(Collaboration: Working Group on Alternative Strategies)