Meticulously researched, this work delves into the history of subnationalism and cultural politics in northeast India. It offers a critical examination of agonistic democracy theories, presenting unique insights that challenge conventional understandings. The author's thorough analysis highlights the complexities of regional identities and political dynamics, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on democracy and cultural politics.
In the Name of the Nation offers a much-needed contemporary history of India's troubled Northeastern region.
It is the story of a destitute beggar boy adopted by a kind and wise foster father, who gave him a decent life and guided him to a respectable position in a spiritual world. The boy, Arun, had to work various manual jobs like porter, ploughman/farmhand and finally a domestic cook in a family. After a few years, Jai Prakash of that family finds Arun to have two masters and a doctorate degree, working as PA to an MP and rubbing shoulders with topmost bureaucrats of the country. Surprised and dumbstruck, he asks Arun to reveal the truth. Arun visits the family and unfolds the tragic, strange and colorful story of his journey from Bittu to Dr. A. K. Singh, from rags to a world of spirituality. When his story ends, things take a dramatic turn and then...