Hierarchy solves a complex problem in India. (You could simplify it to the idea of simple communication and coordination. And what's the kind of friction and impossibility that would arise from a flattened hierarchy with everyone being an 'equal' and 'free' agent).
And, longitudinally - it is what allows Indian-ness to evolve and survive. The structure and the stability, as you say - for individual anarchy. The Q to ask - is if we stripped away any notion of virtue and 'status signal' from progressive or ideological notions or positions - would we want it? If it were to become a Q that is as psychologically loaded as - carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat?
It's not easy to answer and simultaneously remain true to being an Indian.
Very well argued. Just wondering if it is a case of speed of progress versus the velocity of change that the country has witnessed since Independence. Maybe society is getting tossed around as it tries to reconcile what it understands as an acceptable pace of progress with the tectonic political and technological change it is experiencing.
Some very relevant real life parallels of arranged marriages, how we wish to attain modernity without structural change. The long post gives lot of food for thought rather than giving quick fix solutions. It is an insightful post which outlines many things we intuitively understand but are unable to articulate
Hierarchy solves a complex problem in India. (You could simplify it to the idea of simple communication and coordination. And what's the kind of friction and impossibility that would arise from a flattened hierarchy with everyone being an 'equal' and 'free' agent).
And, longitudinally - it is what allows Indian-ness to evolve and survive. The structure and the stability, as you say - for individual anarchy. The Q to ask - is if we stripped away any notion of virtue and 'status signal' from progressive or ideological notions or positions - would we want it? If it were to become a Q that is as psychologically loaded as - carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat?
It's not easy to answer and simultaneously remain true to being an Indian.
Very well argued. Just wondering if it is a case of speed of progress versus the velocity of change that the country has witnessed since Independence. Maybe society is getting tossed around as it tries to reconcile what it understands as an acceptable pace of progress with the tectonic political and technological change it is experiencing.
Brilliant framing. My only quibble is that the author has not spoken about the horrendous human cost of the geological model of change.
Some very relevant real life parallels of arranged marriages, how we wish to attain modernity without structural change. The long post gives lot of food for thought rather than giving quick fix solutions. It is an insightful post which outlines many things we intuitively understand but are unable to articulate
Very good analysis and totally on the button as usual 👍
Unfortunately while we will stumble along our track record for a society which is creative is not good since the middle ages.
My fear is that this is the first time in history that change is not in our hands and will be forced upon us and hence be completely disruptive.
I am not optimistic to say the least.
Btw is there a recording of this speech somewhere?
Santosh - courageous, insightful and intelligent. Well said. Rajesh Pant