In 2000, Gurcharan Das, a public intellectual, publishes India Unbound, an account of India’s economic journey from independence in 1947 to the twenty-first century.
19th December 2024
In 2000, almost a decade after India opened up its economy, Gurcharan Das—author, commentator, and public intellectual—published India Unbound: From Independence to Global Information Age. This manifesto has become a key read on India’s economic history, offering a critical and insightful examination of the nation’s journey from independence in 1947 to its emergence as a global economic player in the twenty-first century.
Das blends his personal experiences with historical analysis to provide a unique perspective on the country’s evolution. India Unbound is divided into three parts: The first, called ‘Spring of Hope’ focuses on the period right before independence to the 1960s; the second, called ‘Lost Generation’ delves into the period of economic stagnation until the reforms of 1991, and the third, ‘Rebirth of Dream’ examines the postreform period. Das critiques the Nehruvian socialist model, which, despite its noble intentions, led to economic stagnation and inefficiency. He argues that the License-Permit-Quota Raj stifled entrepreneurship and innovation, resulting in sluggish growth which kept India lagging behind other nations.
Das emphasizes the pivotal role of the 1991 economic reforms, which marked the beginning of liberalization and deregulation. These reforms unleashed India’s entrepreneurial spirit, leading to rapid growth and integration into the global economy. He praises the reforms for creating a more open and competitive environment, fostering a middle class that is driving economic and social change.
The book also delves into the cultural and social aspects of India’s transformation. Das reflects on the impact of globalization, noting both the positive consequences, such as empowerment of the middle class and increased opportunities for youth, and negative consequences, such as the widening gap between urban and rural areas. He emphasizes the importance of education and the need for further reforms to sustain growth.
Today, India Unbound is not just an economic treatise; it is a story of a nation’s journey toward self-realization and prosperity. Das’s optimistic vision for India’s future, tempered with a critical understanding of the ensuing challenges, offers an important perspective on the country’s path forward.