Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbours

If you really want to know where we stand as a country in terms of basic development as compared to our neighbours with properly researched facts and figures then this is an eye opener of a book. must read for all

Good research both on the ground and other research papers based on which this book is written. Reasons for states which are lagging in health, education, sanitation etc indices is clearly brought out. Particularly the relationship of caste and class struggles which began in the early 20th century in the Southern states and their advancement in these indices is strengthening our belief in NFHS survey and its results. Short book with lot of data. Interesting read.

Many of us in India hardly know what are the socio-economic trends or dynamics playing out in India leave aside our neighboring countries. For students of sociology and even general readers, this book is an eye-opener. It explains (based on hardcore ground research) how our smaller neighbours - Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are progressing ahead of India by leaps and bounds in the social-economic front whether it is healthcare, education, sanitation, or women's empowerment. On all these counts, they are way ahead of India (except for Kerala and Tamil Nadu). The book is a contemporary narrative of the present state of affairs in South Asia. In that sense, it is important for policymakers as well as academics. I would say that it should be recommended supplementary reading for all IAS trainees in the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (ESPECIALLY from the Bihar cadre).

A good book on socioeconomic scenario

Swati has penned down a wonderful research, pinpointing the actual reasons of inequality and why we lagged behind on social indicators despite economic growth. Recommended read for everyone and anyone who wants to deliver deep into the reasons and discover a lot of powerful insights. Language is so lucid, relatable that many times you can visualise Swati actually narrating the story in front of you, that's the beauty of her writing style. Wonderfully written, thought provoking and inspiring too.

Books are my precious possessions and keep them spotlessly clean . Amazon pac reached me in slightly damaged condition.It is a pain.

class product

The book 'Unequal' by Swati Narayan is fascinating to read. Facts, figures, research and grass root observations, all combine to take the reader through the places traversed by the author. Undoubtedly, the need for comparison with neighbouring countries who have done better, is of utmost importance to work towards 'dignified' existence for all sections of our society. This book is certainly an eyeopener in many ways and therefore needs to be read.'

Dr. Swati Narayan has hit this one (her first book) out of the park! It's an insightful analysis through storytelling that weaves together the lives of ordinary Indians and friends in bordering countries who are dealing with similar struggles/challenges. The book offers meaningful economic insights with nuance, while paying careful attention to ground realities, social/cultural norms, international development, and systemic implications. She spent several years researching meticulously and it shows! Its a powerful read augmented with lovely photographs, evidential data/charts and impressive appendices. But what really moved me is her writing style and skillful storytelling that made me feel like I was travelling to these remote places and hearing human stories filled with hope and promise! Highly recommend you to check it out!

This is a fascinating and engaging analysis of the social history of India and her neighbours, the state of services and social reform in this region, and offers genuinely viable and inspiring policy ideas and hope for the future. This book is extremely readable for a layperson (i.e., me!), with just the right balance of narration (beautifully knitted into some very vivid travel writing and some truly adorable and heartwarming photos!), easily digestible facts and figures, unambiguous graphs, and comprehensive references. While reading this book, every time I finished a chapter, I decided that that was my favourite one. This, I think, is a clear sign of a book that has had an incredible amount of thought put into it, both by the author as well as the publication team, so a huge kudos to them for a truly eye-opening, thought-provoking, and, in so many ways, groundbreaking book. Highly recommend!