Alternative Futures

<p>A remarkable first-ever collection of 35 essays on India’s future by a diverse set of authors – activists researchers media practitioners those who have influenced policies and those working at the grassroots. This book brings together scenarios of an India that is politically and socially egalitarian radically democratic economically sustainable and equitable and socio-culturally diverse and harmonious. <br /><br /><em>Alternative Futures: India Unshackled </em>covers a wide range of issues organized under four sections. It explores ecological futures including environmental governance biodiversity conservation water and energy. Next it envisions political futures including those of democracy and power law ideology and India’s role in the globe. A number of essays then look at economic futures including agriculture pastoralism industry crafts villages and cities localization markets transportation and technology. Finally it explores socio-cultural futures encompassing languages learning and education knowledge health sexuality and gender and marginalized sections like dalits adivasis and religious minorities. <br /><br />Introductory and concluding essays tie these diverse visions together. Most essays include both futuristic scenarios and present initiatives that demonstrate the possibility of such futures. <br /><br />At a time when India faces increasing polarization along parochial physical and mental boundaries these essays provide a breath of fresh air and hope in the grounded possibilities for an alternative decentralized eco-culturally centred future. The essays range from the dreamy-eyed to the hard-headed from the provocative to the gently persuasive. <br /><br />This book would hold appeal for a wide range of readers – youth academics development professionals policy makers government officials activists people’s movements media persons business persons – concerned about the current state of India and the world and willing to engage critically in the collective search for a better future.</p>