About the Book

Book: Mad(E) In India

Author: Tarika Roy and Soumya Gupta

Publisher: Om Publishers

Price: Rs 499

Mad(e) In India penetrates the rich and amusing psyche of Indianness and Indian people. More than the politics of the nation, it presents the very essence of a nation – its people, its peculiarities, its multitude of caste systems, languages, superstitions, and an even bigger multitude of Gods and Goddesses worshiped. It provides a vivid illustration of the chaotic nature of the Indian metropolitan areas, the obsession inherited by its people with movie stars and their characteristics, and the Indian concept of optimistically doing whatever it takes to solve or fix a problem, termed ‘jugaad’.

It also underlines Indian culinary art, the diversity of the cultural and traditional practices of society, and the various forms of art present in the nation, showcasing how the integration of such diversity unifies the country, even in terms of conflicted domains. Out of a combination of satirical humour, perceptive and nuanced observations, and a repository of Indian expressions, the authors have come up with an engaging and illuminating account of the intricate web that is India. This, in turn, makes the book very interesting and highly recommended for someone who wants to discover the informatic and spiritual side of India.

Mad(e) In India humorously and cleverly depicts what it is to be Indian and how it is to live in this country. The authors of the book discuss Indian life and its various aspects, such as the panoply of languages spoken, the various cultures and religions, and even the everyday life and the unique approaches to solving problems, also known as jugaad, as per Indian traditions.

The book takes note of the idiosyncratic lifestyles of people living in different metropolises of the nation, their compulsive fandom for movie stars, and the motley of food, customs, and ethnic handicrafts within the country. The authors demonstrate how one thread generalises the millions of complexities that exist in the Indian fabric – the ability of India to hold within itself so many differences.

One can sense that the authors are writing in a conversational yet humorous way, which in many places comes laced with Indian expressions, making Mad(e) In India an interesting read even for those who merely seek entertainment. In case you have ever wondered how the Hindi film industry has always had a glamorised image of this country, Mad(e) In India is fun and informative, providing a comprehensive look at how such misconceptions arise and helping to clear them.