The Identity Project: The Unmaking of a Democracy is a new book by the journalist Rahul Bhatia. Many Grand Tamasha listeners will recognize Rahul’s byline in revered publications like the New Yorker, the Guardian, and Caravan. He’s written celebrated profiles of everyone from Arnab Goswami to cricket chief N. Srinivasan. And his reporting has taken on subjects from Baba Ramdev’s business empire to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His new book is based on six years of research and reportage from across India, where he set out on a quest to understand the ideological moorings of what we have come to call “the New India.” To talk more about his book and the state of democracy in India, Rahul joins Milan on the podcast this week.
The two discuss Rahul’s reporting on Aadhaar—India’s unique biometric identification program—and its precursors, the Hindu nationalist push for a new national citizenship regime, and the inner workings of the Indian state’s coercive power. Plus, the two discuss whether and how the results of India’s 2024 election have been a setback to the cause of Hindu nationalism.
Ashley Tellis joins Milan on Grand Tamasha for a conversation on his Foreign Affairs piece, “America’s Bad Bet on India” and to preview the Modi state visit this week. Read more
Ashley Tellis joins Milan on Grand Tamasha for a conversation on his Foreign Affairs piece, “America’s Bad Bet on India” and to preview the Modi state visit this week. Read more
Adam Auerbach and Tariq Thachil join Milan for a conversation on their book, "Migrants and Machine Politics: How India's Urban Poor Seek Representation and Responsiveness." Read more
Adam Auerbach and Tariq Thachil join Milan for a conversation on their book, "Migrants and Machine Politics: How India's Urban Poor Seek Representation and Responsiveness." Read more
Amit Ahuja and Devesh Kapur join Milan to discuss their new book, “Internal Security in India: Violence, Order, and the State” and the lessons it holds for law and order in India. Read more
Amit Ahuja and Devesh Kapur join Milan to discuss their new book, “Internal Security in India: Violence, Order, and the State” and the lessons it holds for law and order in India. Read more
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