A review by maahi
Highway to Swades: Rediscovering India's Superpowers by Bhairavi Jani

4.0

 

I think in this day and age of hyper-nationalism, many people don’t know how to differentiate between nationalism borne out of a genuine love for India, and one borne out of a superiority complex (you know, the belief that everyone else is inferior because they’re not a part of this great country that has no flaws whatsoever :P) 

 

I digress, I know, but I think it’s important to remember this distinction. Bhairavi Jain belongs to the former category of nationalists and that is exactly why this book is wonderful. Her passion and dedication to shedding light on the wonders of India and all her enterprising or ‘jugaado’ people shine through her writing. 

 

I also really enjoyed her exploration of what it means to be Indian. While we are all so so different, there is an essence of Indianness that manifests so vividly across the billion of us. And is it this essence that is so wonderfully explored in this book. 

A refreshing read.