<p>Pavan K Varma, known to many for his political career — transitioning from diplomat to Member of Parliament to National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal, is also a prolific writer. </p>.<p>He launched his latest book ‘Chanakya’s View: Understanding India in Transition’ on September 16 at Atta Galatta. The book is a collection of his columns that cover a great range of issues of extreme relevance in today’s India.</p>.<p>Author of the bestselling book, Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest thinker, Varma has about 10 books and several translations under his belt. </p>.<p>“I hope that my book will ignite a discussion. We are, unfortunately, living in an India where the space for civilised discussion and discourse is receding. We have a legacy of dialogue, from the Upanishads to the freedom movement,” he shares. </p>.<p>Through the book, Varma analyses the challenges that the country faces and the changes Indians needs to make, such as respecting institutions, shunning intolerance and, accommodating dissent. The book is a celebration and critique of India.</p>.<p>“People should not allow the country and the conversation to be hijacked by illiterate bigots. To that end, they must ensure that they are informed about public issues,” he adds.</p>.<p>A spiritual person, Varma finds inspiration in both, India’s spiritual legacy and its politics.</p>.<p>Politics, he believes, provides one with a wide spectrum of issues to think and speak about. </p>
<p>Pavan K Varma, known to many for his political career — transitioning from diplomat to Member of Parliament to National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal, is also a prolific writer. </p>.<p>He launched his latest book ‘Chanakya’s View: Understanding India in Transition’ on September 16 at Atta Galatta. The book is a collection of his columns that cover a great range of issues of extreme relevance in today’s India.</p>.<p>Author of the bestselling book, Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest thinker, Varma has about 10 books and several translations under his belt. </p>.<p>“I hope that my book will ignite a discussion. We are, unfortunately, living in an India where the space for civilised discussion and discourse is receding. We have a legacy of dialogue, from the Upanishads to the freedom movement,” he shares. </p>.<p>Through the book, Varma analyses the challenges that the country faces and the changes Indians needs to make, such as respecting institutions, shunning intolerance and, accommodating dissent. The book is a celebration and critique of India.</p>.<p>“People should not allow the country and the conversation to be hijacked by illiterate bigots. To that end, they must ensure that they are informed about public issues,” he adds.</p>.<p>A spiritual person, Varma finds inspiration in both, India’s spiritual legacy and its politics.</p>.<p>Politics, he believes, provides one with a wide spectrum of issues to think and speak about. </p>
