Dec 12 2023 to Dec 12 2023 6:30 p.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Described as “a brilliant history of economic ideas” by Amartya Sen, Aditya Balasubramanian’s recent book Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India shows how ideas of ‘free economy’ emerged from communities in southern and western India as they embraced new forms of entrepreneurial activity, in opposition to the so-called ‘socialist planned economy’ of Nehruvian India.

‘Free economy’ became the rallying cry for the Swatantra (Freedom) Party, which rose and fell in 1960s India. Its project of opposition politics sought to create a viable conservative alternative to the dominant Indian National Congress and push India toward a two-party system.

The author, Aditya Balasubramanian, will be in conversation with Narayan Ramachandran. This discussion will provide a perspective on the changing relationship between the state and markets and the evolution of democracy in India. It will help us better understand communities that have been disproportionately successful in the aftermath of liberalisation and shed light on the constructive role opposition has played in Indian society.