There was a massive turn of events in education in the late 1990s, particularly with the emergence of right wing BJP into power. We decided to take a fresh look at the dynamics of development of Indian education, based on our experience in Indian Education: Development Since Independence. Several major institutions like CABE, ACC, etc. were adapted to suit political agenda of cultural nationalism during the NDA Regime. There was no qualitative shift in the regime that succeeded. It resurrected CABE, but stuffed with ‘one dimensional’ intellectuals. Political and bureaucratic obedience was preferred over academic excellence for the leadership positions in higher education institutions. School curriculum shuttled between ‘left’ and the ‘right’, leaving students’ interest in the back burner. Anti-reservation agitation by the bright students, India’s future, met with water cannons, ‘lathis’ and gunshots when traders’ agitation met with ‘tears’ across party lines. A dangerous trend of ‘utter politicalization’ of education was set in motion. This dynamics needs to be captured. This book comprises fifteen chapters, thirteen chapters has been preceded by a chapter each on an overview of development of education since independence and evolution of educational policies in India. Each chapter coming from distinguished specialist in the respective field adds additional value to the book.
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