7/29/2019 chankya chant book review

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Chanakyas chant

Book review:Chanakyas chant was the second book of ashwin sanghi. And I must say that the

book was very well crafted. I really enjoyed reading this book,The book has a nice balance of

historical facts and fiction. It weaves these in magnificent ways to bring out the political

realities of today and the life of Chanakya 2300 years ago. The storyline follows the rise of

Chandini Gupta to the position of power in New Delhi and Chandragupta Maurya to the

position of power in Pataliputra in Magadha in an India 2300 years ago. Their rise is backed

by the two 'godfathers', Pandit Gangasagar Mishra for Chandini and Chanakya for

Chandragupta.

It is towards the middle of the book that the link between how the story was progressing in

the present and 2300 years ago becomes clearer. Both the stories almost have similar names -

Chandini Gupta and Chandra Gupta. The story moves slowly to the centers of power, New

Delhi in modern India and Pataliputra in the India from 2300 years ago. The involvement of

Pakistan and China for political gains within India parallels the help taken from the fictional

kingdoms of Gandhar and Kaikey which share the geographical location by Chanakya. There

was nice symmetry in the stories as well. Having a man achieve power in India 2300 years

ago and a woman do the same in modern India.

The storyline is filled with political tactics employed by the godfather of that time to

this time. I am not sure many of the tactics would work in the modern world. I am also not

sure if many of the suggestions suggested or used to solve modern problems are practical. It

was a nice instrument to offer suggestions in governance. The book also points to the idea of

being okay with a little corruption for political gains while ensuring the work gets done

mindset that several people in India have. I was a little uncomfortable with that suggestion. I

understand that the idea was not to portray a clean Prime Minister but rather paint a more

realistic picture of the position of Prime Minister.

I think the book is well timed, fast and inspiring read. At the back cover, the book asks aquestion, does Chanakya's chant succeed in modern day India? I think that is for every reader

to answer for himself

The book is acutely well-written with apt quotes thrown in between which makes it a very

pleasant experience. However, I strongly recommend against picking up this book for

everyone and specially mbas & for those interested in politics, economics.

7/29/2019 chankya chant book review

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