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Political Marketing In India IN most Western democracies a scientific and dynamic system of political marketing comprising research, branding, public relations, advertising and selling keeps the communication channels open between people and political parties. Incidentally, all these processes are very much a part of commercial marketing but have been adapted to democratic practices with extremely satisfying results. Thus, political marketing is all about influencing "consumers" (electorate) vis-`E0-vis political and other public issues, as well as candidates for various public offices. Even though it uses techniques similar to commercial marketing, political marketing is essentially about promoting an idea/ideology rather than a product or service. The focus is on political parties, candidates and votes. Indeed, political marketing is one of the most dynamic areas of marketing because it draws upon several marketing skills simultaneously. In India the concept is still in its nascent stage. What has become commonplace in the US is still avant-garde in our country. The author rightly describes electioneering in India as "a cauldron of (the) traditional and (the) modern`85" Therefore, evaluating the country’s election system is a difficult and complex process. However, in this seminal work, Kumar has appraised various "techniques associated with the marketing by political parties". He also makes comparisons with other democracies. This tome should interest students and research scholars alike. Pakistan: Our
Difficult Neighbour And Allied Issues Indo-Pak relations have never been at ease. Kashmir, terrorism and many other incendiary issues keep the subcontinent, and the world, on tenterhooks thanks to the presence of nuclear arsenal here. Khullar has tried to analyse various issues ranging from terrorism to economic backwardness to Muslim aggressiveness and Hindu pacifism. But, somehow, like many others, he too can’t resist Gandhi-bashing. Do Gandhi’s detractors realise the Mahatma’s immense contribution to the making of a united India that is imbued with enduring liberal-democratic ethos? He turned the Congress from being a mere "koi hai" club of the brown sahibs/armchair patriots into a formidable intellectual, moral and political force that ultimately rid the nation of its colonial rulers. It was Mahatma’s vision that had brought about a humongous politico-emotional unity among Indians stratified by various regional, religious and caste divisions. If Patel engineered the political unity of a free India then one should thank Gandhi for preparing the ground for it. Which other leader could shake up the foundations of British power merely by going on a fast? Others tried the violent path in vain. India owes a lot to Mahatma Gandhi for its enduring and deep-rooted liberal-democratic values. Period. India That Is
Bharat Satire is a powerful literary weapon, comprising invective, wit, humour, sarcasm and irony, which are deployed to stem the rot in a society and trigger off transformation therein. Originally satire was written in verse ridiculing and scorning folly and vice. Its tradition goes back to the ancient Romans when Gaius Lucilius wrote thirty books of satires in verse. Then there was Horace who used gentler language and subtler technique. Of course, modern English literature is rich with works of the likes of Ben Johnson, Butler, Dryden, Mark Twain, Jonathan Swift, GB Shaw, Alexander Pope and many others. In this collection Ranchan uses vivid imagery and acerbic wit to hit the high and mighty in order to wake them up to their responsibilities. But this collection is not just a political satire; it casts a sardonic eye on the societal warts too, involving women, bureaucrats and much else. Certainly, worthy of your personal library.
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