Between You And Me: Flight To Societal Moksha by Atul Khanna

Important Note: This book was released in 2018 so some of the political references might not exist today.

The disparity and disrespect for caliber of Eklavya & Karna forms the basis of 'Between You And Me' by Atul Khanna. The author, an entrepreneur, in his debut book lists down the various aspects of the government norms, policies, structures and methodology. A brief mention about this and a broader perspective of his ideas for the nation, makes the book and interesting read. There is criticism also not just for the Modi-led Government but also for the Congress-led Government. "Between You And Me' is an analysis of our society as a whole and what changes can be implemented in the existing rules to make it a better place to live. Atul strikes a conversation with his readers and insists on thinking about the contemporary issues some of which are holding the society back, not allowing it to progress. 

In his books, Khanna mentions a few outstanding leaders India had in the past (not to forget the current leader, Narendra Modi). He mentions Mahatma Gandhi and his authoritarian ways; Jawaharlal Nehru & his lack of courage even though his ideas/policies added up to the progress of the country; Bhimrao Ambedkar as a successful person who changed the view of India; Mohammad Ali Jinnah & his sharp thinking skills; Indira Gandhi on why she changed India the she wanted; Narendra Modi & his intellectual skills, his style of working, etc. 

The role of citizens is very limited. The only thing they/we do is vote every five years. A change in the structure of the Constitution is the need of the hour. It needs to be blended with what is required in today's times. We, as the citizens of this great land and not just the politicians & bureaucrats, should learn from the past mistakes and try to improve the system. Citizens too play a great role in shaping up a country and maintain its goodwill. Entrepreneurship is a booming industry in India currently. A more flexibility, in terms of allowing unorganized sector can definitely prove beneficial. This will surely change the view/way in which most of the people, especially middle class people, look at entrepreneurship. India is a democratic country which had outstanding leaders leading the country to one of the major developing countries in the world. We have outstanding relationships with major countries of the world. Like learning from the past mistakes, India should learn and try to adopt the workings of some of our past leaders. Adopting, though not entirely, their systems and thinking (adopting) in Indian languages can bring India to a world stage. 

Atul Khanna insists on the development of an individual's skills rather than concentrating on how one has fared academically. People (mostly youngsters) have turned their hobbies into their official profession. This is because they have the required skills to do it. Not just the citizens but the Government too should increase the emphasis on skill development. India has come a long way in terms of world trade. However, new structures and policies, keeping in mind how trade is done today, should be improvised or rather an ease of trade will definitely help India to be number one in world trade. The other factors in which the author insists for a change is a sense of belonging to the country, active participation of the citizens in the electoral process, new economic & political structure for the 21st century and a glorious future for India while combining equality, social realization, technology, etc. 

Author Atul Khanna has nine prayers to offer to India. Prayer 1 is about Transferrable Vote. The voter according to his choice can remove a candidate from the candidate list and transfer his vote to the second or third candidate on the list. The voter can transfer his vote after careful analysis of the candidate and his/her performance. In this way the voter's vote is not wasted. Prayer 2 is about Finances. The Government will tumble if a proper finance bill is not passed. The government can't function unless there is money to spend. It is suggested to remove this hurdle from the government's path in order to make them function smoothly and without being a burden on the poor. Prayer 3 focuses on the eradication of bureaucratic system and caste system. This will ensure equal opportunities for everyone bringing in a pool of talent from various fields and would wipe out poverty. Prayer 4 is about Parliament and how it can be a voice for the citizens to reach out to. There should be an army of people discussing different themes & topics in detail. These and the other 5 Prayers are about how basic changes in the system of the government can change the mindset of the citizens as well. There are very basic things in the system that needs remodeling.

Atul Khanna in his book, requests not only the government but also the citizens to think wisely and encourage each other's imaginations. Being angry won't help improve the situation rather a mountain of problem will arise. To have equal voting rights for all the adults irrespective of any discrimination is possible only if we have the power to control our population. India's federal structure needs a change. It should be free from age-old traditions. 

The author mentions border issues of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telangana felt that an injustice was done to them in terms of politics, bureaucratic power, language, etc. State recognition should be handled with care, with solutions like public vote, coming over the barrier of language and a thorough analysis before casting a vote & also to reduce bureaucratic cast. For Jammu & Kashmir a sense of belonging needs to be created. A healthy relationship between the Centre and the State is necessary at this point of time. Other remedies are holding one parliament, posting of important ministers, improving transport, usherance of economic activities, etc. 

'Between You And Me' is asking its readers to think hard on the issues of economic & political struggle of India. He asks hard-hitting questions which makes the audiences go deep and research on how the changes can be brought in. The author's discussion on administration and bureaucracy gives the readers a wide view of India as a whole. Author Atul has designed the solutions for some of the complex issues which till now have never been discussed openly. India being a democratic country has high chances of adapting to changes and its citizens are still hopeful that they will see a new India. This book emphasis on the citizens to take up the initiative and help prosper India.