Unequal: Why India Lags Behind Its Neighbours by Swati Narayan in hardcover

Swati Narayan's Unequal explores the moral economy of India's elite and compares it to its neighboring countries. She delves into the social indicators of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and reveals how even poorer nations have succeeded in diluting social inequalities through land reforms, investments in education and healthcare, and socio-political movements. While economic growth in India is booming, social issues like sex-selective abortion, child stunting, and illiteracy still persist. However, the successes of states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala offer hope that India can transform itself for the better by prioritizing social welfare and bridging social inequities. Narayan's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the challenges and potential solutions for addressing inequality in South Asia.