In My Vote Counts!, Bindu Bhaskar Balaji brings democracy to life, presenting personalities and their viewpoints, terms and their definitions and a sweeping narrative of the freedom movement from the ancient times to 1999.
The book provides a global perspective with a strong focus on India, and allows the student to compare and contrast democracy with other forms of government. Readers are encouraged to be active thinkers in the democratic process, pondering on issues like the liberalisation of the economy - has it resulted in food for the hungry and jobs for the unemployed, or has it merely revolved around foreign cars and fastfood chains?
The role of women in Indian politics is discussed, as well as the reality of coalition government in today's day and age. With reference to 'vote banks' based on religion or caste, the author asks a hard-hitting question — do we blame political parties, or the compulsions of a highly competitive electoral system? Does the system, therefore, give more importance to power than to performance?
There are interesting nuggets of information too. Did you know, for instance, that flower sellers love election time, as they can demand any price for their flowers and garlands, then? And it will intrigue you to know that the smallest polling booth in the country is in the Arunachal West constituency — it caters to just one family of three voters!
Great Britain has no written constitution though it is one of the world's strongest democracies. It follows laws, customs and conventions built up over the centuries. The book is amply-illustrated with photographs and diagrams as well as cartoons and caricatures to give it a lighter touch. Some of these caricatures depict politicians as various strange species like 'Corruptus Moneybagus' or 'Voluminous Speechus'.
Author, Bindu Balaji and illustrator, Reginald Goveas involve students by giving them activities to do as well — like shading a world map to depict where different forms of government are prevalent. Students are asked to track the results of the future elections and are given guidelines as to how to go about doing this. The book closes with India's goals for the future, and the duties of a good citizen, giving the students something to think about as future leaders of our country.
MyVote Counts, by Bindu Bhaskar Balaji is published by Tulika and is priced at Rs 100.
The book provides a global perspective with a strong focus on India, and allows the student to compare and contrast democracy with other forms of government. Readers are encouraged to be active thinkers in the democratic process, pondering on issues like the liberalisation of the economy - has it resulted in food for the hungry and jobs for the unemployed, or has it merely revolved around foreign cars and fastfood chains?
The role of women in Indian politics is discussed, as well as the reality of coalition government in today's day and age. With reference to 'vote banks' based on religion or caste, the author asks a hard-hitting question — do we blame political parties, or the compulsions of a highly competitive electoral system? Does the system, therefore, give more importance to power than to performance?
There are interesting nuggets of information too. Did you know, for instance, that flower sellers love election time, as they can demand any price for their flowers and garlands, then? And it will intrigue you to know that the smallest polling booth in the country is in the Arunachal West constituency — it caters to just one family of three voters!
Great Britain has no written constitution though it is one of the world's strongest democracies. It follows laws, customs and conventions built up over the centuries. The book is amply-illustrated with photographs and diagrams as well as cartoons and caricatures to give it a lighter touch. Some of these caricatures depict politicians as various strange species like 'Corruptus Moneybagus' or 'Voluminous Speechus'.
Author, Bindu Balaji and illustrator, Reginald Goveas involve students by giving them activities to do as well — like shading a world map to depict where different forms of government are prevalent. Students are asked to track the results of the future elections and are given guidelines as to how to go about doing this. The book closes with India's goals for the future, and the duties of a good citizen, giving the students something to think about as future leaders of our country.
MyVote Counts, by Bindu Bhaskar Balaji is published by Tulika and is priced at Rs 100.