Investigative journalist Josy Joseph’s book “ A Feast of Vultures: The Hidden Business of Democracy in India ” was launched in New Delhi on Thursday.
The book critically examines the problems individuals at all levels of the social strata face as a result of a corrupt political system, and the role of influential business houses and leaders in this domain.
Mr. Joseph, the National Security Editor at The Hindu , was joined by social activist Harsh Mander to discuss his book-writing journey and answer questions.
“It took me almost a decade to write this book. I started writing it in 2007,” Mr. Joseph said, diving deep into his multiple eye-opening encounters with children, security guards, businessmen, politicians and others.
Political corruption
The discussion also veered in the direction of Mr. Joseph’s findings during his research and investigation into political corruption. “If my research has told me anything, it boils down to one thing — political parties in India exist in the black market,” Mr. Joseph said.
The duo spoke about the rot in the political system and the reach of political corruption, enumerating the unimaginable and unprecedented ways by which the nation’s politics are dictated and run.
Both recounted the impact of interacting with children and teenagers in rural parts of India, and how that shaped their perspectives on the far-reaching effects that business organisations in positions of power have.
Collective apathy
They subsequently discussed the role of the youth in bringing about significant action and how collective apathy and cynicism were caustic to the general movement’s ambition.
“You look at the Dalit movement, you look at the countryside people, you look at the young people. The people are really angry,” Mr. Joseph said.
In the midst of explaining one of his experiences with young youth leaders, Mr. Mander emphasised how he has seen a “sense of compassion and equality” in some young people and a drive to form a new India, that he is yet to hear from the current political leaders.
(The writer is an intern with The Hindu)
