Rajeev Bhargava

Rajeev Bhargava is professor of political theory and Indian political thought, a prolific writer, and the Director of Parekh Institute of Indian Thought, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi.

In contemporary politics, respect is anti-democratic

We do not defer to our rulers. They must earn our respect.

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 19 Jun 2019

In contemporary politics, respect is anti-democratic

United colours of the American elections - in three continents

"Many temples in South India held prayers for Obama’s victory in the 2008 elections. Haven’t heard of any this time round. Here is one from me, after four encounters on three continents."

By Rajeev Bhargava and Tani Bhargava

/ 5 Nov 2012

States, religious diversity, and the crisis of secularism

In India, the existence of deep religious diversity has ensured a conceptual response not only to problems within but also between religions. Without taking it as a blue print, the west must examine the Indian conception and learn from it, regarding peace between communities, community-specific ri

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 22 Mar 2011

The Indian experience

By virtue of their legitimate capacity to throw "paper stones" at their ostensible rulers, ordinary people have begun to feel that those rulers can be made accountable. Radical

By Rajeev Bhargava and Tani Bhargava

/ 13 May 2010

Indias model: faith, secularism and democracy

The reality of the “multicultural”, describing the mere presence of many cultures within a society, has been present in India for several millennia. But “multiculturalism” is different: it is a

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 3 Nov 2004

The magic of Indian democracy: questions for Antara Dev Sen

Antara Dev Sen provides a wonderful overview of the magic and surprise of the Indian election, and especially the way the media separated themselves from Indian realities. The ordinary Indian

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 26 May 2004

The political psychology of Hindu nationalism

Hindu nationalists think of themselves as a large Indian joint family, a parivar. And perhaps rightly so, for they are propelled by a family of closely-related ideas and, put together,

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 5 Nov 2003

Poverty and political freedom

The great Indian economist Amartya Sen has proposed the mind-opening idea that democracy is a protection against famine. Rajeev Bhargava takes up the theme. How can political freedom help the

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 11 Aug 2003

The Indian refusal

It is with much relief that I write this piece from New Delhi. Good sense has finally prevailed. On 14 July, the government declined the United States governments request

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 27 Jul 2003

India in the face of globalisation

See also: - The Asian Social Forum: a new public space Kamal Chenoy - The World Social Forum 2003: a personal impression Achin Vanaik What impressions do ordinary people have

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 26 Feb 2003

Gujarat: shades of black

I have recently returned from Gujarat. Ever since the tumultuous events which followed the Godhra incident of 27 February 2002 when the burning of two train carriages at Godhra, in

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 17 Dec 2002

Words save lives: India, the BJP and the Constitution

India, the world’s largest democracy, is in danger. Fundamentalists, religious fanatics and a corrupt government have combined to threaten its future as a constitutional, democratic state. The challenge to

By Rajeev Bhargava

/ 1 Oct 2002