{"product_id":"unequal-why-india-lags-behind-its-neighbours","title":"UNEQUAL: WHY INDIA LAGS BEHIND ITS NEIGHBOURS","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 900px; margin: auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"background: #6A1B9A; color: #ffffff; padding: 15px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eUNEQUAL: WHY INDIA LAGS BEHIND ITS NEIGHBOURS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnequal\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compelling and deeply researched exploration of why India, despite its remarkable economic growth, continues to lag behind many of its South Asian neighbours on key measures of human development. Combining immersive fieldwork, rigorous data analysis and powerful human stories, \u003cstrong\u003eSwati Narayan\u003c\/strong\u003e examines inequality, public policy and social justice while offering a hopeful vision for a more equitable future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #2E7D32; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📖 About the Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on five years of research across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, \u003cstrong\u003eUnequal\u003c\/strong\u003e investigates why several of India's less affluent neighbours perform better on crucial social indicators such as healthcare, education, nutrition, sanitation and women's participation in the workforce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwati Narayan reveals how decades of land reforms, investments in public health and education, and social movements aimed at reducing caste and gender inequalities have transformed lives in neighbouring countries. In contrast, India continues to grapple with persistent challenges including child malnutrition, preventable deaths, illiteracy, gender discrimination and widening economic disparities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also highlights inspiring examples from Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, demonstrating that meaningful social transformation is possible through sustained investment in public welfare and inclusive policymaking. Rich with personal narratives, comparative analysis and evidence-based insights, \u003cstrong\u003eUnequal\u003c\/strong\u003e presents a thought-provoking roadmap for building a fairer society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #1565C0; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✨ Key Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on extensive research conducted across four South Asian countries.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores inequality through healthcare, education, nutrition and social development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExamines how public policy and social reforms shape long-term national progress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombines compelling human stories with detailed research and statistical evidence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighlights successful development models from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Indian states.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn insightful read for anyone interested in public policy, economics, social justice and development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #8E24AA; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✍️ About the Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwati Narayan\u003c\/strong\u003e is an academic, researcher and activist whose work focuses on inequality, public policy and social development. She is an alumna of the \u003cstrong\u003eTata Institute of Social Sciences\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003eLondon School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer research and opinion pieces have appeared in leading national and international publications including \u003cstrong\u003eThe Indian Express\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Hindu\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Telegraph\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHindustan Times\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eProspect\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eEconomic and Political Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e. She currently lives in Haryana and Delhi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #F57C00; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📚 Why Read This Book?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnequal\u003c\/strong\u003e is an essential read for policymakers, students, researchers and anyone interested in understanding the forces shaping modern India. Blending rigorous scholarship with accessible storytelling, the book offers valuable insights into inequality, governance and social progress while presenting a hopeful vision for creating a more just and inclusive society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Westland Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45501739860077,"sku":null,"price":799.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/0445\/7069\/files\/717pklHUBcL._SL1500_23e0d335-8e83-4176-9420-0f799f299e92.jpg?v=1784913077","url":"https:\/\/the99books.in\/products\/unequal-why-india-lags-behind-its-neighbours","provider":"The 99 Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}