Clarity Connect

Must read for those interested in economic and social inequalities!

Neha Dixit’s book chronicles the lives of the protagonist, a UP migrant family living in the outskirts of Delhi. The author has captured both the history and cultural significance of Muslim weavers from Benaras at one end, while pointedly taking the reader through the life of a wage / piece rate-based home worker. The book touches on many political, religious, and gender (men and women stories) related dynamics which throw light on the intricate dynamics of yesterday and todays’ Indian society. Inequality is a real struggle and impact of the economic and social systems that we are all a part of but the privileged (including middle class) do not have to depend or overcome on daily basis.

The book is a timely reminder of the need for better systems, institutions and organizations which provide access, opportunities and safeguard rights, for all, not just for the majority. It’s also important to remember that public, private, and not for profit institutions all have their contribution. It is not just the government’s job to provide services, it is not just up to the not-for-profit to safeguard or advocate for rights, it is also the role of private sector to provide fair wages, living and working conditions to their employees, contractors and suppliers. Just as it is a consumer’s responsibility to choose services and products and invest in businesses that don’t just provide the cheapest product but also serve their non-shareholder stakeholders.