A Critical Look at "Games Indians Play"

V. Raghunathan's "Games Indians Play" takes an intriguing approach to understanding Indian behaviour. The book utilizes game theory and behavioural economics to analyze cultural patterns often referred to as the "Indian way." Raghunathan, a professor at IIM Ahmedabad and an expert in these fields, identifies twelve "canons of Indianness." These include characteristics like low trustworthiness, a public facade of simplicity masking private shrewdness, and a fatalistic outlook.

While the book offers a thought-provoking framework, it also draws criticism for its focus on negativity. Raghunathan dissects aspects like lack of public hygiene, weak self-regulation, and a propensity to exploit loopholes. This relentless focus on negatives paints a rather bleak picture, neglecting the positive aspects of Indian society.

Here's a deeper look at the key points of critique:

• An Incomplete Picture: Raghunathan's analysis, while insightful, lacks a holistic approach. Focusing solely on negatives ignores the rich tapestry of Indian culture, its strong family values, its vibrant artistic traditions, and its renowned hospitality.
• Overgeneralization: Applying a single set of characteristics to such a diverse population with vast regional and cultural variations is inaccurate. Generalizations about "Indians" can be misleading, as behaviours and values differ greatly across the subcontinent.
• Limited Usefulness of Game Theory: While game theory sheds light on how social interactions unfold, it doesn't necessarily offer solutions for improvement. The book highlights problems but stops short of proposing concrete steps towards positive change.
• Author's Frustration: The relentless focus on negatives can be interpreted as the author's frustration with societal shortcomings. This might color the overall analysis and leave the reader feeling discouraged.
• Rehashing Known Issues: The book might be seen as simply compiling a list of well-known problems without offering fresh perspectives or insights.

Questions for the Author:

• Motivation: What was the author's primary objective in highlighting these negative aspects? Was it to spark discussion on potential solutions or simply to present a critical analysis?
• Solutions and a Path Forward: Does the book propose any solutions or pathways for addressing the identified issues? How can these "games" be played differently to achieve a more positive outcome for Indian society?
• Impact on Teaching: Given the book's focus on negatives, how does the author handle this approach when teaching future leaders at IIM Ahmedabad?

Overall, "Games Indians Play" offers a thought-provoking framework for understanding Indian behaviour. However, its focus on negatives without a corresponding exploration of positive aspects and solutions leaves the reader with a somewhat incomplete picture. The book might be more effective if it offered a more balanced perspective and explored pathways for positive change.

Personally, I did not enjoy reading this and I would say it’s a product of a frustrated and highly educated person. As my friend Aby Abraham says sometimes – one thing you cannot do about India is generalization.