Reluctant Technophiles
India’s Complicated Relationship with Technology
- Rakesh Kumar - Renowned technologist and Professor at the University of Illinois, USA
A future disrupted by technology is almost here.
But India still awaits its technology-based prosperity.
With deep-rooted inequalities, disinformation and corruption running through the veins of the Indian society, it’s hypocritical to pretend that technological solutions can solve all our problems. We are also relatively unprepared for the genuine challenges technology presents. While the benefits of technology are numerous, the challenges have the potential to magnify existent biases, exacerbate social and economic inequality, and break the social fabric.
Reluctant Technophiles: India’s Complicated Relationship with Technology sheds light on what technology can solve and what it can’t. Drawing from the discussions of ancient religious text, quantum computing, Greek mythology and current events, the book tries to find the sweet spot at the intersection of technology, policy and society.
‘Laden with anecdotes, examples and data, Reluctant Technophiles paints successfully on a very wide canvas, analysing the past, dissecting the present and presenting a plausible vision for the future.’
‘Reluctant Technophiles brilliantly underscores the complicated and often contradictory relationship India has with technology, which must be acknowledged and navigated to chart a path to technology-based prosperity.’
‘Reluctant Technophiles describes the evolution of various technologies over the years and their relationships that exist today with the Indian society. It is very lucidly written with examples and is useful for common people to understand the societal impact of advanced technologies and derive the benefits out of them, given the strengths, limitations and contradictions in our society. Congratulations to Professor Rakesh Kumar on his achievement.’
‘It is a much-needed work by a technologist to deconstruct the engagement of the Indian society with technology, taking into account underlying contradictions and complexities.’
‘Reluctant Technophiles cuts through vision documents and road maps, puts an ear to the ground and narrates technology–society stories from India’s heartlands. That is where technology or the lack thereof matters most.’
‘Kumar’s deep knowledge enables him to serve as an outstanding and entertaining guide to both India and technology, two complex subjects that are often misunderstood.’
‘Technology is both demonized and epitomized in India, but seldom well understood. Rakesh’s book brings in an evidence-led perspective to understand technology in the Indian context and significantly raises the level of debate. He forcefully argues why India must aspire to be a technology superpower, a gap that needs urgent attention.’