Book Review –Wise and Otherwise.

This book feels like a masterclass in “I know best”—where charity meets humblebragging and rural India gets a shiny urban makeover (whether it wants one or not). From sidelining traditional art forms like Yakshagana to glorifying historical figures without nuance, the author paints a picture of “progress” that feels more dystopian than empowering.

🤔 Why host essay competitions about “Unity in Diversity” when we could fund those visions into action? Why erase Rani Mangammal and Vani Vilas Sannidhi for overly dramatic tales of Jhansi?

Somehow, poverty is pious, the rich are selfish, and the author is the self-proclaimed savior in this morality play. Does good intent excuse a patronizing tone? Not quite.

⭐ Verdict: If you love rural India through an urban lens, this is for you. If you’d rather celebrate genuine empowerment, maybe cheer on a Yakshagana troupe instead. 🎭

#RuralEmpowerment #CulturalErosion #SelfCongratulatory #UnsungWomenLeaders #Yakshagana #BookReview #WiseAndOtherwise