Reluctant Technophiles: India’s Complicated Relationship with Technology

The past was glorious.  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.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements The Perfect Scapegoat The Delusion of Grandeur The Faith Paradox The Misguided Utopianism The Unequal Opportunity The Legitimate Fear The Motive to Succeed The Cavalier Attitude The Dubious Fundamentals The Build–Buy Conundrum The Path Forward Bibliography

About the Author :
Rakesh Kumar is a Professor of computer engineering at the University of Illinois. His research in computer system design has pioneered technologies which are used widely today. Several of his papers have been recognized as the most influential papers in computer systems; many of them have won best paper awards. His research has received coverage and mentions in outlets such as BBC, Fortune and The New York Times. In addition to being an award-winning researcher and teacher, Rakesh thinks deeply about issues at the intersection of technology, policy and society, especially in the Indian context. His opinion articles have appeared in The Telegraph, The Statesman, The Tribune, Nature India, Business Today and the Washington Examiner. Rakesh received a BS from IIT Kharagpur in 2001 and a PhD from the University of California at San Diego in 2006. He is often seen eating adventurously at a restaurant or spending time with his very active eight-year-old.

Review :
‘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.’