Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Genre: Non-Fiction, Sociology, Behavioural Economics, Cultural Studies, Indian Society

Book Review:
V. Raghunathan's ''Games Indians Play'' is a bold and incisive attempt to decode the paradox of the Indian psyche. With a foreword by industry titan N.R. Narayana Murthy, the book sets out to answer a perennial question: why are Indians, among the world's brightest, often their own worst enemies when it comes to cooperative social behaviour?

Raghunathan masterfully employs the lenses of game theory and behavioural economics to dissect everyday Indian scenarios—from chaotic traffic and queue-jumping to nepotism in professional settings. He moves beyond moralistic preaching and uses scientific frameworks like the Prisoner's Dilemma to show how short-term, self-interested ''games'' lead to long-term collective loss for society.

The writing is engaging, witty, and filled with relatable anecdotes, making complex theories accessible to the lay reader. While the focus is squarely on Indian social behaviour, the insights have universal applicability. The book doesn't just diagnose the problem; it provocatively suggests that a little more self-regulation, fairness, and long-term thinking could yield dramatically better outcomes for everyone, even while pursuing self-interest.

''Games Indians Play'' is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of Indian society, business, and politics. It's a thought-provoking, sometimes unsettling, but ultimately essential commentary on the social contracts that bind us and the ''games'' we need to change to build a more prosperous and cooperative nation.